Causes of Vomiting in Cats
There are several common causes of vomiting in cats:
Eating Too Fast – Cats that eat their food too quickly can swallow air which leads to vomiting. Eating fast doesn’t allow enough time for proper chewing and digestion. This is a common cause of occasional vomiting.
Hairballs – Cats groom themselves frequently and swallow loose hair. The hair can accumulate in the stomach and cause irritation, gagging, and vomiting as the cat tries to clear the hairball. Long-haired cats are more prone to this issue.
Parasites – Intestinal parasites like roundworms and hookworms can cause vomiting, usually accompanied by diarrhea. Kittens are prone to parasites and can pass them to adult cats in the home. Regular deworming is recommended.
Food Sensitivities – Some cats have sensitivities or allergies to certain ingredients in food, which can lead to digestive upset and vomiting. Common triggers include wheat, corn, dairy, and fish.
Other less common causes include infections, pancreatic disease, inflammatory bowel disease, toxins, and in rare cases – cancer. It’s important to identify the underlying cause by visiting your vet if the vomiting persists.
When to See the Vet
Vomiting in cats can sometimes be a minor issue that can be managed with home care, but there are certain signs and symptoms that warrant a trip to see the veterinarian.
According to veterinarians at Texas A&M University [1], warning signs that require prompt veterinary attention include:
- Weight loss
- Lethargy or decreased activity
- Repeated vomiting over 24 hours
- Projectile vomiting across the room
- Vomit that is bloody or looks like coffee grounds
- Difficulty breathing
- Loss of appetite
These signs can be indicative of serious health issues like gastrointestinal obstruction, infections, kidney failure, diabetes, hyperthyroidism, liver disease, or cancer. Getting a prompt diagnosis and treatment from the vet is crucial.
Carolina Veterinary Specialists [2] also recommend calling the veterinarian right away if your cat has bloody vomit or vomit that looks like coffee grounds. This can signal bleeding in the stomach, intestines or esophagus, which requires urgent care.
Don’t hesitate to call or visit your vet if your cat has any suspicious vomiting episodes along with concerning symptoms. Timely treatment greatly improves the prognosis in many conditions that lead to vomiting in cats.
Dietary Changes
Making some adjustments to your cat’s diet can help reduce vomiting episodes. Here are some tips:
Feed smaller, more frequent meals – Feeding smaller portions more often throughout the day can be easier on your cat’s stomach. This helps prevent your cat from gorging and overfilling their stomach, which can lead to vomiting.
Choose easily digestible proteins – Some proteins like chicken, fish, and eggs are gentler on the stomach. Avoid proteins like beef and lamb that are harder to digest. Source
Go for low-fat foods – Higher fat foods take longer to digest. Look for cat foods with 10% fat or less. Fatty foods can irritate the stomach lining and cause nausea.
Wet vs Dry Food
When choosing between wet and dry food for a cat prone to vomiting, there are pros and cons to consider for each option.
Wet or canned cat food generally contains more moisture and fewer carbohydrates than dry food. The high moisture content makes wet food easier for some cats to digest. Cats have a low thirst drive and don’t always drink enough water, so the moisture in wet food can help with hydration. According to this source, wet food may be easier on sensitive stomachs and less likely to cause vomiting in some cats.
On the other hand, dry kibble can help clean cats’ teeth. The crunchy texture scrubs away plaque and tartar as cats chew. Some research suggests dry food leads to better dental health than canned food alone. Dry food is also more affordable and convenient to feed cats.
When choosing food for a cat with vomiting issues, it may help to try a wet food diet under the guidance of a veterinarian. But dry food should not be eliminated completely, as the dental health benefits are important too. The ideal diet may include a balance of wet and dry food tailored to the individual cat’s needs and tolerances.
Avoiding Triggers
There are some common irritants and triggers that can cause cats to vomit. Making some changes to your home and your cat’s routine can help avoid setting off their sensitive stomachs.
Remove any houseplants or small objects that your cat may be inclined to chew on and ingest, as these can irritate their digestive system and cause vomiting. Keep trash cans covered or out of reach so your cat can’t get into anything toxic.
Using a slow feeder bowl can prevent your cat from eating too quickly and gulping down air along with their food, which can lead to vomiting. Slow feeder bowls have mazes or obstacles that force your cat to eat more slowly.
When transitioning your cat to a new diet, do so very gradually over the course of a week or more. Rapid changes in food can upset your cat’s stomach. Mix a little bit of the new food in with their old food, slowly adjusting the ratios over time.
