Many cat owners experience their pets vomiting from time to time, often without concern. Occasional vomiting is usually due to minor issues like hairballs, overeating, or eating grass. However, if your cat vomits frequently, it could indicate a more serious condition that requires veterinary attention. Chronic vomiting, lasting several days to weeks, may stem from gastrointestinal or systemic disorders.
What Is Cat Vomiting?
Vomiting is the forceful expulsion of stomach contents through the mouth. It's different from regurgitation, which is a passive process where food is gently brought up from the esophagus. Cats that vomit often show signs of nausea, such as drooling, lip-licking, and excessive swallowing before they throw up.
Common Types of Cat Vomit
1. Hairballs: Clumps of matted fur, sometimes mixed with clear or yellow liquid.
2. Undigested Food: Chunks of food shortly after eating.
3. Foamy or White Vomit: White, frothy liquid.
4. Yellow or Green Vomit (Bile): Watery liquid with a yellow or green tint.
5. Clear Liquid: Watery, colourless fluid.
6. Bloody Vomit (Hematemesis): Red or coffee-ground-like appearance.
7. Mucus-Like Vomit: Slimy, clear, or slightly yellow with mucus.
Potential Causes of Vomiting in Cats
If your cat is vomiting, it can be due to various causes. In chronic cases, it's crucial for your veterinarian to determine the underlying issue for effective treatment. Common causes include:
• Hairballs from grooming and swallowing fur
• Eating too quickly
• Sudden dietary changes without gradual transition
• Eating grass or other plants
• Regurgitating prey caught outside
• Ingesting spoiled food, toxins, or foreign objects
• Food intolerances, allergies, or sensitivities
• Dental issues affecting chewing
• Gastrointestinal infections (viruses, bacteria, fungi, parasites)
• Inflammatory bowel disease
• Tumors in the stomach or intestines
• Diseases affecting organs like the kidneys or liver
What About Bile?
Cats may vomit bile when they haven't eaten for a while and have an empty stomach. Bile, produced by the liver, aids in fat digestion. Frequent bile vomiting can indicate underlying health issues, so consult your vet if this occurs regularly.
What to Do If Your Cat Is Vomiting
After a single vomiting episode, monitor your cat for other signs of illness, such as lethargy, fever, or diarrhea. Check the vomit for clues about its contents—fur, grass, or undigested food can indicate the cause.
If your cat vomits, remove their food bowl for a few hours to allow their stomach to settle, but ensure they have access to fresh water. If the vomiting stops, gradually reintroduce small amounts of food. If they keep it down, continue offering small portions until they return to their normal feeding routine.
When to Call Your Vet
Contact your veterinarian if your cat's vomiting is persistent or if you notice any of the following:
• Blood in the vomit
• Suspected ingestion of poison
• Fever or depression
• Attempts to vomit without producing anything
• Signs of pain
• Yellow or pale gums
• Any other concerning physical or behavioural changes
Feeding a Vomiting Cat
If vomiting is frequent, consider a diet with:
• High-quality, easily digestible ingredients to reduce stomach strain.
• Limited protein sources to minimize allergic reactions.
If food allergies are suspected, your vet may recommend a hypoallergenic diet with hydrolysed proteins. For hairballs, feed a diet with fibre to help reduce hair accumulation in the gastrointestinal tract.
Always consult your veterinarian for tailored dietary recommendations based on your cat's health history and age.
