When should I be concerned about my cat throwing up?

Occasional vomiting, such as hairballs or mild stomach upset, may not be a cause for alarm. However, bloody or brown vomit can indicate serious health issues like parasites, gastroenteritis, or even cancer that require immediate veterinary attention. If your cat is vomiting frequently or showing other symptoms such as lethargy or loss of appetite, it’s best to consult your vet right away.

What does white foamy vomit mean?

When you see a cat vomit white foam, it usually points to stomach irritation from an empty stomach or mild gastritis. Offering smaller, more frequent meals or giving snacks in between can often prevent it. But if your cat vomits white foam regularly, it could signal a deeper issue that needs veterinary care.

Why is my cat vomiting yellow bile?

Cat vomit in yellow is usually caused by bile, which builds up when your cat’s stomach is empty or when acid irritation occurs. Feeding smaller meals more frequently throughout the day can help reduce these episodes. If cat vomit yellow is a recurring problem, schedule a vet visit to rule out chronic digestive conditions.

What does concerning cat vomit look like?

Not all vomiting needs urgent care, but certain types of vomit are concerning. A cat vomiting hairballs is often normal, but vomit that contains bile, blood, or appears dark can be a red flag. These symptoms may indicate internal bleeding, blockages, or other serious conditions and should be treated as emergencies.

How do you treat a vomiting cat?

Treatment depends on the cause. If a cat vomits after eating too quickly, smaller meals or slow-feeder bowls can help. For frequent cat vomiting hairballs, regular grooming and specialized diets may reduce the problem. In all cases, make sure your cat stays hydrated. If vomiting continues despite these adjustments, or if it comes with worrying symptoms, seek veterinary advice.

Top view shot of a large ginger cat beside a pile of yellow cat vomit

Causes and Solutions for Cat Vomiting

Seeing your cat vomit can be worrying for any pet parent. Vomiting may be caused by something simple, like a hairball or it could point to more serious issues such as organ dysfunction. The challenge lies in knowing whether your pet’s case of vomiting is just a minor incident or a sign that urgent care is needed.

While occasional vomiting can be normal and harmless, frequent episodes paired with other symptoms means that there’s something wrong. In this guide, we’ll explore the common causes of cat vomiting, what different vomit colors mean, and practical tips to help keep your feline friend happy, healthy, and thriving.

Causes of Vomiting in Cats

Vomiting in cats can be triggered by everyday issues or may point to something more serious. Chronic vomiting accompanied by symptoms like weight loss, lethargy, or diarrhea means that your cat requires immediate veterinary attention. Recognizing the causes is the first step to keeping your cat safe and healthy.

Dietary Causes

If your cat vomits after eating regularly, their diet could be to blame. Cats that consume unhealthy foods or switch diets suddenly often experience digestive upset. Moreover, food allergies(open in new tab) and sensitivities can also trigger recurring vomiting.

Hairballs from Grooming

When cats groom, they swallow loose fur that clumps in the stomach. While the occasional hairball is normal, a cat vomiting hairballs frequently may point to excessive shedding or the need for more grooming support. Brushing your cat regularly and offering hairball-control diets can make a big difference.

Eating Too Fast

If your cat vomits after eating, this may be a sign that they ate too quickly. This is highly common in multi-cat households where pets feel competition over food. Using slow-feeder bowls, dividing meals into smaller portions, or designating feeding areas among your cats can reduce this problem.

Motion Sickness

Traveling can easily upset a cat’s sensitive stomach. Motion sickness in cats is common during car rides or flights, leading to drooling, nausea, and vomiting. Acclimating your cat gradually to travel or consulting your vet for anti-nausea medication can make the journey smoother.

Stress and Anxiety

Changes in the environment, the arrival of new pets, loud noises, or disruptions to routine can all trigger stress-induced vomiting in cats. Stress in cats(open in new tab) may also lead to changes in appetite or excessive grooming, both of which can increase the risk of vomiting. Creating a calm environment, keeping routines consistent, and using pheromone diffusers can help ease anxiety and reduce these episodes.

Gastrointestinal Conditions

Chronic vomiting may point to gastrointestinal diseases like inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) or intestinal blockages from ingesting foreign objects such as string, toys, or bones. These conditions are serious and require veterinary diagnosis, often involving imaging or bloodwork to confirm.