Identifying and removing potential irritants and being careful with dietary changes can go a long way towards preventing vomiting episodes.
Supplements
Certain supplements can help soothe an upset stomach and reduce vomiting in cats. Two of the most beneficial are probiotics and digestive enzymes.
Probiotics contain beneficial live bacteria that help promote a healthy gut microbiome. They can help restore balance in the digestive system after an illness or antibiotic treatment. Studies show probiotics may reduce vomiting frequency in cats with chronic gastrointestinal issues. Look for broad-spectrum probiotic supplements formulated specifically for cats [1].
Digestive enzymes break down food into nutrients the body can absorb. Enzyme supplements provide extra digestive support and make digestion easier on the stomach. They are especially helpful for cats with inflammatory bowel disease or food allergies. Lipase, amylase, and protease are key enzymes to look for [2].
When giving supplements, follow dosing instructions carefully. Check with your vet before starting anything new. With the right supplements, you can help get nutrients into your cat and soothe their upset tummy.
Hydration
Dehydration is a major risk for cats that are frequently vomiting. Vomiting leads to the loss of fluids and electrolytes, so it’s critical to encourage hydration. Make sure your cat always has easy access to fresh, clean water. Place multiple bowls around your home. Consider getting a cat fountain, as the moving water encourages drinking. Canned wet food also provides hydration, as it has much higher moisture content than dry kibble.
Monitor your cat’s hydration status carefully. Signs of dehydration include lethargy, sunken eyes, dry gums, and loss of skin elasticity. If you pinch the scruff of your cat’s neck gently and it stays tented, this indicates dehydration. Contact your vet immediately if you suspect your cat is becoming dehydrated.
When to Call the Vet Again
If your cat continues to vomit for more than 24 hours, it’s time to call the vet for an appointment. Persistent vomiting can lead to dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, and weight loss. According to veterinarians, you should also call your vet if the vomiting is accompanied by lethargy, diarrhea, blood in the vomit, or noticeable weight loss (https://www.thecatdoctoratlanta.com/learning-center/symptoms/cat-vomit-two-cat-vets-answer-all-of-your-questions).
Lethargy and fatigue are signs your cat may be dehydrated or have another underlying issue causing the vomiting. Bloody vomit could indicate a gastrointestinal ulcer or inflammation. Weight loss may signal your cat is not getting proper nutrition due to excessive vomiting and needs medical intervention (https://vethelpdirect.com/vetblog/2018/10/23/cat-vomiting-need-veterinary-attention/).
It’s important not to wait too long to call the vet if the vomiting persists or is accompanied by concerning symptoms. The longer the vomiting goes on, the more at risk your cat is for complications. Calling your vet promptly can help diagnose and treat the cause of the vomiting before it becomes an emergency situation.
Home Remedies
There are several natural home remedies that can help soothe an upset stomach and reduce vomiting in cats. Some of the most effective options include:
Slippery elm bark – This herb coats and soothes the stomach lining and gastrointestinal tract. Mix 1/4 teaspoon powdered slippery elm bark with 1 teaspoon water to make a paste. Give your cat 1/2 teaspoon 2-3 times daily. Slippery elm bark can help control nausea and vomiting. (Source)
Ginger – Ginger root has anti-nausea effects. Give your cat one small pinch of grated raw ginger root mixed into their food once a day. You can also steep a sliced ginger root in hot water for 5-10 minutes to make a ginger tea. Let cool and mix a teaspoon of the liquid into their food. (Source)
Peppermint – The soothing properties of peppermint can help calm an upset stomach. Add one drop of food-grade peppermint essential oil into 1 cup of drinking water. Give your cat a few laps of the minty water as needed for nausea relief.
Long-Term Management
For cats that experience chronic vomiting, long-term management is crucial to keep your cat healthy and comfortable. Here are some tips:
Sticking to any dietary changes recommended by your vet is important. According to PetMD, cats with food sensitivity may need to stick to a hypoallergenic or restricted ingredient diet long-term.
Regular vet checkups allow your vet to monitor your cat’s condition, adjust treatment if needed, and provide early detection if the cause worsens. The Cornell Feline Health Center recommends twice yearly checkups for older cats.
Pet insurance can help cover the costs of treatment for chronic conditions. According to VCA Hospitals, tests, medications, and supportive care can add up for cats with frequent vomiting issues.