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Why Do Cats Throw Up?

Cats are known to have sensitive stomachs, and throwing up is not uncommon for them. While the occasional cat throwing up a hairball moment can be normal, frequent or severe vomiting can indicate an underlying issue. It's essential to understand the common causes of the vomit or cat illness to ensure your feline friend stays healthy.

Understanding why your cat would throw up

Cats vomiting can be a common yet perplexing issue for pet owners. So if you find yourself cleaning vomit and wondering ‘Why would a cat throw up?’, you're not alone.

Reasons your cat may be vomiting

Cats vomit for a variety of reasons, from simple hairballs or indigestion after eating, to more serious dietary issues or underlying health conditions.

Hairballs

Cats are meticulous groomers, and sometimes all that fur results in hairballs. When your cat ingests too much hair, it accumulates in their stomach, leading to those infamous hairball throw-ups. It's not a cat illness, just a natural process, albeit an unpleasant one.

Dietary causes

So why would a cat throw up after eating? Well, the issue may be linked to something in their diet or the way they’re approaching mealtime. These can be easily managed through a process of elimination or your vet’s advice.

Eating too fast

If your cat throws up after eating – they might be devouring their food like it's the last meal on earth. Eating too quickly can cause indigestion, pushing the stomach to expel the food just swallowed. It’s not necessarily a cat illness to worry about, but keep an eye out for other symptoms or odd behaviours. A cat feeder puzzle can help slow their eating down.

Food allergies

Just like humans, cats can have food allergies. If your cat vomits regularly after eating, they could be reacting to a particular ingredient. Eliminating different ingredients can help identify the culprit.

Health-related causes

Vomiting could also signal underlying health issues. From infections to chronic conditions like kidney disease, various medical problems might be the culprit. If vomiting persists, it's crucial to consult your vet.

When your cat throwing up may be cause for concern

While occasional vomiting is usually harmless, frequent episodes could indicate a more serious problem. Consistent vomiting, loss of appetite, or lethargy warrants immediate veterinary attention.

When to seek veterinary care

If your cat vomits more than once a week, or if their vomit contains blood or bile, it's time to call the vet. Early intervention can make a significant difference in treatment outcomes.

Managing minor cases at home

Most of the time you’ll be able to manage further vomiting behaviour at home. If your cat seems otherwise healthy and is exhibiting typical behaviour, you can try some remedies to ease their discomfort.

Withhold food for 12 hours, but provide water to prevent dehydration.
After 12 hours, offer small amounts of bland food like boiled chicken or rice.
Monitor your cat's activity levels and ensure they get plenty of rest.

Dietary adjustments

Switching to a specialised diet can often resolve minor vomiting issues. Opt for easy-to-digest meals like OPTIMUM™ wet cat food and consult your vet for recommendations tailored to your cat's needs.

Monitoring

Keep an eye on your feline’s behaviour and eating habits – even if it’s a typical cat throwing up a hairball moment. Small changes, like feeding smaller portions or ensuring they eat slowly, can make a big difference.

Cats throwing up can be worrying, but understanding the reasons behind it can help you manage and mitigate the issue effectively. Always monitor your cat’s health and consult your vet when needed. Your cat depends on you for their well-being.

Visit our pet care blog for more information about common cat behaviours.