My cat is vomiting: causes, when to worry, and what to do

My cat is vomiting: causes, when to worry, and what to do

A cat that vomits from time to time is pretty common and often harmless. But some vomiting episodes should raise a red flag. Here’s how to tell the difference and know when to make an appointment with the vet.

💡 Keep track of the episodes (frequency, appearance, context) in your cat's health record, it really helps the vet make a diagnosis.

The most common (and harmless) causes

• Hairballs (trichobezoars): while grooming, cats swallow fur that they later regurgitate. This is classic for long-haired breeds.
• Eating too fast: the cat then vomits almost whole kibble right after eating.
• Abrupt dietary changes: a food transition should take place over 7 to 10 days.
• Cat grass: some cats intentionally make themselves vomit by eating grass.

In these cases, the cat remains healthy, eats and drinks normally, and the episode is isolated.

When to worry: warning signs

See a vet quickly if you notice:

• Repeated vomiting (multiple times in a day or several days in a row)
• The presence of blood (red or brown like "coffee grounds")
• A lethargic cat that isn’t eating, drinking, or is hiding
• Vomiting accompanied by diarrhea, weight loss, or dehydration
• A cat that tries to vomit without producing anything (possible emergency)

In cats, dehydration and loss of appetite can escalate quickly: don’t wait several days.

Possible medical causes

Persistent vomiting can indicate: poisoning (check out our article on toxic foods, many also apply to cats), an ingested foreign body, kidney failure (common in older cats, see kidney failure in cats), hyperthyroidism, inflammatory bowel disease, or parasites.

What to do at home

For an isolated episode in a healthy cat:

1. Give the stomach a rest for a few hours (no prolonged fasting in cats, it’s dangerous).
2. Offer fresh water in small amounts.
3. Resume a light, divided diet.
4. Monitor: if it happens again or the condition worsens, head to the vet.

To limit hairballs: regular brushing, appropriate diet, and if needed, cat grass. To prevent fast eating: a slow feeder bowl.

In summary

An isolated vomit in a healthy cat is usually not serious. But repeated vomiting, blood, or a lethargic cat that isn’t eating are reasons to consult. When in doubt, it’s better to call the vet.

With Boopsy, jot down your cat's symptoms and history so you don’t forget anything on the day of the appointment, and find a vet near you in just a few seconds.