Why Does My Cat Keep Throwing Up

Vomiting in cats can be a worrying sign, especially if it happens frequently. While occasional vomiting is relatively common in cats, persistent or repeated episodes may indicate an underlying health issue that requires attention. This guide explores the common causes of vomiting in cats, what you can do to help your cat, and when it’s time to see a veterinarian.

Do Cats Vomit When Stressed?

Stress can have a significant impact on a cat’s digestive system, leading to issues like vomiting.

Physiological Response

When a cat experiences stress, their body goes into a "fight or flight" mode, releasing stress hormones like adrenaline and cortisol. These hormones can disrupt normal digestive functions, leading to symptoms such as nausea and vomiting. The stress response may also cause a cat’s stomach to become more sensitive, leading to vomiting as a physical reaction to stress.

Common Triggers

Cats are sensitive creatures, and even small changes in their environment or routine can trigger stress. Common stressors include:

• Moving to a new home
• Introducing a new pet or family member
• Changes in routine or feeding schedules
• Loud noises or unfamiliar environments
• Visits to the vet or travel

Each cat is different, so what may be a minor inconvenience for one cat could be a major stressor for another.

Why Does Cat Keep Throwing Up?

Cat vomiting can be caused by a variety of reasons, including but not limited to the following.

• Food Problems

Cats may vomit because they eat too fast, the food is unsuitable or the food is spoiled. A sudden change in cat food or a food allergy may also cause vomiting. 

• Hairballs

Cats swallow hair when they lick it, and these hairs form hairballs in the stomach, which may lead to vomiting. 

• Parasite Infection

Body parasites such as roundworms and hookworms may irritate the intestines and stomach, leading to vomiting.

Also Read: Coccidia in Cats: Understanding the Tiny Yet Troublesome Parasites

• Digestive system diseases

Diseases such as gastritis, enteritis and pancreatitis may cause vomiting.

• Drug reactions

 Certain medications may stimulate the cat's stomach and intestines, leading to vomiting. 

• Stress reaction

Cats may vomit due to stress reaction when they are frightened or when the environment changes.

• Foreign body ingestion

Cats accidentally ingesting foreign objects, such as balls of thread and plastic, may lead to vomiting. 

• Liver or Kidney Disease

Elderly cats may develop liver and kidney problems, leading to the accumulation of toxins in the body and causing vomiting. 

Also Read: Kidney Disease In Cats: When To Euthanize

• Feline distemper or feline infectious peritonitis

These infectious diseases may cause vomiting, especially in unvaccinated cats.

• Other health problems

such as poisoning and endocrine disruption may also cause vomiting. 

• Poisonous Plants

Several common plants are toxic to cats and can induce vomiting if ingested. Notable examples include:

1. Ivy: Ivy leaves and fruits contain irritating compounds that may cause skin inflammation and digestive problems.
2. Narcissus: Narcissus bulbs contain alkaloids that may cause vomiting, diarrhea and cardiac arrhythmia if accidentally ingested by cats.
3. Aloe Vera: While aloe vera has several health benefits for humans, it contains irritating chemicals that may cause vomiting and diarrhea in cats.

How to Diagnose the Cause of Vomiting in Cats?

• Medical history collection

Ask the cat's owner about the frequency and nature of vomiting (whether it is accompanied by blood or bile), accompanying symptoms (e.g., diarrhea, loss of appetite, weight loss), and recent changes in diet and activity.

• Physical Examination

Check your cat's general health, including temperature, pulse, respiratory rate and abdominal palpation, looking for signs of pain, swelling or other abnormalities.

• Laboratory Tests

Blood and urine tests are performed to check white blood cell counts, kidney function, electrolyte balance and liver function to assess the health of internal organs.

• Imaging tests

Such as X-rays or ultrasounds to help identify obstructions, tumors or other structural abnormalities in the gastrointestinal tract.

• Endoscopy

A gastrointestinal endoscopy to look directly at the lining of the digestive tract for ulcers, foreign bodies or parasites.

