Why Is My Cat Vomiting? 2025 Causes, Worry Signs & Vet Solutions 🐱✨

By Dr. Duncan Houston BVSc

Every cat throws up occasionally—but frequent vomiting isn't normal. Whether it’s hairballs, bile, or food, chronic vomiting could be a sign of a deeper issue.

I’m Dr. Duncan Houston, veterinarian and founder of Ask A Vet. Here's how to tell when vomiting is harmless, when it’s a red flag, and what you can do to help your cat feel better fast.

🔍 What Counts as “Normal” Vomiting?

• Occasional hairball (every few weeks)
• Isolated episode with no other symptoms

🚩 When Vomiting Is a Problem

• Happens more than once per week
• Contains blood, bile, or foreign objects
• Paired with weight loss, lethargy, or poor appetite
• Chronic vomiting despite diet changes

🧾 Common Causes of Cat Vomiting

1. Hairballs

• Long-haired or obsessive groomers
• May need brushing and digestive support

2. Diet Sensitivities

• Low-quality food or sudden food changes
• Food allergies (common proteins like chicken or fish)

3. Eating Too Fast

• “Scarf and barf” behavior
• Use slow feeder bowls or puzzle feeders

4. Gastrointestinal Issues

• IBD, gastritis, pancreatitis
• Often require diagnostics like ultrasound or bloodwork

5. Parasites

• Common in kittens or outdoor cats
• May vomit worms or have diarrhea too

6. Foreign Body Ingestion

• String, rubber bands, plastic toys
• Emergency! It can cause intestinal blockage

7. Systemic Illness

• Kidney disease, liver disease, hyperthyroidism
• Common in senior cats—vomiting may be an early symptom

👨⚕️ How Vets Diagnose the Cause

• Physical exam and detailed history
• Bloodwork, fecal testing, imaging (X-ray or ultrasound)
• Food trials or endoscopy for chronic cases

💊 Treatment Options

• Anti-nausea medications (Cerenia, maropitant)
• Prescription GI diets (e.g., Hill’s i/d, Royal Canin Gastrointestinal)
• Hairball remedies (e.g., laxatives, malt paste)
• Probiotics and dewormers as needed

🛡️ Home Care Tips

• Feed smaller, more frequent meals
• Use puzzle feeders or food mats to slow eating
• Brush daily to reduce hair ingestion
• Switch to a vet-recommended diet slowly over 7–10 days

🔗 Helpful Tools from Ask A Vet

• Felt Caves – Safe hideouts for sick or recovering cats
• Ask A Vet – Track vomiting episodes and get expert guidance on treatment

📋 Summary Excerpt

Cats vomit occasionally—but not regularly. A vet explains what’s normal, what’s not, and how to treat frequent vomiting before it becomes serious.

❓ FAQs

• Q: How often is too often for my cat to vomit?
  A: More than once per week is a red flag—especially if ongoing or paired with weight loss.
• Q: What can I give my cat to stop vomiting?
  A: Don’t use human meds. Ask your vet about safe anti-nausea medications or dietary changes.
• Q: Should I fast my cat after vomiting?
  A: No. Cats shouldn’t go more than 24 hours without food—it can cause hepatic lipidosis. Try bland, small meals instead.