Introduction
Vomiting is a common occurrence for cats, but it’s important for cat owners to monitor episodes of vomiting and look for concerning signs that may indicate an underlying health issue requiring veterinary care. This article provides an overview of signs in cat vomit that warrant closer attention, as well as guidance on when to seek veterinary care.
In most cases, an occasional isolated incident of vomiting is not a cause for alarm, especially if the cat is acting normally otherwise. However, certain characteristics of the vomit itself along with the frequency and any accompanying symptoms can be red flags. Concerning signs in cat vomit include blood in the vomit, vomit that is yellow or green, vomit that contains food or hairballs, and vomit that has an unusual or foul odor. Significant changes in the frequency of vomiting or other symptoms like lethargy, diarrhea, lack of appetite, or weight loss point to a potentially serious health problem requiring veterinary assessment.
It’s recommended to contact your veterinarian if your cat vomits more than two times in one day or multiple times over several days. Urgent veterinary care should be sought if the cat is vomiting and exhibiting concerning symptoms like bloody vomit or vomit that looks like coffee grounds, severe lethargy, crying or whining, rapid breathing or heartbeat, seizure, or collapse. With prompt veterinary attention, the cause of concerning cat vomit can be identified and treated.
Color
The color of a cat’s vomit can provide important clues as to the cause. According to Cat Vomit Color Chart: Vet Approved Meaning of Different Colors, bright red vomit often indicates the presence of blood, which requires prompt veterinary attention. Coffee ground-colored vomit also suggests bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract. Other concerning colors include black, which may indicate bleeding, and yellow, which could signal bile vomiting on an empty stomach.
While clear, white, or brown vomit colors are less alarming, any persistent vomiting warrants a veterinary visit. Monitoring the color of your cat’s vomit over time and watching for color changes can help identify developing health issues.
Consistency
The consistency or texture of cat vomit can provide clues about potential causes. Thick, chunky vomit may indicate the cat is bringing up undigested food, hairballs, or foreign objects. According to the article Cat Vomit: Two cat vets answer all of your questions., chunky vomit with undigested food usually occurs right after eating and is not necessarily concerning. Liquid vomit that is clear or foamy could mean the cat’s stomach is empty and they are just bringing up bile.
The presence of foreign objects like hairballs or pieces of toys in the vomit may help identify the cause of an irritation leading to vomiting. As noted in Cat Vomiting: What Does It Mean and When Is It Serious?, careful inspection of any foreign objects can provide information to share with the veterinarian. Pay close attention to the color, texture, smell, and frequency of vomiting along with any presence of foreign objects to help determine if it is normal or requires veterinary attention.
Smell
The smell of your cat’s vomit can provide important clues as to potential underlying causes. Foul-smelling vomit is concerning and may indicate a serious problem like an infection, poisoning, or a gastrointestinal obstruction blocking the intestines. As noted by Pacific Santa Cruz Veterinary Clinic and Love Meow, vomit with a very strong, foul odor could signify the presence of toxins, irritation or inflammation of the stomach and intestines, or a foreign object lodged in the digestive tract.12 The vomit may smell similar to feces in cases of intestinal blockages. Worsening foul smells in your cat’s vomit warrant rapid veterinary attention to diagnose and treat any underlying illness.
Frequency
Frequent vomiting is a major cause for concern. According to WebMD, “If your cat is throwing up more than once a week, or even consistently every few weeks, you should see your vet. Frequent or repeated vomiting can be a sign of a serious health issue.”
Pay particular attention if your cat is vomiting several times a day or vomiting daily over multiple days. As Carolina Veterinary Specialists notes, “All cats vomit occasionally, but frequent or severe vomiting is not normal and may be a sign that your cat is suffering from something more serious like an obstruction, cancer, or organ failure.”
Frequent vomiting can lead to dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, and weight loss. It’s important to monitor the frequency of vomiting episodes and contact your vet promptly if vomiting becomes a regular occurrence.
Sources:
What to Do If My Cat Is Throwing Up
My cat keeps vomiting! Should I head to the emergency vet?
Additional Symptoms
In addition to vomiting, there are other concerning symptoms to watch for that may indicate an underlying health issue. These include:
- Lethargy or lack of energy. If your cat seems more tired than usual or has trouble getting up and moving around, this points to a bigger problem.
- Diarrhea. Frequent loose or watery stools along with vomiting can be a sign of gastrointestinal issues or infections.