Organ Dysfunction

Cats suffering from liver disease, kidney failure, or pancreatic issues often experience nausea and vomiting as secondary symptoms. Organ dysfunction can affect how a cat processes toxins and nutrients, making prompt veterinary care critical for long-term management.

Infections

Vomiting in cats can also result from bacterial, viral, or parasitic infections(open in new tab) that irritate the digestive tract. Parasites such as roundworms or giardia can be particularly troublesome and often require medication prescribed by a vet to clear.

Toxin Exposure

Household cleaners, human medications, certain foods (cow’s milk(open in new tab) or chocolate(open in new tab)), and toxic plants (like lilies) can poison cats, with vomiting being one of the first warning signs. If you suspect toxin ingestion, immediate veterinary attention is essential as many substances can be life-threatening.

Different Colours of Vomit and its Meaning

The colour of your cat’s vomit can offer important clues about their health. While it might not be the most glamorous aspect of pet care, understanding what different vomit colours mean could make all the difference for your feline friend.

Yellow or Green Vomit

When you notice a cat vomit yellow or green, it usually indicates the presence of bile, a digestive fluid. This often happens when your cat’s stomach is empty or when acid reflux occurs. Occasional episodes may not be a cause for worry, and offering smaller, more frequent meals can help. But if bile vomiting becomes frequent, it could signal an ongoing digestive issue that needs veterinary attention.

White Foam Vomit

Seeing a cat vomit white foam can be unsettling, but it usually means stomach irritation. This often happens when your cat’s stomach has been empty for too long or when mild gastritis occurs. Feeding on a regular schedule and avoiding long gaps between meals can help. However, if it occurs frequently, it may indicate a more serious issue that requires veterinary care.

Brown Vomit

Brown cat vomit can be alarming because it may suggest the presence of digested blood, which often points to internal bleeding. In some cases, it may even indicate fecal matter from intestinal blockages. Both situations are emergencies that require immediate veterinary care. Cats with brown vomit often show other symptoms like lethargy or refusal to eat.

Red or Pink Vomit

Red or pink cat vomit often signals fresh blood, possibly from ulcers, mouth injuries, or trauma in the digestive tract. Even small streaks of blood should not be ignored, as they may worsen quickly. Veterinary evaluation is crucial to identify the cause and prevent further complications.

Clear Liquid Vomit

Clear cat vomit is usually water or gastric juices. It can happen if your cat has recently been drinking a lot of water or has a mild stomach upset. Occasional clear liquid vomit is usually harmless, but if it occurs frequently, it may indicate kidney issues, thyroid problems, or other underlying health conditions.

How to treat a Cat Who’s Vomiting

If your cat is throwing up, it’s natural to worry, but don’t panic. The good news is that there are steps you can take to help them. The treatment depends on the cause, so observing their behavior and the type of cat vomit is key.

Empty stomach

If your cats are throwing up bile (yellow or green), it could mean an empty stomach and offering a small meal might settle things. You might want to consider changing your feeding schedule to more often small meals. Ensure your cat has access to fresh water to stay hydrated but avoid letting them gulp down large amounts at once, which might increase the risk of your cat vomiting food.

Reacting to new food

Sudden changes in diet or food sensitivities can upset a cat's stomach. That’s why it’s best to transition gradually rather than switching all at once. You can start by mixing a small portion of the new food (about 25%) with their current food. Over time, steadily increase the amount of new food while reducing the old. For more details on cat feeding, take some time to read up on our cat diet guide.(open in new tab)

Eating too quickly

For minor issues like eating too fast, try offering smaller, more frequent meals or using a slow-feeder bowl. If you’re in a multi-cat household, try to designate feeding areas for each of your pets.

Hairballs

While cat vomiting hairballs is natural, there are preventive measures you can take to reduce how often it happens. Regular grooming helps minimize loose fur, and offering hairball-specific food, such as WHISKAS® Hairball Control(open in new tab) can manage this issue!

Other gastrointestinal conditions, organ dysfunction or infections

In cases of chronic cat puking or symptoms like lethargy, diarrhea, or weight loss, visit your veterinarian immediately. They can perform tests to identify underlying issues, such as infections, dietary intolerances, or more serious conditions like kidney disease.

