- Common Causes of Vomiting in Cats
- Is It an Emergency or Something Minor?
- Can Food Allergies or Eating Too Quickly Cause Vomiting?
- Health Conditions Linked to Frequent Vomiting
- Home Care Tips and When to See a Vet
- When to See a Vet
If you’ve ever found yourself googling “Why is my cat throwing up?”, you’re not alone — and you’re right to be concerned. Vomiting in cats can be a one-off event or a sign of something more serious. To get fast answers, we turned to Online Vet, our intelligent tool that helps pet parents understand what might be going on when their pets show unusual symptoms.
Here’s what Online Vet had to say about the most common causes of vomiting in cats, what you can try at home, and when to see a vet in person.
What are the most common causes of vomiting in cats?
Vomiting in cats is a fairly common issue that can stem from a variety of causes. Understanding these can help you better manage your cat’s health. Dietary indiscretions are frequent causes, wherein a cat might ingest spoiled food from the trash or eat non-food items such as string or small toys, which is especially common in playful kittens. Sudden changes in diet can also upset a cat’s digestive system, leading to vomiting. Many cats are sensitive to abrupt changes in the types of food they consume, whether it’s the brand, flavour, or consistency. Food allergies are another potential cause, where specific ingredients in their diet provoke an immune response resulting in gastrointestinal distress. Additionally, eating too quickly can cause cats to vomit as their stomachs stretch too rapidly, triggering regurgitation. Hairballs, formed when a cat grooms itself and ingests hair, can accumulate and lead to intermittent vomiting as well.
How can I tell if my cat’s vomiting is an emergency or something minor?
When trying to ascertain if your cat’s vomiting is an emergency or something minor, several factors should be considered. A single instance of vomiting in a seemingly happy and active cat may not be a cause for immediate concern. However, frequent vomiting, especially multiple times in a day or over several days, is worrisome and warrants veterinary attention. Accompanying symptoms can help determine the severity: if your cat is showing signs of dehydration such as dry gums, sunken eyes, and lethargy, or if there’s blood in the vomit, it suggests a more severe problem. Behavioural changes, like hiding, refusing to eat or drink, and expressing pain when touched, signify discomfort or distress that needs urgent attention. Don’t ignore if the cat is vomiting along with having difficulty breathing or showing signs of jaundice, such as yellowing of the eyes or gums.
Can food allergies or eating too quickly cause vomiting?
Food allergies and rapid eating are indeed connected to vomiting. Cats that are prone to food allergies may experience vomiting as their bodies react to certain ingredients like grains, beef, or dairy. These reactions could manifest in other forms, such as skin irritations or diarrhoea, alongside vomiting. On the other hand, when a cat consumes food too quickly, they often ingests a lot of air along with the food, which can cause them to regurgitate shortly after eating. Techniques such as using a slow feeder bowl or spreading their food on a flat surface can slow down their eating pace.
What health conditions are linked to frequent vomiting in cats?
Frequent vomiting in cats can also signal underlying health conditions. Chronic kidney disease, a common ailment in older cats, often leads to increased thirst and urination along with vomiting. Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is another condition where the intestines become inflamed, causing discomfort and frequent vomiting, sometimes alongside diarrhoea or weight loss. Liver disease and pancreatitis can cause nausea and vomiting as the organs are unable to function properly to aid digestion and detoxification. Hyperthyroidism, characterized by an overactive thyroid, can lead a cat to eat more and subsequently vomit, often accompanied by noticeable weight loss despite an increased appetite. Certain cancers, such as lymphoma, can also present with chronic vomiting and are typically diagnosed through more extensive diagnostic tests.
What can I do at home to help my cat stop throwing up, and when should I see a vet?
When to See a Vet
If the home remedies suggested by our Online Vet don’t resolve the issue — or if new symptoms arise — it’s time for a check-up. Your vet might recommend diagnostic tools such as blood tests, ultrasounds, or digestive investigations to get to the root of the problem.
Vomiting isn’t always a red flag — but it shouldn’t be dismissed, either. From eating too quickly to underlying illness, there are many possible reasons why your cat might be throwing up. Use this guide to take practical steps at home, and don’t hesitate to reach out to your vet if things don’t improve.
Your cat’s comfort, health, and happiness are worth it.
