Cat Vomiting: What’s Normal, What’s Not, and When to Call the Vet

Common Causes of Vomiting in Cats and When to Call the Vet

Understanding Vomiting in Cats

Vomiting is a common issue in cats, ranging from mild digestive upset to serious underlying medical conditions. While an occasional hairball may not be concerning, frequent or persistent vomiting can indicate health problems requiring veterinary attention.

At Stanton Pet Hospital in Stanton, CA, we understand how distressing it can be when your cat is sick. Recognizing the causes of vomiting and knowing when to seek veterinary care is essential for keeping your cat healthy and comfortable.

Common Causes of Vomiting in Cats

Dietary Causes

• Eating too quickly – Cats that eat too fast may regurgitate undigested food.
• Dietary indiscretion – Ingesting spoiled food, garbage, or foreign objects can lead to vomiting.
• Food allergies or intolerances – Some cats react negatively to certain ingredients in their diet.

Hairballs (Trichobezoars)

• Hairballs form when cats ingest fur during grooming. If not expelled through the digestive tract, they can cause vomiting.
• Symptoms include gagging, retching, and vomiting cylindrical clumps of fur.
• Brushing your cat regularly and providing hairball-control diets can help reduce occurrences.

Gastrointestinal Diseases

• Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) – Causes chronic vomiting, diarrhea, and weight loss.
• Gastrointestinal infections – Bacteria, viruses, or parasites can lead to digestive upset.
• Foreign body obstruction – Swallowed objects like string or small toys can block the intestines.
  • Symptoms include repeated vomiting, lethargy, and abdominal pain.
  • Learn more about gastrointestinal foreign bodies – ACVS.

Systemic Diseases

• Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) – Toxin buildup from kidney dysfunction can cause nausea and vomiting.
  • Signs include increased thirst, weight loss, and bad breath.
  • Read more about CKD in cats – Cornell Feline Health Center.
• Hyperthyroidism – Overactive thyroid glands can lead to vomiting, weight loss, and increased appetite.
  • AAHA’s feline hyperthyroidism guidelines.
• Diabetes Mellitus – Vomiting can indicate diabetic ketoacidosis, a serious complication requiring immediate veterinary attention.

Toxins and Poisoning

• Common household toxins:
  • Toxic plants (e.g., lilies, poinsettias).
  • Human medications (e.g., ibuprofen, acetaminophen).
  • Cleaning chemicals and antifreeze.
• Human foods toxic to cats:
  • Chocolate, onions, garlic, and xylitol.

Types of Cat Vomit and What They Indicate

Observing vomit appearance can help identify the underlying cause:

• Hairballs – Cylindrical vomit composed of fur.
• White, foamy vomit – Caused by stomach acid buildup or an empty stomach.
• Yellow or green vomit – Presence of bile, possibly indicating gastrointestinal distress.
• Bloody vomit – May signal ulcers, internal bleeding, or a serious illness.
• Undigested food – Can be due to food intolerance, rapid eating, or an obstruction.
• Worms in vomit – Indicates intestinal parasites requiring deworming treatment.

Learn more about different types of cat vomit – Purina.

When to Call the Vet: Signs of a Medical Emergency

While occasional vomiting may not be alarming, certain symptoms indicate the need for immediate veterinary care:

• Frequent vomiting (multiple times per day or over several days).
• Vomiting combined with lethargy, diarrhea, or loss of appetite.
• Blood in vomit (fresh blood or dark, coffee-ground appearance).
• Signs of dehydration (sunken eyes, dry gums, excessive thirst).
• Straining to vomit with no result, which may indicate an obstruction.

If your cat exhibits any of these symptoms, contact Stanton Pet Hospital right away. Schedule an appointment with our veterinary team.

How Veterinarians Diagnose Vomiting in Cats

At Stanton Pet Hospital, we use advanced diagnostic tools to determine the cause of vomiting:

A. Physical Examination

• Assessing hydration levels, weight loss, and abdominal discomfort.

B. Laboratory Testing

• Bloodwork – Identifies infections, kidney disease, and thyroid imbalances.
• Fecal exams – Screens for parasites and bacterial infections.
• Urinalysis – Helps diagnose systemic diseases like diabetes or kidney disease.

C. Imaging (X-Rays & Ultrasound)

• Detects blockages, tumors, or organ abnormalities.

Explore our veterinary services.

Treatment Options for Vomiting Cats

Treatment depends on the underlying cause and may include:

• Dietary modifications – Special diets for food allergies or sensitive stomachs.
• Medications – Anti-nausea drugs, antibiotics, or anti-inflammatories as needed.
• Fluid therapy – Rehydration and electrolyte balancing.
• Surgery – Required for foreign body removal or tumor excision.

Our veterinarians create personalized treatment plans for your cat’s specific needs.

Preventing Vomiting in Cats

Diet & Feeding Tips

• Feed small, frequent meals to prevent overeating.
• Use a slow feeder bowl to slow down fast eaters.
• Gradually transition to new diets to avoid digestive upset.

Grooming & Hairball Prevention

• Brush long-haired cats regularly to reduce hair ingestion.
• Provide hairball-control diets or supplements to help digestion.

Environmental Safety

• Keep toxic plants, medications, and cleaning supplies out of reach.
• Provide clean water and a stress-free environment for overall health.

Vomiting in cats can be caused by minor digestive issues or serious medical conditions. Recognizing the symptoms and knowing when to seek veterinary care is essential for your cat’s health.

If your cat is vomiting frequently or showing signs of illness, Stanton Pet Hospital is here to help. Our experienced veterinary team provides comprehensive diagnostics, treatment, and preventative care to keep your feline friend healthy.

Concerned about your cat’s vomiting? Schedule an appointment today!