Causes of Feline Vomiting: When to Be Concerned and How to Help

Vomiting is a common issue in cats, but it’s not always harmless. While an occasional hairball may not be a cause for concern, frequent or severe vomiting can indicate an underlying health issue that requires veterinary attention. Understanding the potential causes and knowing when to seek help can make a big difference in your cat’s health.

At Guam Pet Hospital, we are committed to educating pet owners about feline health and providing the best care for your furry companion.

Common Causes of Vomiting in Cats

Vomiting is a protective mechanism that helps cats expel irritants from their stomachs, but repeated episodes may indicate something more serious. Here are some of the most common reasons cats vomit:

1. Hairballs

  • Hairballs are one of the most frequent causes of vomiting in cats, especially long-haired breeds.
  • Occasional hairball vomiting is normal, but frequent hairballs may indicate an issue with gastrointestinal motility or excessive grooming.
  • Prevention tips: Regular brushing, a high-fiber diet, and hairball control treats can help reduce their formation.

2. Dietary Issues

  • Cats can experience vomiting due to eating too quickly, sudden diet changes, or food allergies.
  • Common triggers:
    • Eating spoiled or fatty foods
    • Intolerances to ingredients like chicken, dairy, or grains
    • Overeating or eating too fast (often called “scarf and barf” syndrome)
  • Prevention tips:
    • Feed smaller, more frequent meals.
    • Use slow feeder bowls.
    • Transition to new foods gradually over 7–10 days.

3. Gastrointestinal Disorders

If your cat vomits frequently, an underlying gastrointestinal (GI) issue could be the culprit. Some common GI problems include:

  • Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): Chronic inflammation in the GI tract that causes vomiting, diarrhea, and weight loss.
  • Gastritis: Stomach inflammation due to ingesting irritants like grass, plastic, or foreign objects.
  • Pancreatitis: Inflammation of the pancreas that leads to vomiting, lethargy, and decreased appetite.

4. Systemic Diseases That Cause Vomiting

Chronic illnesses affecting other organs can also lead to vomiting in cats.

Kidney Disease:

  • One of the most common causes of chronic vomiting in older cats.
  • Affected cats may also show signs of increased thirst, weight loss, and lethargy.
  • Learn more about the connection between kidney disease and vomiting from the Cornell Feline Health Center.

Hyperthyroidism:

  • An overactive thyroid can cause vomiting, increased appetite, and weight loss in older cats.
  • Hyperthyroidism is a manageable condition with medication or dietary therapy.
  • Read more about feline hyperthyroidism in the AAHA Feline Hyperthyroidism Guidelines.

Diabetes:

  • Uncontrolled diabetes can lead to vomiting, dehydration, and lethargy.
  • Increased thirst and frequent urination are also warning signs of diabetes in cats.

5. Toxic Ingestions and Foreign Objects

  • Cats are curious and may ingest toxic plants, human medications, cleaning products, or small objects that can obstruct their intestines.
  • Common toxins that can cause vomiting:
    • Lilies (highly toxic to cats)
    • Human medications like ibuprofen or acetaminophen
    • Certain essential oils and household cleaners
  • Prevention tips: Keep household toxins out of reach, and avoid leaving small, chewable objects accessible to your cat.

What Does the Color of Cat Vomit Mean?

The color and texture of vomit can provide clues about the underlying cause:

  • Yellow or foamy vomit: May indicate bile reflux from an empty stomach.
  • Undigested food: Often due to eating too fast or a mild stomach upset.
  • Dark brown or coffee-ground vomit: May suggest blood in the stomach from ulcers or internal bleeding (seek emergency care).
  • Green vomit: Could indicate bile or ingestion of toxic substances like houseplants.

For a full breakdown of different vomit types and their possible causes, visit Purina’s Guide to Types of Cat Vomit.

When Should You Call the Vet?

While occasional vomiting isn’t always an emergency, certain signs indicate a need for immediate veterinary care:

  • Vomiting more than once per day or for multiple consecutive days
  • Blood in the vomit or coffee-ground appearance
  • Lethargy, hiding, or weakness
  • Loss of appetite for more than 24 hours
  • Dehydration (sunken eyes, dry gums, skin tenting)
  • Weight loss combined with vomiting

Regular veterinary check-ups can help detect health problems before they worsen. Learn about the importance of routine wellness exams from the AVMA.

How to Prevent Vomiting in Cats

Preventative measures can reduce the frequency of vomiting and promote better digestive health in cats:

  • Feed a High-Quality Diet: Choose easily digestible, balanced meals suited to your cat’s age and health condition.
  • Slow Down Eating: If your cat eats too fast, consider using a slow feeder bowl or food puzzle.
  • Brush Your Cat Regularly: Frequent grooming helps minimize hairball formation, reducing vomiting.
  • Provide Hydration: Encourage water intake with pet fountains or wet food to support kidney and digestive health.
  • Schedule Regular Vet Visits: Annual exams help catch early signs of disease before they lead to vomiting or other serious symptoms.

Managing Feline Vomiting

While an occasional episode of vomiting is normal, frequent or severe vomiting should never be ignored. If your cat is experiencing persistent vomiting, schedule an appointment at Guam Pet Hospital for a thorough evaluation.

Schedule Your Cat’s Check-Up Today

Guam Pet Hospital is here to help with expert feline care, diagnostics, and treatment plans to keep your cat happy and healthy. Contact us today to book an appointment!

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