Vomit is a common problem seen in many cats. There are a variety of reasons why cats vomit, ranging from the innocuous—such as parasites, overeating, and hairballs—to more severe causes like organ failure and lymphoma. Healthy cats may vomit once or twice a week without any other signs of illness. However, if vomiting becomes more frequent, especially if it is sudden or acute, it should be treated as a medical emergency, and veterinary attention must be sought immediately.
Cats vomit more readily than many other species, which can make it a frustrating issue for pet owners. Cats that regularly vomit within a few minutes of eating may actually be regurgitating their food. This is most commonly seen in cats that eat very quickly or those that consume an exclusively dry food diet. When ingested, dry food absorbs moisture in the cat’s stomach, causing it to expand and triggering regurgitation. Soaking dry food before feeding or mixing it with canned food may help solve this problem.
Possible Causes of Vomiting in Cats
Hairballs are a common cause of periodic vomiting, especially in longhaired cats. A dry cough and frequent retching—especially after meals—along with small spots of yellow bile on the floor or carpet, are signs of unsuccessful attempts to expel a hairball. Constipation or hard stools with visible hair may occur as the digestive system struggles to handle the hair. Finally, the hairball itself may be vomited, typically appearing as a cylindrical, wet, sticky, and smelly mass of hair and digesta.
Parasites can also contribute to vomiting in cats. Giardia, an intestinal infection caused by a single-celled organism, is one such parasite that lives in the intestines of infected animals. Other parasites, such as Salmonella, Coccidiosis, roundworms, and tapeworms, can cause vomiting, lethargy, or diarrhea. Many infected animals may appear healthy until acute vomiting and diarrhea occur. Routine fecal screenings are the best way to prevent and treat parasites before they become a serious problem.
Feline Panleukopenia, also known as feline distemper, can cause acute vomiting in kittens and cats that have been exposed to other infected cats. Caused by the Parvovirus, Panleukopenia is highly infectious and can remain active in the environment for months or even years. This disease is especially dangerous in kittens, leading to symptoms such as fever, vomiting, diarrhea, severe dehydration, and death.
In geriatric cats, vomiting may be linked to more serious conditions. One of the most common causes of chronic vomiting and diarrhea in older cats is inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). IBD is caused by inflammatory cells in the gastrointestinal tract, which can affect the small intestine (enteritis), large intestine (colitis), stomach (gastritis), and colon. The exact cause of IBD is unknown, but it may be related to food allergies, bacteria in the intestines, or an immune system malfunction. If left untreated, IBD can lead to poor digestion, malnutrition, and, in severe cases, lymphoma.
Kidney disease and renal failure are leading causes of death in cats. Chronic renal failure, which is common in older cats, develops gradually over time. The kidneys filter waste products from the blood and expel them through urine. Since the kidneys can still function with up to 70% of their capacity lost, the disease often progresses significantly before symptoms appear. Weight loss is typically the first noticeable sign of renal failure, but other symptoms—such as vomiting, decreased appetite, weight loss, depression, and increased thirst and urination—can also occur.
Hyperthyroidism is another common disease in older cats, caused by overactivity of the thyroid gland, which produces the thyroid hormones T4 and T3. When production of these hormones increases, it disrupts the cat’s metabolism. Symptoms of hyperthyroidism include weight loss despite an increased appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, increased thirst and urination, rapid heartbeat, increased blood pressure, and behavioral changes.
While occasional vomiting in cats may not be a sign of an emergency, acute vomiting is a serious health concern. Acute renal failure is one such example, where the kidneys suddenly stop functioning properly, affecting nearly every system in the body. Causes of acute kidney failure include kidney infections, exposure to toxins (e.g., poison or chemicals), and kidney obstructions. Symptoms of acute kidney failure include sudden vomiting, lethargy, weakness, disorientation, and ataxia. Immediate medical attention is essential, and treatment typically involves hospitalization, intravenous fluids, and potentially dialysis to remove toxins and restore kidney function.
Another cause of sudden, acute vomiting in cats could be an obstruction in the intestinal tract, such as an ingested foreign body, tumor, or malfunction. If left untreated, an obstruction can lead to dehydration, septic shock, or even a ruptured intestine. Frequent and forceful vomiting is the most common symptom of an obstruction.
While many cats may vomit periodically throughout their lives without a specific underlying cause, increased frequency or acute vomiting in cats should be taken seriously. It may signal a serious medical issue that requires immediate veterinary attention.