During the diagnostic process, the veterinarian may rule out common causes, such as simple dietary irregularities or stress reactions, in order to focus on more serious underlying conditions. Each step is designed to gradually narrow down the possible causes until a definitive diagnosis is found.

How to Adjust Your Diet to Reduce Hairball Formation When Your Cat Vomits?

When your cat vomits, it is important to adjust your diet to minimize hairball formation. Here are some specific suggestions.

• Feeding Hair Balm

Hair-reducing cream can help lubricate your cat's intestinal tract and promote gastrointestinal motility, which can help expel hairballs. 

• Provide cat grass

Cat grass can stimulate your cat's gastrointestinal tract, causing vomiting and helping to expel hairballs from the body. 

• Regular grooming

Brush your cat's hair at least once a day to minimize the amount of hair swallowed. 

• Increase Exercise

Appropriate exercise can help cats enhance bowel movement and promote digestion and excretion. 

• Adjust the dietary structure

Choose cat food containing crude fiber, these foods help promote the cat's intestinal peristalsis and reduce the formation of hairballs. 

• Supplement vitamins and minerals

Appropriately feed some fruits and vegetables, such as carrots, pumpkins, etc. These foods are rich in vitamins, minerals and dietary fiber, which can promote intestinal peristalsis. 

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• Maintain a regular diet

Avoid your cat eating too much at once or eating too fast to reduce the risk of indigestion and vomiting.

How to Reduce Stress in Cats?

Reducing your cat’s stress can help prevent stress-induced vomiting and improve their overall well-being.

Environmental Enrichment

1. Safe Spaces: Provide your cat with safe, quiet spaces where they can retreat when they feel stressed. This could be a cozy bed, a high perch, or a secluded room.
2. Interactive Toys: Enrich your cat’s environment with interactive toys and scratching posts to keep them mentally stimulated and physically active.
3. Pheromone Diffusers: Products like pheromone diffusers can create a calming environment for your cat by mimicking natural calming pheromones.

Gradual Introduction to New Pets or People

If you’re introducing a new pet or family member, do so slowly and gradually. Allow your cat to adjust at their own pace and provide plenty of positive reinforcement to create a sense of security.

Reduce Exposure to Stressors

Identify and minimize your cat’s exposure to known stressors. For example, if loud noises are a trigger, create a quiet, soundproofed area where your cat can retreat during noisy events like fireworks.

How to Prevent Cat Vomiting?

Provide a suitable diet: choose cat food that is nutritionally balanced and easy to digest, and avoid sudden changes in food brands or types to minimize gastrointestinal discomfort. Provide fresh water regularly to ensure dietary hygiene. 

• Regular deworming and vaccination

Regularly deworm and vaccinate your cat internally and externally as recommended by your veterinarian to prevent parasitic infections and infectious diseases. 

• Control cat grass intake

Provide cat grass in moderation to help cats expel hairballs, but avoid excessive intake to avoid irritating the gastric mucosa. 

• Monitor the health condition of the cat

Regularly observe your cat's behavior and appetite, promptly detect abnormal symptoms such as vomiting and consult your veterinarian. 

• Avoid feeding inappropriate food

Do not feed your cat human food, especially food that is toxic to cats such as chocolate and onions, as well as snacks that are difficult to digest. 

• Maintain good hygiene habits

Regularly clean your cat's living area, including the litter box and eating utensils, to minimize the breeding of pathogens. 

When Does Cat Vomiting Require Special Attention?

When a cat vomits along with the following symptoms, special attention should be paid and prompt medical attention should be considered.

• Frequent Vomiting

If a cat vomits several times in a short period of time, it may be a sign of illness, misuse or poisoning. 

• Blood in the vomit

This may indicate bleeding in the digestive organs or respiratory disease and require urgent medical intervention. 

