How Can I Stop My Cat From Throwing Up: Causes & Cures

If you’re asking, “How can I stop my cat from throwing up?” know that occasional vomiting can be normal for cats, but frequent or severe instances require attention. We’ll explore common cat vomiting causes and effective feline regurgitation remedies to help you find a cat sick solution.

Cats are meticulous groomers, and sometimes their efforts lead to an unwelcome aftermath: vomiting. While a single episode of your cat throwing up might not be a cause for alarm, repeated incidents, or vomiting accompanied by other symptoms, can signal an underlying problem. This guide aims to demystify what makes cats throw up, offering practical advice and solutions for concerned cat parents.

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Deciphering Why Cats Vomit

Vomiting in cats can stem from a variety of factors, ranging from simple dietary indiscretions to more serious medical conditions. Identifying the cause is the first step towards finding an effective remedy.

Common Causes of Cat Vomiting

Let’s delve into some of the most frequent reasons behind your feline friend’s upset stomach.

Dietary Indiscretions and Food Sensitivities

• Eating too quickly: Many cats scarf down their food, leading to indigestion and subsequent vomiting. The food may be undigested or partially digested.
• Sudden diet changes: Introducing a new food too abruptly can shock a cat’s sensitive digestive system.
• Food allergies or intolerances: Cats can develop sensitivities to certain ingredients, such as proteins (chicken, beef, fish) or grains. This can manifest as vomiting, diarrhea, or skin issues.
• Spoiled food: Eating contaminated or expired food is a common cause of stomach upset and vomiting.
• Ingestion of non-food items: Cats are curious and may ingest things like string, tinsel, small toys, or plastic wrappers, which can cause blockages or irritation.

Hairballs: A Frequent Culprit

Hairballs are a very common reason for cat gagging and vomiting. When cats groom themselves, they ingest loose hair. This hair can accumulate in the stomach and form a hairball, which the cat then vomits up. While normal to some extent, excessive hairballs can indicate an issue with grooming habits or diet.

• Causes of excessive hairballs:
  • Long-haired breeds are more prone to hairball issues.
  • Over-grooming due to stress, anxiety, or skin irritation.
  • Lack of proper grooming by the owner.

Parasites and Infections

Internal parasites, such as roundworms and tapeworms, can irritate a cat’s digestive tract and lead to vomiting. Bacterial or viral infections can also cause gastrointestinal upset.

Medical Conditions

Several medical conditions can present with vomiting as a primary symptom.

• Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): A chronic condition causing inflammation of the digestive tract.
• Kidney disease: As kidney function declines, toxins can build up in the bloodstream, leading to nausea and vomiting.
• Liver disease: Impaired liver function can affect digestion and toxin processing.
• Pancreatitis: Inflammation of the pancreas, often painful and causing vomiting.
• Hyperthyroidism: An overactive thyroid gland can speed up metabolism and lead to vomiting, weight loss, and increased appetite.
• Diabetes mellitus: Poorly managed diabetes can cause nausea and vomiting.
• Gastrointestinal cancers: Tumors in the stomach or intestines can obstruct food passage or cause irritation.
• Obstructions: Ingested foreign objects or intestinal blockages can prevent food from moving, leading to vomiting. This is a medical emergency.

Toxins and Ingested Irritants

• Certain plants: Many common houseplants are toxic to cats, and ingestion can cause vomiting. Examples include lilies, poinsettias, and tulips.
• Human medications: Even small amounts of over-the-counter or prescription medications can be dangerous.
• Household chemicals: Cleaners, antifreeze, and pesticides can be highly toxic.
• Certain foods: Chocolate, onions, garlic, and grapes are toxic to cats.

Stress and Anxiety

Just like humans, cats can experience gastrointestinal upset due to stress or anxiety. Changes in their environment, new pets, or loud noises can trigger this.

Recognizing the Signs and Symptoms

It’s crucial to differentiate between simple regurgitation and true vomiting.

• Regurgitation: This is the passive expulsion of undigested food from the esophagus, usually shortly after eating. The material is often tube-shaped and may not appear digested. Cats may gag or retch briefly before regurgitating.
• Vomiting: This is an active process involving abdominal contractions and forceful expulsion of stomach contents. The vomited material may contain bile, partially digested food, or foreign objects. Cats will often heave or retch before vomiting.

