Skip to main content
  1. Home
  2. Cats

Why is your cat throwing up? A few concerning things might be going on

Paige Cerulli
By

If you’re wondering, “Why is my cat throwing up?”, it’s only natural for you to wonder what’s going on. When you have a cat, you’ll need to clean up after him when he throws up from time to time. Cats vomit hairballs, and often that’s no cause for concern. But sometimes, there are other causes behind your cat’s vomiting that need veterinary attention.

Knowing what’s normal and what might be unusual for your cat can help you determine if it’s time to call a vet, or if there are other steps you can take to help keep your cat’s vomiting to a minimum. If you notice your cat vomiting, tracking when and how often it happens can help you to determine what might be causing the problem.

Recommended Videos

Common reasons why cats throw up

As far as why your cat is throwing up, there are a few common reasons that might explain the issue. According to Carolina Veterinary Specialists, your cat’s vomiting might be an effort to get rid of a hairball. Hairballs form as a result of your cat’s grooming efforts, and they’re more common in longhaired cats who have more hair to deal with. Cats who groom themselves very thoroughly may also be more prone to the problem.

Most of the time, cats can easily vomit hairballs, but if you ever notice your cat struggling, contact your vet right away.

Cats may also vomit after they’ve eaten too much food too quickly. Some cats just get extra excited about mealtime, and they scarf their food down and vomit soon after. If your cat loves to eat his food quickly, consider using a slow-feeding cat bowl designed to force your cat to eat a little more gradually.

In some cases, if your cat vomits immediately after he eats, he might be experiencing an obstruction in his digestive tract or a problem with his esophagus. Watch your cat carefully at mealtime to see if this is an issue, and get him veterinary help right away if your cat appears to be unable to keep any food down.

Grey cat sitting behind a white cat and grooming it
Image used with permission by copyright holder

More serious causes of vomiting

While there are plenty of relatively harmless reasons why cats throw up, there can also be more serious issues behind your cat’s vomiting. PetMD explains that cats who have hypersensitivity to their diets might be experiencing an upset stomach that causes vomiting. Eating something they shouldn’t have or ingesting toxins can also cause vomiting, as can intestinal parasites.

Several other serious diseases can cause cats to vomit: pancreatitis, kidney disease, liver disease, cancer, diabetes, and certain neurologic diseases.

Treating vomiting in cats

The best way to treat your cat’s vomiting will depend on the issue that’s causing it. According to WebMD, you might explore several possible solutions at home.

If your cat is vomiting hairballs, then get in the habit of brushing your cat frequently to help keep him from ingesting so much hair. You can try feeding your cat a food that includes a hairball formula to help your cat’s digestive system break down the hair.

If your cat is overeating and then throwing up, try giving smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day so mealtime becomes a little less exciting.

You can also help prevent your cat from ingesting something harmful by keeping your house clean and keeping potentially dangerous items out of your cat’s reach. Keep medications, toxins like cleaning chemicals, bits of string and yarn, and other items safely stored away. Doing this could help to prevent a serious health issue and a trip to the vet.

Vet listening to a longhaired cat's heart
Image used with permission by copyright holder

When you should worry about your cat vomiting

Dr. Elizabeth Racine at Great Pet Care explains that if your cat’s vomiting changes in frequency, consistency, or volume, then it’s time to get your cat to the vet. Vomiting paired with other symptoms, including fever, lethargy, loss of appetite, and diarrhea, is also cause for concern.

Final thoughts

Your vet can help to identify the cause of your cat’s vomiting and find an appropriate treatment. In some cases, like if kidney disease is prompting the vomiting, your vet will treat the cause. If your cat is vomiting because of hairballs or digestive upset, your vet might recommend more frequent grooming or even a dietary change. And, if your vet finds that your cat has ingested a foreign body that can’t make it through his digestive tract, emergency surgery will be in order. Since there are so many potential causes for vomiting, and some of these causes can be serious and even life-threatening, it’s always best to schedule an appointment with your vet just to make sure your cat’s OK.

Editors' Recommendations

Topics
Paige Cerulli
Paige Cerulli
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Paige's work has appeared in American Veterinarian, Business Insider, Healthline, and more. When she's not writing, Paige…
The kind of nutty behavior to expect if you don’t neuter your cat
Will neutering your cat prevent destructive behavior? Here's what you need to know
Tiger cat meowing while walking across a patio

If you've adopted a male cat from a shelter or rescue, chances are your cat is already neutered. But if you've gotten your cat from a private breeder or seller, then you might be struggling with the decision to neuter your cat. When making that decision, it's important to think carefully about the pros and cons of that procedure. Neutering can have a strong effect on your male cat's behavior, so make sure you know what to expect from un-neutered male cat behavior when deciding on the best option for you and your cat.

What happens if I don't neuter my cat?
According to VCA Hospitals, un-neutered cats might contribute to the cat population control issue. Millions of cats are euthanized each year because there aren't enough homes for them, and an un-neutered male cat who comes into contact with an unspayed female can contribute to this ongoing issue.
Un-neutered male cat behavior can include several undesirable habits. Many un-neutered cats spray urine as a way of marking their territory, and they might do this within and outside of your home. An un-neutered cat is also more likely to be aggressive toward another un-neutered male. This is caused by competition between males who are trying to protect their territory, and these fights can result in serious injuries.
Cats that have not been fixed are also more likely to roam and travel great distances, particularly during mating season. This sexual interest may drive your cat to leave home and can increase the chances of his getting lost or injured while traveling.

Read more
Why you should feel honored if your cat sleeps at your feet
If you've ever wondered, 'Why do cats sleep at your feet?'— this article is for you
Calico cat lying on a white comforter

Have you noticed that when you go to bed, your cat automatically heads to the foot of the bed and curls up by your feet? It's no mistake, and it's not your cat giving you the cold shoulder, either. This is a deliberate decision on your cat's part, and there are many reasons why they might choose to sleep there instead of curling up on your stomach or by your shoulder. In fact, if your cat sleeps by your feet, you should take it as a compliment and feel flattered.

So, why do cats sleep at your feet? Factors like your cat's affection for you, making your cat feel safe, and even the body heat you generate probably played into your cat's decision to sleep at the foot of the bed.

Read more
Cats and fireworks don’t always mix: Try these tips to soothe your stressed pet
How to keep your cat calm during 4th of July fireworks
Cat hiding under a blanket

There's plenty of stress for cats on the 4th of July holiday, especially when fireworks are involved. Cats and fireworks don't always mix since many cats find them terrifying, and your cat could run away out of fear, get hurt, or just otherwise have a pretty miserable night.

Luckily, you have many ways to help your cat better cope with the fireworks. Your cat might not be totally comfortable with the event, but you can minimize their stress and help keep them safe. But don't wait until the last minute — you'll need to do some preparation up front to be effective and to truly help your furry friend.

Read more