- Loss of appetite. If your cat stops eating or has little interest in food, especially a favorite treat or meal, it could mean nausea or another medical condition is present.
- Weight loss. Any rapid weight loss combined with vomiting is a red flag.
- Excessive thirst or increase in urination. This may indicate diabetes, kidney problems or hyperthyroidism.
- Difficulty breathing or coughing. Vomiting along with respiratory issues can point to heart disease.
- Yowling or whining while trying to vomit. This suggests your cat is in pain.
Pay attention to any of these other symptoms in combination with vomiting. Multiple concerning signs can help identify the cause and determine if a vet visit is urgently needed.
When to See the Vet
While occasional vomiting is common in cats, there are certain situations when you should take your cat to the vet. According to VCA Hospitals, you should contact your vet if the vomiting persists beyond one day, if your cat is showing signs of illness, or if the vomit contains blood or appears black in color https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/vomiting-in-cats.
Vomiting multiple times a day or several days in a row can lead to dehydration, especially if your cat is not eating or drinking water. Frequent vomiting combined with lethargy, diarrhea, or other concerning symptoms warrants a vet visit according to Carolina Veterinary Specialists https://www.winston-salem.carolinavet.com/site/pet-health-advice-blog/2020/06/01/cat-keeps-vomiting-emergency-vet-winston-salem.
You should take your cat to the emergency vet immediately if the vomit contains blood or has a black, tarry appearance. Vomiting blood indicates internal bleeding, which can be life-threatening. Black vomit may signal bleeding in the upper digestive tract according to VCA Hospitals.
Causes
There are several common causes of concerning cat vomit that cat owners should be aware of:
Hairballs – One of the most frequent reasons for cat vomiting is hairballs. As cats groom themselves, they swallow loose hair. Over time, the hair accumulates in the stomach and forms a hairball that the cat tries to expel by vomiting (Cornell).
Eating Too Fast – When cats eat too quickly, they may swallow air which can lead to vomiting. Eating too much food at once can also overload the stomach and cause vomiting (VCA).
Infections – Viral, bacterial, or parasitic infections can cause inflammation in the stomach and lead to vomiting. Pancreatitis, an inflammation of the pancreas, is another infection that may prompt vomiting (Best Friends).
Poisons – Exposure to toxins like certain houseplants, chemicals, or human medications can irritate the digestive tract and cause a cat to vomit (Cornell).
Diagnosis
To diagnose the cause of concerning cat vomit, the veterinarian will first perform a thorough physical exam, looking for any abnormalities. They may palpate the abdomen to check for pain, fluid, or masses that could indicate issues like pancreatitis, intestinal obstruction, or cancer. The vet will also evaluate the cat’s vital signs like temperature, heart rate, respiration rate, and hydration status.
The physical exam provides clues, but diagnostics like bloodwork, urinalysis, imaging tests, and other procedures are usually needed to pinpoint the root cause. Common diagnostics include:
- Complete blood count to check for anemia, inflammation, or infection
- Serum biochemistry panel to evaluate organ function, electrolytes, and hydration status
- Urinalysis to screen for issues like urinary tract infections, kidney disease, or diabetes
- Fecal exam to check for gastrointestinal parasites
- Abdominal ultrasound to visualize the gastrointestinal tract and abdominal organs
- Abdominal x-rays to identify foreign material, masses, obstructions, etc.
- Endoscopy to examine the esophagus, stomach, and upper intestines
In many cases, the initial diagnostics provide direction for further testing. For example, finding thickened intestinal walls on ultrasound would prompt biopsy of the intestines to check for cancer. Diagnostic imaging and laboratory tests allow the veterinarian to narrow down the list of possible causes and determine next steps for treatment.
Treatment
The treatment for concerning cat vomit will depend on the underlying cause. However, there are some common approaches vets may take:
Withholding food: The vet may recommend withholding food for 12-24 hours to give the stomach and intestines a chance to rest. Slowly reintroducing small amounts of a bland diet like boiled chicken and rice is recommended.
Antiemetics: Vets may prescribe antiemetics or anti-nausea medications like maropitant citrate (Cerenia) to control vomiting.
Fluids: If the cat is dehydrated from frequent vomiting, the vet may administer subcutaneous or intravenous fluids.
Treating underlying condition: Once test results help identify the cause, such as pancreatitis or inflammatory bowel disease, the vet will provide specific treatment for the condition.
In most cases, vomiting should stop once the underlying issue is addressed. Seek prompt veterinary care if vomiting persists or the cat seems lethargic.