If you’re wondering “why is my cat vomiting,” you’re probably dealing with an unfortunate mess—and a worried heart. Cats vomit for many reasons, from harmless hairballs to serious conditions like diabetes or kidney disease. Understanding the cause helps you know what to do next, when to try a bland diet at home, and when your cat needs immediate veterinary care.
Common Causes of Cat Vomiting
Cats are sensitive creatures, and even small changes can upset their stomach. Here are the most frequent causes:
1. Hairballs
Because your cat grooms so often, swallowed fur can build up and lead to occasional vomiting. If your cat otherwise acts normal, this may be the cause.
2. Dietary Issues
Sometimes a cat eats too quickly, eats spoiled cat food, or gets into something they shouldn’t. These dietary upsets often cause brief vomiting. A temporary bland diet or easily digested diet may help settle the stomach.
3. Foreign Bodies or a Foreign Object
Cats—especially curious younger cats—sometimes swallow string, ribbon, rubber bands, or small toys. These foreign bodies can block the intestines and cause forceful, repeated vomiting. This is an emergency and must be treated immediately.
4. Food Intolerances or Allergies
If your cat vomits soon after eating or refuses to eat or drink normally, a food intolerance may be to blame. Switching to a gentle, easily digested diet may reduce symptoms, but a vet exam is the safest first step.
5. Infections & Parasites
Bacterial infections, viruses, and intestinal parasites can trigger vomiting. These issues often come with additional symptoms such as diarrhea, weight loss, or dehydration.
6. Chronic Conditions
Ongoing vomiting may indicate more serious health problems such as:
- Kidney disease
- Diabetes
- Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
- Pancreatitis
These conditions often require long-term management, supportive care, and sometimes fluid therapy or subcutaneous fluids to keep your cat hydrated.
When You Should Worry
Some vomiting is mild and resolves quickly. However, you should contact your veterinarian immediately if your cat:
- Vomits multiple times in one day
- Vomits after eating every meal
- Shows blood in the vomit
- Avoids food and water or won’t eat or drink
- Looks weak, dehydrated, or painful
- Has a known medical condition like diabetes or kidney disease
When in doubt, always err on the safe side—serious conditions progress quickly in cats.
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What You Can Do at Home
While waiting for your appointment, these steps may help:
- Offer a small amount of a bland diet such as boiled chicken and rice (if recommended by your vet)
- Feed smaller meals throughout the day
- Keep plants, string, and risky household items out of reach to prevent foreign object ingestion
- Use regular grooming to reduce hairballs
But remember: repeated vomiting requires professional care. Your veterinarian may recommend blood work, x-rays, an easily digested diet, or treatments like supportive care and/or fluid therapy depending on the cause.
Vomiting in cats ranges from a minor inconvenience to a serious health warning. Paying attention to the frequency, severity, and accompanying symptoms will help you know when to act. If you’re ever in doubt, trust your instincts and reach out to your veterinarian.