While occasional vomiting might seem like a normal cat behavior, frequent regurgitation isn’t. If you’re concerned and asking “Why Does My Cat Keep Throwing Up Her Food?”, it’s crucial to understand the potential causes and when to seek veterinary help.
Cats vomit for various reasons, ranging from simple dietary indiscretions to underlying health conditions. If your cat throws up regularly (more than once a week or consistently every few weeks), it’s important to consult your vet to determine the cause. This isn’t normal behavior and could indicate a more serious problem.
Common Causes of Vomiting in Cats
Several factors can contribute to your cat throwing up her food. Here’s a breakdown of the most common culprits:
- Eating Too Quickly or Too Much: Cats who gulp down their food may regurgitate it shortly after. This is often undigested food, expelled due to eating too fast.
Alt text: A cat is eating food quickly from a bowl.
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Dietary Changes: A sudden switch in food can upset a cat’s sensitive stomach. Introduce new foods gradually to avoid digestive issues.
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Hairballs: Cats, especially long-haired breeds, ingest hair during grooming. These hairs can form balls in the stomach, which the cat eventually vomits. Occasional hairballs (every week or two) are generally normal, but frequent hairballs could suggest an issue.
Alt text: Long-haired cat thoroughly grooming itself, potentially leading to hairballs.
- Eating Something They Shouldn’t: Cats are curious creatures and may ingest foreign objects like string, rubber bands, or pieces of toys. These items can irritate the stomach or cause a blockage, leading to vomiting.
More Serious Medical Conditions
Sometimes, vomiting is a symptom of a more serious underlying condition. These can include:
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Foreign Objects: If a cat ingests a non-food item, it can cause a blockage in the digestive tract, leading to persistent vomiting. This is especially dangerous and needs immediate veterinary attention.
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Food Allergies or Intolerances: Just like humans, cats can develop allergies or intolerances to certain ingredients in their food. Common allergens include beef, fish, and dairy.
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Poisoning: Exposure to toxins, such as antifreeze, pesticides, or certain household plants, can cause severe vomiting and other symptoms.
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Intestinal Parasites: Worms and other parasites can irritate the digestive system and cause vomiting, diarrhea, and weight loss.
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Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): IBD is a chronic inflammation of the digestive tract, leading to various symptoms, including vomiting, diarrhea, and loss of appetite.
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Diabetes: This metabolic disorder affects the body’s ability to regulate blood sugar levels and can cause vomiting, increased thirst, and frequent urination.
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Hyperthyroidism: An overactive thyroid gland can lead to increased metabolism, weight loss, and vomiting.
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Kidney Disease: As kidney function declines, toxins build up in the body, causing nausea and vomiting.
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Cancer: Various types of cancer can affect the digestive system and cause vomiting.
These conditions are life-threatening and require prompt veterinary intervention. Early detection and treatment improve the chances of a positive outcome and a longer, healthier life for your cat.
Identifying Warning Signs
To help your vet diagnose the cause of your cat’s vomiting, carefully observe and document any other symptoms. Important signs to note include:
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Lethargy or Depression: A decrease in energy levels or a loss of interest in usual activities.
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Changes in Appetite or Eating Habits: Eating significantly more or less than usual, or refusing to eat altogether.
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Weight Loss: A noticeable decrease in body weight, despite a normal appetite.
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Blood in Vomit: The presence of fresh blood or digested blood (appearing as coffee grounds) in the vomit.
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Abdominal Pain: Sensitivity or discomfort when you touch your cat’s abdomen.
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Frequency of Vomiting: How often your cat is throwing up.
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Changes in Diet: Any recent changes to your cat’s food.
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Access to Plants or Substances: Possible exposure to toxic plants, cleaning products, or other potentially harmful substances.
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Other Affected Animals: If other pets in the household are experiencing similar symptoms.
Providing this information to your veterinarian will aid in determining the underlying cause of your cat’s vomiting and guide the appropriate diagnostic and treatment plan.
