Is Your Cat Vomiting? Here's What You Should Know
Seeing your cat vomit can be concerning, but occasional cat puking is quite common. Some cats vomit once or twice a month due to minor digestive issues, while others throw up hairballs every few weeks. However, frequent vomiting or changes in vomit appearance can indicate a serious health concern. Understanding why your cat is vomiting and when to seek help is crucial for their well-being.

 

What to Do If Your Cat is Vomiting

If your cat has vomited, follow these steps:

• Stop feeding for 2-4 hours to let their stomach settle.
• Provide small amounts of water frequently.
• Offer a bland diet, such as plain boiled chicken or white fish, in small portions every 2 hours.
• If your cat can’t keep food or water down, contact your vet immediately.

 

Why Is Your Cat Vomiting?

There are several reasons why your cat may be vomiting, ranging from minor to serious health concerns.

Common Causes of Cat Vomiting

• Dietary indiscretion: Eating spoiled food, garbage, or foreign objects like plants and toys.
• Hairballs: A common cause of cat vomiting, especially in long-haired breeds. Regular grooming can help prevent this.
• Gastrointestinal issues: Conditions like inflammatory bowel disease, intestinal blockages, or parasites can trigger vomiting.
• Viral infections: Illnesses like panleukopenia or calicivirus can cause vomiting along with other symptoms.
• Underlying medical conditions: Diseases such as diabetes, kidney disease, liver disease, and even cancer may lead to vomiting.

Your vet will ask specific questions to determine the cause, such as:

• Has your cat’s diet changed recently?
• Are they on any new medications?
• Are other pets in the house also vomiting?
• How frequently is your cat vomiting, and what does the vomit look like?
• Is your cat showing other symptoms like weight loss or diarrhoea?

 

Cat Regurgitation vs. Vomiting

Understanding whether your cat is vomiting or regurgitating can help with diagnosis.

• Vomiting is an active process where food or liquid is expelled from the stomach or intestines. It is often preceded by heaving, retching, or drooling. The vomit may contain bile (yellow-green liquid) or digested food.
• Regurgitation is a passive process where food or water is expelled from the oesophagus. It happens soon after eating and is often quiet, with no warning signs. The food may be undigested and covered in mucus.

 

Acute vs. Chronic Vomiting in Cats

• Acute vomiting happens suddenly and is usually caused by something minor, like eating spoiled food or a mild infection. It often resolves quickly with treatment.
• Chronic vomiting occurs over time and is linked to ongoing conditions such as kidney disease, inflammatory bowel disease, or hyperthyroidism. Long-term management is required.

 

What does the colour of your cat’s vomit mean?

The appearance of your cat’s vomit can provide clues about their health.

• Undigested food: Likely due to eating too fast. Slow feeders can help.
• Hairballs: Common in cats. Regular grooming can prevent them.
• Mucus: Often a sign of regurgitation rather than vomiting.
• Clear liquid: Usually means your cat drank too much water.
• White foam: May indicate stomach inflammation.
• Blood (red or dark coffee grounds): Could be due to irritation, ulcers, or injury. Seek veterinary care.
• Yellow bile: Occurs when the stomach is empty for too long. Adjust feeding schedules if this is frequent.
• Green vomit: Suggests bile from the intestines.
• Black liquid: Often indicates internal bleeding and requires urgent vet attention.
• Worms: A sign of intestinal parasites. Deworming treatment is needed.

 

Vomiting in Cats: When to Worry

If your cat is vomiting frequently, it’s important to seek veterinary care. Signs that require immediate attention include:

• Vomiting multiple times in 24 hours.
• Vomiting that continues for more than two days.
• Lethargy or unwillingness to play.
• Signs of pain or discomfort.
• Attempting to vomit without bringing anything up.
• Vomiting blood or dark coffee ground-like particles.
• Possible ingestion of toxic substances or foreign objects.

 

How to Treat a Vomiting Cat

The right treatment depends on the cause of vomiting. Some cats may only need dietary adjustments, while others require medical treatment.

Dietary Changes

Cats with sensitive stomachs may benefit from specially formulated diets such as:

• Royal Canin Renal Chic Cat Gravy Pouch (for kidney health).
• Calibra Gastro Cat Dry Food (for digestive support).

Medications and Supplements

• Anti-emetics: Such as Emepet oral spray to reduce nausea.
• Antacids: Like Acd-O-Care Syrup for acid reflux.
• Corticosteroids: Such as prednisolone for inflammatory conditions.
• Antibiotics: Like ampicillin for bacterial infections.
• Deworming treatments: Such as pyrantel or praziquantel for parasites.
• Probiotics: Like Renodis capsules for gut health.

For mild cases, home treatment with hydration and a bland diet may be enough. Severe cases may require hospitalisation and intravenous fluids. Please consult a vet before giving any medications.

 

Final Thoughts

While cat vomiting is common, it’s important to monitor frequency and symptoms. Occasional vomiting may not be a concern, but persistent issues should be checked by a vet.

If your cat needs medical care or special diets, you can find all essential treatments and medications online at Animeal.in. Always seek veterinary advice before starting any new treatment.