Common Causes of Vomiting in Cats and When to Call the Vet

Understanding Vomiting in Cats

Vomiting is a frequent concern among cat owners and can stem from various causes, ranging from minor digestive issues to serious underlying health conditions. While an occasional hairball may not be alarming, frequent or persistent vomiting requires veterinary evaluation.

At Boca Midtowne Animal Hospital in Boca Raton, FL, we are dedicated to helping pet owners understand why their cats vomit and when professional care is necessary. Knowing the signs of an emergency can make all the difference in keeping your feline friend healthy.

Common Causes of Vomiting in Cats

1. Dietary Causes

  • Eating too fast – Cats that eat rapidly may regurgitate undigested food.
  • Dietary indiscretion – Consuming spoiled food, foreign objects, or new treats may cause stomach upset.
  • Food allergies or sensitivities – Certain ingredients in commercial cat food can trigger vomiting.

2. Hairballs (Trichobezoars)

  • Long-haired cats or frequent groomers ingest fur, which can accumulate in the stomach.
  • If a hairball is not passed through stool, it can lead to vomiting.
  • Regular grooming and hairball-control diets can help reduce hairball formation.

3. Gastrointestinal Diseases

  • Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) – Chronic vomiting, diarrhea, and weight loss may indicate IBD.
  • Gastrointestinal infections – Bacterial, viral, or parasitic infections can cause digestive distress.
  • Foreign body obstruction – If a cat swallows a string, toy, or hair tie, it can cause vomiting and require emergency surgery.

4. Systemic Diseases

5. Toxins and Poisoning

  • Common household toxins:
    • Lilies, poinsettias, and sago palms.
    • Human medications such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen.
    • Cleaning products and antifreeze.
  • Toxic human foods:
    • Chocolate, onions, garlic, grapes, and xylitol.

Types of Cat Vomit and What They Mean

Identifying the appearance of your cat’s vomit can provide clues about the underlying cause:

  • Hairballs – Cylindrical, matted fur indicates hairball-related vomiting.
  • White, foamy vomit – May result from stomach acid buildup or an empty stomach.
  • Yellow or green vomit – Presence of bile, which can indicate gastrointestinal distress.
  • Bloody vomit – May signal ulcers, internal bleeding, or poisoning.
  • Undigested food – Can result from eating too quickly, food sensitivities, or an obstruction.
  • Worms in vomit – May indicate an intestinal parasite infestation requiring deworming.

Learn more about types of cat vomit – Purina.

When to Call the Vet: Signs of a Medical Emergency

Not all vomiting is an emergency, but seek veterinary care immediately if your cat experiences:

  • Frequent vomiting – Multiple times a day or over several consecutive days.
  • Vomiting with lethargy, diarrhea, or refusal to eat.
  • Blood in vomit – Fresh red blood or dark, coffee-ground-like appearance.
  • Signs of dehydration – Sunken eyes, dry gums, excessive thirst.
  • Straining to vomit with no result – May indicate an obstruction requiring emergency surgery.

If your cat displays any of these symptoms, Boca Midtowne Animal Hospital is here to help. Contact us immediately to schedule an appointment.

How Veterinarians Diagnose Vomiting in Cats

At Boca Midtowne Animal Hospital, we use comprehensive diagnostic testing to determine the cause of vomiting:

1. Physical Examination

  • Evaluates hydration, weight loss, and abdominal discomfort.

2. Laboratory Testing

  • Bloodwork – Screens for infections, kidney disease, and thyroid imbalances.
  • Fecal exam – Identifies parasites or bacterial infections.
  • Urinalysis – Helps diagnose systemic diseases like diabetes or kidney failure.

3. Imaging (X-Rays & Ultrasound)

  • Detects foreign objects, tumors, or abnormalities in the digestive tract.

Explore our veterinary services for a full list of diagnostics available at our hospital.

Treatment Options for Vomiting Cats

The right treatment depends on the underlying cause and may include:

  • Dietary modifications – Prescription diets for food allergies or sensitive stomachs.
  • Medications – Anti-nausea drugs, antibiotics, or anti-inflammatory treatments.
  • Fluid therapy – Essential for rehydration and electrolyte balance.
  • Surgery – Necessary for removing foreign objects or tumors.

Our veterinary team tailors treatment plans based on your cat’s individual needs.

Preventing Vomiting in Cats

Dietary Tips

  • Feed small, frequent meals to prevent overeating.
  • Use slow feeder bowls to control rapid eating.
  • Transition to new diets gradually to avoid digestive upset.

Hairball Prevention

  • Regularly brush long-haired cats to reduce shedding.
  • Provide hairball-control food or supplements to help digestion.

Household Safety

  • Keep toxic foods, plants, and medications out of reach.
  • Ensure clean water and a low-stress environment to promote overall health.

Vomiting in cats can be caused by minor digestive issues or serious medical conditions. Recognizing symptoms and knowing when to seek veterinary care is essential for your cat’s well-being.

If your cat is experiencing frequent vomiting or signs of illness, Boca Midtowne Animal Hospital is here to provide expert diagnosis, treatment, and preventive care to keep your feline companion healthy.

Concerned about your cat’s vomiting? Schedule an appointment today!