Vomiting in cats is fairly common, but it can signal anything from a mild stomach upset to a serious medical condition. Understanding the possible causes will help you decide when your cat needs immediate veterinary attention. In this article, we’ll explore the most common reasons for vomiting in cats, when to worry, and how to help your feline feel better.
Common Causes of Cat Vomiting
Cats vomit for many reasons, some simple and some more concerning. Here are the most frequent causes:
- Hairballs – Cats groom themselves constantly, and swallowed hair can build up in the stomach. If your cat vomits occasionally but otherwise acts normally, hairballs may be the cause.
- Dietary indiscretion – Eating too quickly, consuming spoiled food, or snacking on something they shouldn’t (like houseplants or string) often leads to vomiting.
- Diet changes – A sudden switch in food can upset a cat’s stomach. Introduce new diets gradually to prevent vomiting.
- Food allergies or intolerances – Cats can react poorly to certain proteins or ingredients in their food, which may cause vomiting along with diarrhea or skin irritation.
- Infections or parasites – Bacterial infections, viruses, or intestinal parasites like roundworms can all trigger vomiting.
- Toxins – Common household items, such as lilies, antifreeze, or human medications, can cause severe vomiting and require emergency care.
- Underlying medical conditions – Chronic vomiting may point to issues like kidney disease, liver disease, hyperthyroidism, pancreatitis, or even gastrointestinal cancer.
When Should You Worry?
- Vomits multiple times in a day
- Has blood in the vomit
- Refuses food or water
- Shows signs of lethargy, weight loss, or dehydration
- Has vomiting paired with diarrhea
How to Help Prevent Vomiting
While not every case is preventable, you can reduce the chances by:
- Brushing your cat regularly to limit hairballs
- Feeding smaller, more frequent meals to discourage overeating
- Avoiding sudden changes in diet
- Keeping toxic plants and substances out of reach
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.