Other symptoms that may accompany vomiting include:

• Lethargy
• Loss of appetite (cat appetite loss vomiting)
• Diarrhea
• Weight loss
• Dehydration
• Abdominal pain
• Changes in thirst or urination
• Fever

If your cat is experiencing cat appetite loss vomiting or showing any of these other symptoms, it’s essential to seek veterinary advice promptly.

Strategies for Stopping Your Cat From Throwing Up

Once the cause is identified, you can implement targeted solutions.

Addressing Dietary Issues

• Slow down eating:
  • Use slow-feeder bowls or puzzle feeders.
  • Place a large, smooth stone or a heavy ceramic dish in the food bowl to break up the food and force the cat to eat around it.
  • Feed smaller, more frequent meals.
• Gradual diet changes: When switching food, mix the new food with the old over 7-10 days, gradually increasing the proportion of new food.
• Identify and avoid allergens: Work with your veterinarian to identify potential food allergens through elimination diets.
• Ensure food quality: Always provide fresh, high-quality cat food. Check expiration dates and store food properly.

Managing Hairballs

• Regular grooming: Brush your cat daily, especially long-haired breeds, to remove loose hair before they ingest it.
• Hairball remedies:
  • Hairball formulas: Many commercial cat foods are formulated to help prevent hairballs.
  • Hairball pastes/gels: These are typically petroleum-based or malt-based and help lubricate the digestive tract, allowing hairballs to pass more easily. Administer as directed by your vet.
  • Laxatone: A popular brand of palatable laxative paste.
• Increased fiber: Some veterinarians recommend adding a small amount of fiber (like psyllium) to your cat’s diet, but consult your vet first.

Veterinary Intervention and Medical Conditions

If your cat is frequently vomiting, or if you suspect a medical issue, a veterinary visit is non-negotiable.

• Diagnosis: Your veterinarian will perform a physical examination, discuss your cat’s history, and may recommend diagnostic tests such as:
  • Bloodwork (CBC, chemistry panel)
  • Urinalysis
  • Fecal examination
  • X-rays or ultrasound
  • Endoscopy
• Treatment: Treatment will depend on the diagnosis:
  • Medications: Anti-nausea medications, anti-inflammatories, antibiotics, dewormers, or medications specific to the underlying condition.
  • Dietary changes: Prescription diets formulated for sensitive stomachs or specific medical conditions.
  • Fluid therapy: To combat dehydration.
  • Surgery: In cases of obstructions or tumors.

Natural and Home Remedies (with caution!)

While not a substitute for veterinary care, some gentle remedies might help with mild upset stomachs.

• Probiotics: These can help restore the balance of good bacteria in the gut, which may aid in digestion and alleviate digestive issues in cats.
• Slippery elm: This herb forms a soothing gel when mixed with water and can coat the lining of the stomach and intestines, providing relief from irritation. Administer in small doses as a paste or in water.
• Marshmallow root: Similar to slippery elm, it can soothe the digestive tract.

Important Note: Always consult your veterinarian before administering any new supplements or remedies to your cat, even natural ones. What might be safe for one cat could be harmful to another, especially if they have underlying health conditions.

Specific Scenarios and What They Mean

Cat Throwing Up Bile

When a cat vomits bile, it usually means their stomach is empty. Bile is a greenish-yellow fluid produced by the liver to aid digestion. If the stomach is empty, bile can back up from the small intestine into the stomach, and then be vomited. This often happens if a cat hasn’t eaten for a while or if they have an upset stomach that prevents them from keeping food down. It can indicate digestive issues in cats or simply an empty stomach.

Cat Upset Stomach Treatment

For a general cat upset stomach treatment, focus on observation, gradual dietary changes (if appropriate), and ensuring hydration. If the upset stomach persists or is accompanied by other symptoms, veterinary consultation is crucial.

Cat Appetite Loss Vomiting

This combination of symptoms is a significant concern. It suggests that the cat is not only experiencing nausea or vomiting but is also not feeling well enough to eat. This can lead to rapid dehydration and nutritional deficiencies. Cat appetite loss vomiting warrants immediate veterinary attention to identify and treat the underlying cause.

