Why Do Cats Vomit? Explaining the Reasons and Diseases to Watch Out For

Cats often vomit. They may throw up hairballs or regurgitate food. Even though this is a natural behavior for cats, it's worrying to see them in distress.

However, if vomiting is repeated, or if blood is mixed in the vomit, it could be a sign of illness, so caution is needed.

This article will explain in detail the causes of cat vomiting and possible related illnesses.

Reasons Why Cats Often Vomit

Cats often vomit even when they are not sick. The reason for this lies in their natural behaviors.

One reason is related to their eating habits, and the other is related to grooming. In these cases, it's a physiological phenomenon, so there's not much to worry about.

It's reassuring to know the characteristics of vomiting that is not caused by illness.

"Regurgitation" where they vomit food whole

The ancestors of cats lived by hunting. To protect themselves from enemies, they have a habit of eating quickly and swallowing prey whole without chewing.

Furthermore, to move agilely, cats have small stomachs. When a large amount of food is pushed into a small stomach all at once, it can't be digested completely and flows back up.

Vomiting food immediately after eating is considered "regurgitation." This can sometimes be improved by using regurgitation-reducing food or elevated bowls.

Vomiting "hairballs" swallowed during grooming

Cats are very clean creatures, so grooming is essential for them.

However, they also swallow loose hair, so hairballs accumulate in their stomach. Since hairballs cannot be digested, cats either excrete them with their feces or vomit them out.

Particular caution is needed during shedding season when hair loss increases. Be sure to brush your cat daily to remove excess hair.

Incidentally, "cat grass" is believed to stimulate the stomach and induce vomiting.

Diseases and Causes of Vomiting in Cats

What is concerning is vomiting caused by "illness." Vomiting can also be caused by accidental ingestion, allergies, or stress.

If you notice any unusual behavior, take your cat to the vet.

Vomiting due to infectious diseases or internal organ diseases

Repeated vomiting multiple times a day, blood mixed in vomit, diarrhea, or loss of appetite, along with other symptoms, may be signs of illness.

Keep a memo of your cat's changes in condition and visit the vet as soon as possible.

・Gastroenteritis due to infection

Infections caused by bacteria, viruses, or parasites can lead to digestive symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhea.

Some viral gastroenteritis can be prevented by vaccination. However, there is no established vaccine for FIP (feline infectious peritonitis), and it currently has a high mortality rate.

・Kidney failure

If the kidneys are weakened due to acute or chronic kidney disease, uremia can occur, leading to symptoms of vomiting. This is especially true for senior cats. It's important to observe changes in urine volume, frequency, and water intake to notice even slight differences.

・Pancreatitis/Hepatitis

Pancreatitis is a disease where the pancreas becomes inflamed. If acute pancreatitis occurs, abdominal pain and severe vomiting are observed.

Hepatitis is a disease where liver dysfunction causes toxins to accumulate in the body, leading to symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhea.

・Other internal organ diseases

Tumors in the intestines or other organs can compress the stomach and cause vomiting. Also, chronic vomiting and diarrhea can occur due to unexplained inflammation.

Vomiting caused by poisoning, accidental ingestion, allergies, or heatstroke

Poisoning, accidental ingestion, and allergies can be life-threatening. Anything that your cat might accidentally eat should be stored out of their reach.

・Poisoning

Accidental ingestion of detergents, desiccants, deoxidizers, coolants, human medicines, etc., can cause symptoms of poisoning.

Food poisoning can also occur from eating spoiled food or water. Extra caution is needed during the rainy season and summer, when high temperatures and humidity are common.

・Accidental ingestion

If your cat swallows foreign objects like toys, it can be very dangerous, causing damage to the gastrointestinal tract or intestinal obstruction.

"String" is particularly dangerous. If a string gets caught in the intestines, there is a risk of necrosis. Do not leave string-like objects within your cat's reach.

・Food allergies

Vomiting can occur due to allergic reactions to food. When switching to new food, introduce it gradually over time.

・Heatstroke / Summer fatigue

Early symptoms of heatstroke may only be lethargy and loss of appetite, but in severe cases, symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhea may also be observed. It can even be fatal, so pay attention to room temperature control and hydration.

Vomiting caused by constipation or stress

Cats can also get constipated, and stress can cause digestive symptoms such as diarrhea and vomiting.

・Constipation

Vomiting can also be caused by constipation. In addition to vomiting, symptoms such as lethargy and loss of appetite may also be observed. If constipation continues for several days, your cat will suffer. You should visit a veterinary hospital.

・Stress

Just like humans, cats also vomit due to stress. When cats feel stressed, they are prone to digestive system abnormalities. This is especially true for kittens.

How to Deal with Cat Vomiting

It's easy to panic when your cat is distressed and gagging, but first, calmly check what they have vomited.

"Hairballs" or "regurgitation" are usually not a cause for great concern.

However, if your cat is repeatedly or violently vomiting, it's likely that something is wrong with their health.

Be cautious if there are other symptoms besides vomiting, such as loss of appetite, lethargy, diarrhea, or a possibility of accidental ingestion. Seek veterinary attention immediately.

Check the color when your cat vomits

Let's check the color of what your cat has vomited.

・Vomiting clear liquid or white foam

Clear liquid or white foam is stomach acid. Cats may vomit stomach acid when they are too hungry, but it's usually not a problem if they are eating normally.

If vomiting is repeated, it could be a sign of accidental ingestion or digestive issues.

・Vomiting yellow liquid

Yellow liquid is likely bile. Similar to stomach acid, bile can back up and cause vomiting when the cat is too hungry.

This can be prevented by feeding smaller, more frequent meals, but it could also indicate a stomach issue, so observe your cat carefully.

・Vomiting brownish matter

If the vomit is paste-like, it is likely undigested food. The food may not agree with your cat and could be causing indigestion.

Additionally, if there's a foul, bloody odor, it could indicate bleeding from the stomach or intestines, which appears brownish when oxidized. Anemia can also occur, so seek veterinary attention immediately.

・Vomiting greenish matter

If the vomited material is greenish liquid or foam, it is highly dangerous. It could be due to an inflamed pancreas, or an intestinal obstruction caused by swallowing a foreign object, which can be life-threatening. Seek veterinary attention immediately.

・Blood mixed in

There might be bleeding in the mouth or throat. Blood can also be mixed in if a foreign object was ingested.

・Drooling

If your cat is trying to vomit but only drooling, it could be a hairball problem where hair is accumulated in the stomach.

Clearly communicate the frequency of vomiting and symptoms to the veterinarian.

When visiting the vet, be sure to clearly communicate the number of times your cat has vomited and the frequency.

Furthermore, taking a photo of the vomit or bringing it in a sealed container can help convey the symptoms accurately.

Use your cat's health record book to note down your cat's condition.

Summary

Vomiting hairballs or regurgitating food is a common occurrence even in healthy cats.

However, vomiting can also be caused by illness, stress, or accidental ingestion. If you notice any unusual behavior, consult a vet immediately.

If your cat vomits, it's important to observe for any other symptoms, as well as the color and contents of the vomit. Note these down as they will be helpful for the veterinary examination.

Poponeko's "Cat Health Journal" allows you to quickly note down changes in your cat's condition. By establishing a habit of recording, you won't miss any signs of illness.

Would you like to start managing your cat's health for their vitality and longevity?

Author Profile