Cat Vomiting: Types, Causes, and Treatments

Cat vomiting is a common concern among pet owners, but it’s important to know when it’s harmless and when it could signal something serious. While an occasional episode might not be alarming, frequent or unusual vomiting can point to underlying health problems. Understanding the types, causes, and treatments of cat vomiting can help you take better care of your feline friend.

Vomiting is the active motion of ejecting contents from the stomach or small intestines through the mouth. It differs from regurgitation, which is passive and usually brings up undigested food or fluids without warning. Regurgitation often happens when a cat eats too fast or has a hairball.

If you’re unsure whether your cat is vomiting, coughing, or regurgitating, it’s helpful to record a video and show it to your vet for accurate diagnosis.

Acute Vomiting

This refers to a sudden onset of vomiting. It often occurs when a cat eats something unusual, has a mild infection, or reacts to a new food or medication. Acute vomiting may resolve quickly with simple care if the cat is otherwise acting normal and eating.

Chronic Vomiting

Chronic vomiting means your cat vomits regularly (daily, weekly, or monthly) over a longer period. Causes can include conditions like inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), hyperthyroidism, kidney disease, or food allergies. Chronically vomiting cats need a veterinary evaluation even if they appear normal otherwise.

Vomiting can result from both gastrointestinal and non-gastrointestinal issues. Some common causes include:

• Dietary indiscretion (eating spoiled food, plants, or garbage)
• Foreign objects (toys, hairballs, string)
• Parasites (especially roundworms)
• Food allergies or intolerances
• Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
• Pancreatitis
• Kidney or liver disease
• Hyperthyroidism
• Cancer
• Medications or toxins
• Infections (bacterial, viral, or fungal)

Yellow/Bile Vomit

Often happens when the cat’s stomach is empty. Bile from the intestines is brought up due to skipped meals or overnight fasting.

White Foam

Usually linked to inflammation of the stomach lining. This can result from mild illness, IBD, or hairballs.

Clear Liquid

May be water or stomach fluids. It can indicate over-drinking or an empty stomach.

Undigested Food

If food is thrown up shortly after eating, your cat may be eating too quickly. Slow-feeder bowls can help.

Blood in Vomit

Fresh red blood suggests irritation or injury in the mouth or throat. Dark, coffee-ground-like vomit can indicate stomach bleeding and requires urgent vet care.

Hairballs

Slimy, tubular clumps of fur are common in grooming cats, especially long-haired breeds.

Green Vomit

This often contains bile or could indicate your cat ate grass or a non-toxic plant. If frequent, consult a vet.

Black Liquid

Could mean digested blood from deeper in the intestines. This is serious and needs immediate veterinary attention.

Worms in Vomit

Roundworms are sometimes vomited by infected cats. Deworming is necessary for all pets in the home.

If vomiting is accompanied by any of the following, a vet visit is recommended:

• Not eating or drinking
• Lethargy or hiding
• Diarrhea or constipation
• Sneezing or coughing
• Weight loss
• Frequent vomiting (more than 2–3 times in a day)
• Pooping outside the litter box
• History of chronic illness (e.g. diabetes, kidney disease)

Seek veterinary attention if:

• Your cat vomits several times in 24 hours
• Vomiting persists for more than 2 days
• Blood or dark material is in the vomit
• Your cat can’t keep food or water down
• Your cat is acting weak or in pain
• Vomiting follows new medication
• You suspect ingestion of a toxic substance

A veterinarian will begin with a physical exam and questions about:

• Vomit appearance
• Feeding habits and diet
• Exposure to toxins or spoiled food
• Outdoor access
• Other symptoms like diarrhea or weight loss

They may suggest tests like:

• Blood work and urinalysis
• Abdominal X-rays or ultrasound
• Endoscopy to inspect and possibly biopsy the GI tract
• Fecal exam for parasites

In complex cases, exploratory surgery may be needed to find or remove blockages or obtain biopsies.

For mild, occasional vomiting:

• Withhold food for 2–4 hours (but allow small sips of water)
• Reintroduce food slowly using plain boiled chicken or white fish
• Use rehydration solutions or tuna water to encourage drinking
• Offer bland food in small amounts every few hours

Always consult a vet before giving any medication or if symptoms persist.

Depending on the cause, a vet might use:

• Fluids (under the skin or IV) to prevent dehydration
• Anti-nausea medications (like Cerenia or maropitant)
• Stomach protectants (e.g., sucralfate)
• Diet changes (such as hypoallergenic or prescription GI food)
• Deworming for parasites
• Antibiotics or antivirals if infection is present
• Steroids like prednisone (for IBD, but only under vet guidance)

In severe or chronic cases, further diagnostics and longer-term treatment plans are developed with your veterinarian.

• Feed smaller, frequent meals
• Use puzzle or slow-feed bowls
• Brush regularly to reduce hairballs
• Avoid sudden diet changes
• Remove toxic plants and human medications from reach
• Keep strings, rubber bands, and small objects out of sight
• Deworm and vaccinate regularly
• Monitor litter box for unusual stool or urination

Also Read: Cat Vomit Looks Like Poop.

Vomiting in cats is common but shouldn’t be overlooked. Whether it’s hairballs, dietary issues, or a sign of something more serious, understanding the causes and knowing when to act can make a big difference in your cat’s health. If your cat vomits often or shows other symptoms, don’t wait—speak to your veterinarian.