• Vomiting foreign objects

Cats may have accidentally ingested foreign objects such as pieces of plastic, string, etc., which can lead to digestive damage or intestinal obstruction. 

• Vomit mixed with moving objects

This can be a sign of a parasitic infection and needs to be treated accordingly. 

• Vomit that is smelly or projectile

This may indicate a deeper problem with the digestive system. 

If your cat is experiencing any of these symptoms, it is recommended that you contact your veterinarian immediately for examination and treatment. Prompt diagnosis and treatment is vital to prevent the condition from worsening.

FAQs

How To Clean Cat Vomiting?

1. Upon discovering that your cat has vomited, dispose of the vomit quickly and carefully to prevent reintroduction or spreading to other areas of the home.
2. Use paper towels or rubber gloves to pick up solid vomit and avoid direct hand contact to prevent spreading pathogens or causing discomfort.
3. If the vomit is on a hard surface, wipe it up with a paper towel or damp cloth, then clean the area thoroughly with a neutral cleaner to eliminate odors and bacteria.
4. After cleaning, ensure good ventilation to remove possible odors. If necessary, additional disinfectant can be used to treat the vomiting area.

Also Read:  How to Clean Up Cat Vomit

What Signs Do Cats Typically Exhibit When Infected with Parasites?

Cats infected with parasites may exhibit a range of symptoms which include, but are not limited to.

Digestive symptoms: such as vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, weight loss, constipation or parasites visible in the stool.
Behavioral changes: such as frequent licking of specific areas of the body, rubbing of the buttocks, and scratching of the ears, which may be due to itching or discomfort caused by the parasite.
Blood and circulatory symptoms: such as white gums, anemia, coughing, shortness of breath, these may be due to heartworm or other parasites affecting the heart and lung function.
Anal itching: your cat may try to relieve anal discomfort by rubbing against the floor or furniture.
If your cat is experiencing any of these symptoms, it is recommended that you take your cat to your veterinarian promptly for examination and treatment. 

Why is it Important to Avoid Re-exposing Cats to Their Own Vomit?

Cat vomit may contain undigested food, stomach acid, bile, blood or other harmful substances. There are several potential health risks if a cat re-exposes itself to vomit:

Repeated ingestion of harmful substances: Cats may accidentally ingest vomit containing bacteria or viruses, which can lead to re-vomiting or other digestive problems.

Increased risk of infection: pathogens in vomit can be transmitted through the mouth, increasing your cat's chances of infection.

Increased gastrointestinal burden: even in healthy cats, reintroducing their own vomit can irritate the gastrointestinal tract, leading to discomfort or further health problems.

Behavioral problems: cats may repeatedly explore vomit out of curiosity, which can become a bad habit and may even lead to accidental ingestion of more dangerous objects.

Why is it Important to Avoid Re-exposing Cats to Their Own Vomit?

Cat vomit may contain undigested food, stomach acid, bile, blood or other harmful substances. There are several potential health risks if a cat re-exposes itself to vomit:

• Repeated ingestion of harmful substances: Cats may accidentally ingest vomit containing bacteria or viruses, which can lead to re-vomiting or other digestive problems.
• Increased risk of infection: pathogens in vomit can be transmitted through the mouth, increasing your cat's chances of infection.
• Increased gastrointestinal burden: even in healthy cats, reintroducing their own vomit can irritate the gastrointestinal tract, leading to discomfort or further health problems.
• Behavioral problems: cats may repeatedly explore vomit out of curiosity, which can become a bad habit and may even lead to accidental ingestion of more dangerous objects.

Conclusion

Stress can indeed cause vomiting in cats, and understanding the connection between stress and physical symptoms is key to helping your cat feel better. By identifying stress triggers, creating a calm environment, and maintaining a consistent routine, you can help reduce your cat’s stress levels and prevent stress-induced vomiting. If your cat’s vomiting persists or is accompanied by other concerning symptoms, don’t hesitate to seek veterinary advice.

Related: Cat Vomiting: Causes, Concerns, and Care