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Vet Column
2025-04-30
Cat Vomitting? From Causes and Symptoms to Care - All in One Guide
This article was written by Dr. Shang-Hsiu Chung, a veterinarian at Always Care Veterinary Hospital
Have you ever seen your cat suddenly vomit, sometimes even bringing up white foam? While it can be alarming, vomiting is actually quite common in cats. The Causes can range from hairballs and sudden changes in diet, to dietary indiscretion—like eating something they shouldn’t.
When cat vomit is white and foamy, it could be a sign of an empty stomach or mild irritation. Occasional vomiting, especially when related to hairballs, is often manageable at home. However, persistent or worsening symptoms may require a visit to the vet.
In this guide, we'll cover why your cat might be vomiting, how to assess the vomit, steps you can take at home, and when it’s time to seek professional help.
Vomiting vs. Regurgitation: What's the Difference?
When a cat throws up, many owners assume it’s vomiting — but it might actually be regurgitation. Though they can look similar, these are two very different processes.
Vomiting is an active process involving the stomach or upper intestines.
Before vomiting, cats usually show clear signs like drooling, lip licking, abdominal contractions, or throat movements — you can often tell the body is preparing to expel something.
Before vomiting, cats usually show clear signs like drooling, lip licking, abdominal contractions, or throat movements — you can often tell the body is preparing to expel something.
Regurgitation, on the other hand, is passive and more like acid reflux in humans.
It typically happens before food is fully digested and often brings up undigested food mixed with stomach acid or saliva. It’s usually triggered by eating too quickly or moving around too much right after meals.
It typically happens before food is fully digested and often brings up undigested food mixed with stomach acid or saliva. It’s usually triggered by eating too quickly or moving around too much right after meals.
If your cat shows signs of discomfort before throwing up, it’s likely vomiting.
If it happens suddenly and without warning, it’s probably regurgitation. To help prevent regurgitation, try to limit intense activity immediately after your cat eats.
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If it happens suddenly and without warning, it’s probably regurgitation. To help prevent regurgitation, try to limit intense activity immediately after your cat eats.
Common Causes of Cat Vomiting
Vomiting in cats can range from a minor issue to a sign of a more serious condition. Common causes include:
- Hairballs: Excessive grooming can lead to a buildup of hair in the stomach.
- Sudden dietary changes: Switching foods too quickly can upset the digestive system.
- Overeating or eating too fast: Can increase pressure in the stomach and trigger vomiting.
- Stress: Changes like moving, new people, or a disrupted environment can cause stress-related vomiting.
- Gastrointestinal issues: Conditions like inflammation, blockages, parasites, or kidney and liver problems.
- Toxin ingestion: Exposure to toxic plants (like lilies), human foods (like chocolate), household cleaners, or medications.
If your cat’s vomiting becomes frequent or is accompanied by symptoms like lethargy or loss of appetite, seek veterinary care promptly.
How to Assess Your Cat’s Vomit: What It Can Tell You
The appearance of your cat’s vomit can offer important clues about their health:
- White foam: Often linked to an empty stomach or excess stomach acid.
- Yellow or green liquid: May indicate bile reflux, gastritis, or a possible intestinal blockage.
- Hairballs: Suggests difficulty in passing ingested hair.
- Undigested food: Could be a result of eating too quickly or poor digestive motility.
- Red or dark brown liquid: May signal internal bleeding or poisoning.
Seek immediate veterinary care if vomiting is accompanied by:
- Abdominal pain
- Increased vomiting frequency
- Suspected ingestion of a foreign object or toxic substance
- Lethargy
- Fever
- Refusal to eat or drink
- Abnormal urination
- Sudden abdominal swelling
These symptoms could point to serious health issues that require prompt professional evaluation.
Emergency Care: What to Do If Your Cat Vomits
If your cat vomits, take the following steps:
- Withhold food and water for 6–8 hours to allow the stomach to rest.
- Check for signs of dehydration by assessing skin elasticity and mouth moisture.
- If vomiting stops, offer small amounts of electrolyte water to rehydrate.
- Monitor and record the frequency, timing, and appearance of the vomit.
- Isolate your cat if you suspect an infection to prevent potential spread.
- Avoid giving any medications, especially human drugs, without veterinary guidance.
- Once your cat is stable, gradually reintroduce small portions of easily digestible food.
These simple steps can help prevent symptoms from worsening and buy valuable time for professional medical care if needed.
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Preventing Vomiting: 3 Key Tips for Daily Care
In addition to knowing how to handle emergencies, building good daily habits can help reduce your cat’s risk of vomiting:
1. Dietary Management
- Feed meals on a consistent schedule to prevent hunger or overeating.
- Transition to new foods gradually to avoid digestive upset.
- Manage hairballs through regular grooming and using hairball remedy powder.
- Encourage hydration with water fountains or broth-flavored water.
- Add probiotics to support a healthy digestive system.
2. A Stable Environment
- Minimize stress and exposure to unfamiliar stimuli.
- Keep hazardous substances, plants, and small objects out of reach.
- Use regular deworming treatments as recommended by your vet.
3. Routine Health Checks
- Schedule annual veterinary visits to catch gastrointestinal or other health issues early.
Vomiting is common in cats but should never be ignored. With careful observation and daily care, you can significantly reduce your cat’s discomfort.
By paying closer attention to their diet, environment, and health maintenance, you’ll help your cat enjoy a happier, healthier life.
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