Understanding Cat Vomiting: Expert Insights 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 concern for cat owners, ranging from minor digestive issues to signs of serious illness. While an occasional hairball or stomach upset may not be alarming, frequent or persistent vomiting can indicate an underlying medical condition.

At Memorial Villages Animal Hospital in Houston, TX, we understand how worrisome it can be when your cat is unwell. Knowing when to seek veterinary care is essential for ensuring your cat’s long-term health and well-being.

Common Causes of Vomiting in Cats

Dietary Causes

• Eating too quickly – Some cats gulp down food too fast, leading to regurgitation.
• Dietary indiscretion – Consuming spoiled food, garbage, or foreign objects can cause stomach upset.
• Food allergies or intolerances – Certain ingredients, such as dairy or grains, may trigger vomiting.

Hairballs (Trichobezoars)

• Cats ingest fur while grooming, which can accumulate in the stomach and cause vomiting.
• Signs include gagging, retching, and expelling cylindrical clumps of fur.
• Regular brushing and hairball-control diets can help reduce occurrences.

Gastrointestinal Diseases

• Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) – Chronic vomiting, diarrhea, and weight loss may indicate IBD.
• Gastrointestinal infections – Bacteria, viruses, or parasites can cause digestive upset.
• Foreign body obstruction – Cats may swallow objects like string or small toys, leading to blockages.
  • Symptoms include repetitive 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.
  • Symptoms include increased thirst, weight loss, and bad breath.
  • Read more about CKD in cats – Cornell Feline Health Center.
• Hyperthyroidism – An overactive thyroid can cause vomiting, weight loss, and increased appetite.
  • AAHA’s feline hyperthyroidism guidelines.
• Diabetes Mellitus – Vomiting can be a sign of diabetic ketoacidosis, a medical emergency.

Toxins and Poisoning

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

Types of Cat Vomit and What They Indicate

Observing the appearance of vomit can help determine the underlying cause:

• Hairballs – Cylindrical vomit composed of fur.
• White, foamy vomit – Often due to acid buildup or an empty stomach.
• Yellow or green vomit – Presence of bile, possibly indicating digestive issues.
• Bloody vomit – May indicate ulcers, internal bleeding, or a serious illness.
• Undigested food – Could indicate food intolerance, eating too fast, or an obstruction.
• Worms in vomit – A sign of 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 concerning, certain symptoms require immediate veterinary care:

• Frequent vomiting (multiple times a day or over several days).
• Vomiting combined with lethargy, diarrhea, or loss of appetite.
• Blood in vomit (fresh 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 is experiencing these symptoms, Memorial Villages Animal Hospital is here to help. Schedule an appointment with our veterinary team today.

How Veterinarians Diagnose Vomiting in Cats

At Memorial Villages Animal Hospital, we use a variety of diagnostic tools to determine the cause of vomiting:

A. Physical Examination

• Evaluating hydration status, weight, and abdominal discomfort.

B. Laboratory Tests

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

C. Imaging (X-Rays & Ultrasound)

• Identifies blockages, tumors, or organ abnormalities.

Explore our veterinary services.

Treatment Options for Vomiting Cats

Treatment depends on the underlying cause:

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

Our veterinarians provide customized treatment plans to ensure the best care for your cat.

Preventing Vomiting in Cats

Diet & Feeding Tips

• Feed small, frequent meals to prevent overeating.
• Use a slow feeder bowl for cats that eat too quickly.
• Avoid sudden diet changes to prevent gastrointestinal upset.

Grooming & Hairball Prevention

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

Environmental Safety

• Keep toxic plants, medications, and cleaning products out of reach.
• Ensure your cat has access to clean water and a stress-free environment.

Vomiting in cats can be caused by minor dietary issues or serious medical conditions. Recognizing patterns, symptoms, and when to seek veterinary care is crucial.

If your cat is vomiting frequently or showing signs of illness, Memorial Villages Animal 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!