Cat Gagging and Vomiting

This can be indicative of various issues, from a simple hairball to a more serious problem like a foreign body obstruction, pharyngeal irritation, or even asthma if it’s a wheezing-like gag. Paying attention to the timing (before or after eating), the consistency of what is vomited, and any other accompanying sounds or symptoms is vital for the vet.

Prevention Strategies

• High-quality diet: Feed a balanced, age-appropriate diet.
• Regular grooming: Especially for long-haired cats.
• Safe environment: Keep toxic plants, medications, and small objects out of reach.
• Manage stress: Provide a stable environment and enrich your cat’s life with toys and interaction.
• Routine veterinary check-ups: Catching problems early is key.

When to Seek Veterinary Care Urgently

It’s crucial to know when to go to the vet. Do not hesitate if you observe any of the following:

• Vomiting more than once or twice in 24 hours.
• Vomiting blood or material that looks like coffee grounds.
• Vomiting accompanied by lethargy, weakness, or collapse.
• Vomiting with signs of dehydration (lethargy, sunken eyes, dry gums, loss of skin elasticity).
• Vomiting with severe diarrhea or constipation.
• Suspected ingestion of a toxin or foreign object.
• Vomiting in kittens or elderly cats, who are more vulnerable.
• Vomiting associated with significant weight loss or changes in behavior.

Table: Common Vomiting Causes and Potential Solutions

Cause	Description	Potential Solutions
Hairballs	Ingested hair forms a mass in the stomach, causing irritation and vomiting.	Regular grooming, hairball prevention diets, hairball remedies (pastes/gels).
Dietary Indiscretions	Eating too quickly, sudden food changes, spoiled food.	Slow feeders, gradual diet changes, fresh food, smaller/frequent meals.
Food Allergies/Intolerances	Reaction to specific food ingredients.	Veterinary consultation for diagnosis and elimination diet, hypoallergenic or limited ingredient diets.
Gastrointestinal Parasites	Worms or other parasites irritating the digestive tract.	Fecal examination, deworming medication prescribed by a veterinarian.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)	Chronic inflammation of the digestive tract.	Veterinary diagnosis, prescription diets, immunosuppressive medications, probiotics.
Kidney Disease	Impaired kidney function leads to toxin buildup.	Veterinary diagnosis and management, fluid therapy, prescription diets, medications to manage symptoms.
Hyperthyroidism	Overactive thyroid gland.	Veterinary diagnosis and treatment (medication, radioactive iodine therapy, surgery), dietary management.
Ingestion of Foreign Bodies	Swallowing indigestible items causing blockages.	Veterinary diagnosis (X-rays/ultrasound), surgical removal (medical emergency).
Toxin Ingestion	Eating poisonous plants, chemicals, or human medications.	Immediate veterinary attention. Identify the toxin if possible. Supportive care and decontamination.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: How often is it normal for a cat to vomit?

A: Occasional vomiting, perhaps once every few weeks or months, especially if it’s a clear hairball, might be considered normal for some cats. However, any vomiting that is frequent (more than once a month), contains blood, or is associated with other symptoms like lethargy or appetite loss should be evaluated by a veterinarian.

Q2: What human foods can make my cat sick?

A: Many human foods are toxic to cats. These include chocolate, onions, garlic, grapes, raisins, xylitol (an artificial sweetener), alcohol, and caffeine. Always avoid feeding your cat table scraps without consulting your vet.

Q3: My cat vomits after eating. What should I do?

A: This could be due to eating too fast, food sensitivities, or an underlying digestive issue. Try slowing down their eating with a slow-feeder bowl. If the problem persists, consult your veterinarian to rule out other causes.

Q4: Can stress cause my cat to throw up?

A: Yes, stress and anxiety can certainly affect a cat’s digestive system and lead to vomiting. Changes in environment, new pets, or loud noises can be triggers. Addressing the source of stress and providing a calming environment can help.

Q5: My cat is throwing up clear fluid. What does this mean?

A: Throwing up clear fluid, often described as watery or foamy, usually indicates an empty stomach, similar to vomiting bile. It might happen if the cat hasn’t eaten for a while, or it could be a sign of gastrointestinal irritation or inflammation. If it’s a recurring issue, a vet visit is recommended.

By staying vigilant and informed about the potential causes and cures for your cat’s vomiting, you can ensure they live a healthy and comfortable life. Remember, your veterinarian is your best resource for any persistent or concerning health issues.