Vomiting in cats: causes and treatment

The most common cause of vomiting in cats is swallowing hair or other non-food material, such as grass, that irritates the stomach. Most cats do this from time to time. Intestinal parasites can also cause stomach irritation.

Other common causes of vomiting in cats indoors include overeating or eating too quickly. When kittens eat their food quickly and then immediately engage in active play, vomiting may occur. This type of vomiting is not dangerous. It may be caused by multiple kittens being fed from the same bowl, which encourages them to eat their food quickly. Separating the kittens or feeding them smaller portions can often help alleviate this problem.

If your cat vomits once or twice but appears completely normal before and after, the problem is not serious and can be treated at home. Vomiting that is not related to food is often a sign of an infectious disease, kidney or liver disease, or a disorder of the central nervous system. Diseases that are often associated with vomiting include feline panleukopenia, tonsillitis, sore throat, inflammatory bowel disease, and infection of the uterus (acute metritis). However, other signs of illness are present. In young cats, sudden vomiting and fever may indicate panleukopenia.

You can often tell what your cat is sick with by noticing how and where it vomits. Notice if it is repetitive, and if so, if it is sporadic or persistent. How soon after eating does it happen? Is it "fountain vomiting"? Look for blood, feces, or foreign bodies in the vomit.

Persistent vomiting in a cat

The cat vomits, then continues to strain, regurgitating foamy, clear fluid. This may indicate spoiled food, grass, hairballs, other indigestible objects, or certain diseases such as infectious enteritis, which irritate the stomach lining.

Sporadic vomiting in a cat

Sometimes a cat vomits from time to time for several days or weeks. There is no connection with food intake. The appetite is poor. And the cat looks exhausted, it is lethargic. This can be a liver or kidney disease, as well as diseases such as chronic gastritis, irritable bowel syndrome, hairballs, severe worm infestation and diabetes.

Another possible reason for vomiting in a cat at home is a foreign body in the stomach. In older cats, this may be a tumor of the stomach or intestines. A veterinary examination is necessary.

Blood in vomit

Red blood in the vomit indicates active bleeding somewhere between the mouth and the upper small intestine. This is most often caused by a foreign body. The stuff that looks like coffee grounds is old, partially digested blood. This also indicates a bleeding point between the mouth and the upper small intestine.

Any cat that is vomiting blood has a serious medical condition and should be seen by a veterinarian immediately.

Feces in vomit

Cats that vomit a foul-smelling substance that looks and smells like feces are likely suffering from an intestinal impaction or peritonitis. Another cause of feces in the vomit is blunt or penetrating abdominal trauma. Contact your veterinarian for immediate medical attention.

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Vomiting "fountain" in a cat

Projectile vomiting is forceful vomiting in which stomach contents are suddenly expelled, often over a considerable distance. This indicates a complete blockage of the gastrointestinal tract. Possible causes include foreign bodies, hairballs, tumors, and stenosis of the tract. Brain diseases that cause increased intracranial pressure also cause projectile vomiting. These include brain tumors, encephalitis, and blood clots.

Treating Vomiting in Cats at Home

If you have questions about the cause and severity of your cat vomiting at home, seek veterinary advice. Cats that vomit can quickly become dehydrated as they lose fluids and electrolytes. If vomiting is accompanied by diarrhea, the likelihood of dehydration increases significantly. Consult your veterinarian if vomiting continues for more than 24 hours, if your cat becomes dehydrated, or if vomiting occurs repeatedly.

Home treatment is only appropriate for normal, healthy adult cats that have no symptoms other than vomiting. Kittens, cats with underlying medical conditions, and older cats that are more likely to be dehydrated should be treated by a veterinarian.

When the stomach responds to irritation quickly, the foreign material is removed. Then, an important step is to give the stomach a rest by not giving the cat food or water for at least 12 hours. If the cat is thirsty, give it ice cubes to lick.

After 12 hours, if the vomiting has stopped, give her a small sip of water. You can give her a small amount of baby electrolyte solution along with the water.

If water is tolerated, switch to purified meat baby food (low fat and no onion powder). Give 4-6 small meals a day for the next two days. Then return to normal diet.