Why Is My Cat Vomiting?

Vomiting is a common issue that many cat owners encounter. Although it may be harmless in some cases, it can also signal a more serious medical condition. Understanding the potential causes of your cat’s vomiting, knowing when to seek veterinary care, and how to help them recover is essential for maintaining their health and overall well-being. This article will explore why cats vomit, what to watch for, and how to care for your feline companion. 

Common Causes of Vomiting in Cats

1. Hairballs
Hairballs are one of the most common causes of vomiting in cats, particularly in long-haired breeds. When cats groom themselves, they ingest loose fur. While most of this hair passes harmlessly through the digestive system, some can accumulate in the stomach, forming a hairball that may eventually be vomited up.

Signs of hairballs:

• Cylindrical clumps of fur in the vomit.
• Coughing or gagging before vomiting.

How to help:

• Brush your cat regularly to reduce the amount of loose fur they ingest, especially if they are long-haired or shedding heavily.
• Consider a diet with added fibre or hairball-specific cat food to help hair pass through the digestive tract.

2. Eating Too Quickly
Cats that eat their food too quickly may regurgitate shortly after eating. Regurgitation differs from vomiting as it involves undigested food and often results from overeating or gulping down food too fast.

How to help:

• Use a slow feeder bowl or puzzle feeder to encourage your cat to eat more slowly.
• Divide their meals into smaller, more frequent portions throughout the day.

3. Dietary Indiscretion
Cats are curious creatures and may eat things they shouldn’t, such as human food, plants, or even non-food items. This can irritate their stomach or, in severe cases, lead to poisoning or obstruction.

Examples of harmful substances:

• Chocolate, onions, or garlic.
• Toxic plants such as lilies. 
• Foreign objects like string or small toys.

What to do:

• Cat-proof your home by removing hazardous items.
• If you suspect poisoning or foreign body ingestion, contact your vet immediately.

4. Food Intolerances or Allergies
Some cats are sensitive to certain ingredients in their food, such as specific proteins or grains. Food intolerance often presents with additional symptoms such as diarrhoea, flatulence, or skin issues.

How to help:

• Transition your cat to a hypoallergenic or limited-ingredient diet under veterinary guidance.
• Introduce new foods gradually over 7 to 10 days to prevent digestive upset.

5. Gastrointestinal Infections
Bacterial, viral, or parasitic infections can upset your cat’s stomach, leading to vomiting. Common culprits include worms, giardia, and viruses such as feline panleukopenia.

Other symptoms to watch for:

• Diarrhoea
• Lethargy
• Loss of appetite

What to do:

• Keep up to date with your cat’s vaccinations and deworming treatments.
• Visit a vet for diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

6. Chronic Conditions
Chronic vomiting, occurring frequently or over a prolonged period, can signal an underlying health issue such as:

• Kidney disease: Often seen in older cats, leading to nausea and vomiting.
• Hyperthyroidism: An overactive thyroid gland can upset digestion.
• Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD): Causes chronic inflammation in the intestines.
• Cancer: Tumours in the digestive tract or other areas may trigger vomiting.

Signs to monitor:

• Weight loss
• Increased thirst or urination
• Changes in appetite or behaviour

What to do:

• Seek prompt veterinary evaluation for diagnosis and treatment of chronic conditions.

7. Toxins or Medications
Exposure to household toxins or side effects from medications can cause vomiting. Common toxins include cleaning products, antifreeze, and certain human medications.

What to do:

• Store harmful substances securely out of reach.
• Never give human medications to your cat unless specifically prescribed by a vet. 
• If you think your cat may have consumed a toxic substance, contact your vet immediately.

How to Determine If Vomiting Is Serious

While occasional vomiting may not be a cause for concern, certain signs warrant immediate veterinary attention:

Emergency signs:

• Vomiting more than twice in 24 hours.
• Blood in the vomit (bright red or resembling coffee grounds).
• Persistent dry heaving or retching without producing vomit.
• Severe lethargy or collapse.
• Bloated or painful abdomen.
• Signs of dehydration, such as sunken eyes, dry gums, or reduced skin elasticity.

Contact your vet immediately if you notice any of these symptoms, as they may indicate a serious condition requiring urgent care.

How to Help Your Cat at Home

If your cat’s vomiting is mild and infrequent with no emergency signs, here are some steps you can take:

1. Allow for Digestive Rest
   For adult cats only, avoid feeding them right away to allow their stomach to settle. Focus on keeping them hydrated with fresh water. Do not fast kittens, elderly cats, or cats with specific health conditions such as diabetes or hepatic lipidosis. If you’re unsure about how to proceed, consult your veterinarian for tailored advice.
2. Offer Bland Food
   Reintroduce food gradually by offering small portions of a bland diet, such as boiled chicken or white rice. Transition back to their regular food over a few days.
3. Hydration Is Key
   Encourage your cat to drink water or provide a rehydration solution recommended by your vet. Wet food can also help increase their fluid intake.
4. Monitor Behaviour
   Keep a close eye on your cat’s behaviour, appetite, and litter box habits. Note any changes that may assist your vet in diagnosing the issue.

Preventing Vomiting in Cats

1. Maintain a Balanced Diet
   Feed your cat a high-quality, nutritionally balanced diet suitable for their age and health. Avoid frequent diet changes.
2. Regular Grooming
   Brush your cat often to reduce hair ingestion, particularly if they are long-haired or shedding heavily.
3. Cat-Proof Your Home
   Remove toxic plants, secure cleaning products, and keep small objects out of reach.
4. Regular Vet Check-ups
   Routine veterinary visits are essential to detect and manage potential health issues early.

When to See the Vet

If your cat’s vomiting persists, becomes frequent, or is accompanied by other concerning symptoms, contact your vet clinic. Your vet may perform tests such as blood work, X-rays, or ultrasounds to determine the cause and recommend appropriate treatment.

Final Thoughts

Vomiting in cats can range from a minor issue like a hairball to a sign of a serious condition. By understanding the potential causes, observing your cat’s symptoms, and seeking veterinary care when needed, you can ensure your feline friend stays healthy and comfortable.

When in doubt, it’s always best to consult your vet to ensure your cat receives the care they need.