Cats Vomiting – Potential Causes and Treatment

You may have seen your cat vomit at some point. Vomiting can result from a non-serious issue but may also be a sign of a medical condition that requires immediate veterinary care. Commonly, cats vomit due to eating something inappropriate, overeating, or playing too soon after a meal. However, in some cases, vomiting may be associated with gastrointestinal disorders or issues with internal organs.

1. Causes of Vomiting in Cats

Some causes of acute vomiting in cats include:

• Gastrointestinal infections
• Dietary issues (diet changes, food intolerance)
• Ingesting foreign objects (toys, razor blades)
• Intestinal parasites (worms, tapeworms, etc.)
• Acute kidney failure
• Acute liver failure or gallbladder inflammation
• Pancreatitis
• Post-surgery vomiting (side effects of anesthesia)
• Toxic substance or chemical ingestion
• Viral infections
• Allergic reactions to certain medications (e.g., antifungal or anti-inflammatory drugs)

Some causes of chronic vomiting include:

• Colitis
• Gastritis
• Pancreatitis
• Hernias
• Dietary issues (food allergies or intolerance)
• Ingesting foreign objects
• Gastrointestinal ulcers
• Heartworm infection
• Intestinal blockage
• Kidney failure
• Liver failure
• Neurological disorders
• Parasites
• Severe constipation
• Poisoning (e.g., lead)
• Stomach or intestinal cancer

Occasionally, vomiting in cats can be normal. However, frequent vomiting may indicate a more severe condition. If your cat vomits frequently, take them to a veterinarian for proper diagnosis and care.

2. Symptoms Accompanying Vomiting

Vomiting has a wide variety of causes and can be challenging to diagnose. It is important to monitor other symptoms when your cat vomits, such as:

• Frequency of vomiting per day
• Diarrhea
• Signs of dehydration: dry eyes, loss of skin elasticity, lethargy
• Presence of blood in vomit
• Weight loss
• Changes in eating habits

3. When Should You See a Veterinarian?

Consult a veterinarian immediately if you observe any of the symptoms listed above or if the vomiting persists over time.

Depending on your pet’s age, medical history, clinical examination, and specific symptoms, the veterinarian may recommend additional tests (e.g., blood tests, X-rays, ultrasounds, or stool tests) to diagnose your cat’s condition accurately.

4. Suggestions for Treating Vomiting in Cats

The first step is to withhold food and water until the vomiting has stopped for at least two hours. Then, gradually provide water, followed by a healthy and easily digestible diet. You can care for your cat as you would a sick child, offering simple homemade food such as boiled potatoes or skinless cooked chicken.

In some cases, your cat may require intravenous fluids or anti-vomiting medication to control the symptoms.

However, if your cat’s vomiting is caused by a more serious issue, consult a veterinarian to identify the cause and determine the appropriate treatment plan.

Wishing you and your beloved pet good health!