Occasional vomiting happens to all cats, but frequent vomiting isn’t normal. If your cat throws up more than once a week or regularly every few weeks, a vet visit is crucial. Repeated vomiting signals an underlying issue.
Cats experience upset stomachs for various reasons. Consulting your vet helps pinpoint the cause if your cat vomits frequently. It could be regurgitation, coughing, or a reaction to ingested substances. Closely monitor your cat to ensure they haven’t encountered toxins or have throat obstructions.
Common Reasons for Cat Vomiting
Cats sometimes vomit even when not ill. Throwing up immediately after eating may indicate eating too much, too quickly, or a reaction to dietary changes or ingesting forbidden items like rubber bands or string.
Hairballs are another common culprit. Long-haired cats or frequent groomers often develop fur wads in their stomachs. Weekly or bi-weekly hairball expulsion is normal to prevent intestinal blockages. Hairball passage shouldn’t be painful. Regular brushing or over-the-counter supplements can ease this process.
A cat meticulously grooming itself, a common cause of hairballs that can lead to vomiting.
More serious conditions can also cause vomiting, including:
- Foreign objects in the digestive tract
- Food allergies or sensitivities
- Ingestion of toxins or poisons
- Intestinal parasites
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
- Diabetes
- Hyperthyroidism
- Kidney disease
- Cancer
These conditions can be life-threatening. Early detection and treatment improve your cat’s chances of a long, healthy life.
Recognizing Warning Signs in Your Cat
Your veterinarian will need detailed information about your cat’s health and behavior. Before your appointment, observe your cat for the following:
- Lethargy or depression
- Changes in appetite or eating habits (increased or decreased)
- Unexplained weight loss
- Blood in the vomit (fresh or digested)
- Abdominal pain (sensitivity to touch)
- Frequency and timing of vomiting episodes
- Recent changes in diet or treats
- Potential access to plants, cleaning products, or other unusual substances
A lethargic cat, a sign that something might be wrong and a vet visit is needed.
Providing this information helps your vet determine if further tests or blood work are necessary to diagnose the underlying cause of the vomiting. Knowing if other pets in the household are affected is also helpful.
Consistent or frequent vomiting is not a normal behavior in cats and should always be investigated by a veterinarian. Early diagnosis is crucial for treatment and the overall well-being of your feline friend.
