Vomiting in cats is a concerning and perplexing condition for different reasons. While an occasional occurrence may not be alarming, frequent or unusual vomiting can signify an underlying health condition. Whether it’s hairballs, diet-related upsets, or more serious medical conditions, understanding why your cat is throwing up is the first step towards ensuring their well-being.
This blog explores the fundamentals of cat vomiting and covers everything from various types and causes to potential instances that require professional help. With this informative guide, we’ll equip you with the right knowledge to help your feline friend in their moment of distress.
Let’s get started!
Why is My Cat Throwing Up?
Cat vomiting, or throwing up, is a forceful expulsion of the stomach contents (food, fluid, or hairballs) through the mouth. However, it’s different from regurgitation, which brings up undigested food/fluids from the oesophagus or stomach. Vomiting in cats can be caused by minor intestinal disturbances, and it can also be a sign of severe underlying health conditions.
Right before throwing up, your cat may appear restless and agitated. They may also depict excessive swallowing, lip licking, salivating, and strong abdominal movements. Essentially, there are various reasons for your cat to throw up occasionally; however, some instances require veterinary support. Let’s understand them better in the following segments.
Common Causes of Vomit in Cats
A cat may vomit due to a variety of reasons. The following are the most common ones:
- Foreign object ingestion
- Dietary indiscretion
- Hyperthyroidism
- Hairballs
- Intestinal parasites
- Liver disease
- Kidney disease
- Diabetes
- Medications
- Constipation
- Inner ear infections
- Urinary tract infections
- Bacterial or viral infections
- Heartworm disease
- Cancer
Types of Cat Vomit and What They Mean
Your cat’s vomit may look different in colour depending on the disease/issue responsible for causing it. Therefore, it’s crucial to understand what the different vomit colours mean.
Yellow: Essentially, it is bile that cats often vomit on an empty stomach, which appears like yellow vomit. It can also be a sign of liver disease or the cat being anorexic.
Clear liquid: Cats throwing up clear liquid typically means regurgitation from the oesophagus or an empty stomach.
White foam: This also indicates regurgitation. It might also be due to inflammation in the lining of the stomach and/or small intestines.
Worms: It indicates the problem of intestinal worms and must be addressed promptly. The most common type of worms in cat vomit are roundworms.
Hairballs: Cats that overgroom themselves or have long hair often throw up hairballs. However, it can also indicate an issue in the digestive system that doesn’t let hair pass.
Blood: When you notice blood in your cat’s vomit, it may be due to ulcerations in the mouth or irritation of the stomach lining or oesophagus.
Black liquid: Black liquid vomit in cats is most likely the sign of internal bleeding or partially digested blood from the stomach or upper intestine. Ulcers in the stomach lining or intestines may also be responsible for it.
When Should You Be Worried?
Cat vomiting is a concerning condition, and there are several instances that call for immediate attention. Promptly contact your vet if you notice:
- Your cat vomits more than two or three times in a row.
- Your cat is showing other symptoms, such as diarrhoea or not eating.
- They have not drunk water for 12 hours and have vomited several times in a row.
- When you see blood or worms in their vomit.
- If your cat has already been diagnosed with an illness. This calls for an emergency vet visit.
Diagnosis and Treatment
The diagnosis starts with a physical examination and an enquiry about the symptoms, diet, eating habits, lifestyle, and medical history. To narrow down the cause of vomiting, they will do some tests, including blood tests, urinalysis, faecal exam, ultrasound, x-ray, etc.
The vet will recommend a suitable treatment course, such as special diets, treatments, or surgery, depending on the underlying cause and its severity. In some cases, you may need to hospitalise your cat for intravenous fluid therapy to combat dehydration and further management.
Parting Words
This brings us to the end of our informative guide about cat vomiting. We have covered the causes, types, and warning signs to fill the gaps in your knowledge. So, put this information to good use and take proactive steps to ensure your feline companion receives the care they need.