Avoid giving over-the-counter medications without vet approval, as some are toxic to cats. Most importantly, act promptly if you suspect poisoning or a blockage. With the right care and attention, your furry friend will be back to their playful self in no time!

When to Seek Veterinary Help for a Vomiting Cat

To watch your beloved cat puking can be painful for you, but how do you know when it is time to call the vet?

Occasional vomiting like from hairballs or cat vomiting food from eating too quickly, usually isn’t cause for alarm. However, certain signs indicate that professional help is needed.

If your cat vomits multiple times in a day
Continues vomiting for over 24 hours
Shows additional symptoms like lethargy, diarrhoea, or loss of appetite
Vomiting accompanied by weight loss, blood in the vomit, or severe dehydration
If your cat ingests something toxic, such as plants, medications, or chemicals

Note subtle changes in behaviour of your furry buddy like avoiding food or becoming unusually withdrawn. When in doubt, trust your instincts. Prompt veterinary care can make all the difference in ensuring your feline friend’s health.

What other treatment or diagnostic testing may be required?

Your vet may recommend additional treatments or diagnostic testing to uncover the root causes of cat vomiting as they might be crucial in ensuring your feline gets the right care.

Diagnostic examinations could consist of:

Physical examination and bloodwork to check organ function, dehydration, and infections
Ultrasound or X-rays to identify obstructions, foreign objects, and digestive problems
Tests on feces can be used to rule out parasites
Biopsy can be used to identify inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) or cancer
For suspected food allergies, an elimination diet can help pinpoint the culprit ingredient

Treatments vary depending on the cause. Mild cases may require anti-nausea medication, fluid therapy, or a prescription diet. More serious issues like blockages may involve surgery, while chronic conditions like hyperthyroidism or IBD may need long-term management with medication and dietary adjustments.

By working closely with your vet, you’ll not only treat the immediate symptoms but also address the underlying cause, ensuring your cat’s health and well-being are restored.

Monitor Cat Vomiting to Secure Your Pet’s Health

Vomiting in cats can range from harmless hairballs to signs of more serious illness. What matters most is observing patterns and staying alert to other symptoms such as lethargy, weight loss, or diarrhea. If vomiting becomes frequent or appears in a certain color, the safest step is always to consult your veterinarian.

With a proactive approach to care paired with guidance from your vet, your fur baby friend can stay happy and healthy. For more tips on pet parenting, visit the Whiskas® blog for proven tips on cat and kitten care.

Frequently Asked Questions

All Questions Causes and Solutions for Cat Vomiting

When should I be concerned about my cat throwing up?

Occasional vomiting, such as hairballs or mild stomach upset, may not be a cause for alarm. However, bloody or brown vomit can indicate serious health issues like parasites, gastroenteritis, or even cancer that require immediate veterinary attention. If your cat is vomiting frequently or showing other symptoms such as lethargy or loss of appetite, it’s best to consult your vet right away.
What does white foamy vomit mean?

When you see a cat vomit white foam, it usually points to stomach irritation from an empty stomach or mild gastritis. Offering smaller, more frequent meals or giving snacks in between can often prevent it. But if your cat vomits white foam regularly, it could signal a deeper issue that needs veterinary care.
Why is my cat vomiting yellow bile?

Cat vomit in yellow is usually caused by bile, which builds up when your cat’s stomach is empty or when acid irritation occurs. Feeding smaller meals more frequently throughout the day can help reduce these episodes. If cat vomit yellow is a recurring problem, schedule a vet visit to rule out chronic digestive conditions.
What does concerning cat vomit look like?

Not all vomiting needs urgent care, but certain types of vomit are concerning. A cat vomiting hairballs is often normal, but vomit that contains bile, blood, or appears dark can be a red flag. These symptoms may indicate internal bleeding, blockages, or other serious conditions and should be treated as emergencies.
How do you treat a vomiting cat?

Treatment depends on the cause. If a cat vomits after eating too quickly, smaller meals or slow-feeder bowls can help. For frequent cat vomiting hairballs, regular grooming and specialized diets may reduce the problem. In all cases, make sure your cat stays hydrated. If vomiting continues despite these adjustments, or if it comes with worrying symptoms, seek veterinary advice.