As cat owners, we should always be on the lookout for anything that might tell us about our best friend’s health. From the simplest to the most obvious ones, every sign matters. One sign that shouldn’t be ignored is vomiting.
Cat vomiting happens when their bodies forcefully expel the contents from their stomach. This gets rid of harmful substances, such as spoiled food, foreign objects, and toxins.
Because of the implications of vomiting, it’s important to get a head start on everything about it. Lucky for you, we’re here to share what we know.
Why Do Cats Vomit?
Cats vomit for different reasons. It can be as simple as a hairball or something more complex.
Common Causes
Hairballs. Hairballs are a common cause of vomiting in cats, especially cats with long coats. Whenever cats groom themselves, they can sometimes take in some of their own fur. This can accumulate in the stomach, which is then ejected from the stomach.
Dietary Indiscretion. Cats, with their curious nature, tend to eat things they shouldn’t. This can be anything from a small toy to a plant or even plain garbage. As a result, the body vomits them out to remove these dangerous objects.
Sudden Changes in Diet. If your cat’s diet changes suddenly, this can upset its stomach and cause vomiting.
Food Allergies or Sensitivities. Some cats have allergies or intolerances to certain foods. One example is milk, which adults can’t digest because it contains lactose.
Medical Issues
Gastrointestinal Issues. Cat vomiting can be caused by inflammatory bowel disease, pancreatitis, colitis, and more.
Parasite Infestation. Intestinal parasites can irritate your cat’s digestive tract, resulting in vomiting.
Chronic Diseases. Diabetes, kidney disease, and liver failure are among the many diseases that can cause vomiting in cats.
Bacterial and Viral Infections. Pathogens can cause vomiting by inflaming the lining of the gastrointestinal system. One example is feline parvovirus.
Poisons and Toxins. Certain drugs, medications, and chemicals at home can be dangerous for your cat, especially when ingested. When they do, the body naturally expels them by throwing up.
Why Did My Cat Vomit But Is Acting Normally?
This can happen when the cause is mild. The key is to always watch the symptoms that accompany the vomit, as some causes can be severe.
What Is the Difference Between Vomiting and Regurgitation?
In some cases, a cat vomiting food can really just be regurgitating. Let’s talk about the difference between the two:
Vomiting
Vomiting is the active process, which can be seen as heaving, retching, or abdominal contractions. The vomit itself can appear fully or partially digested. In some cases, this can have blood. The cause can be dietary or a serious medical issue.
Regurgitation
Regurgitation is passive, meaning that the affected cat won’t need to make any effort. This means no gagging, retching, or heaving of any kind. It just involves a quiet expulsion of the object or substance, which typically happens after eating.
Generally, regurgitation happens when cats eat too much too fast.
How Often Is Too Often for a Cat to Vomit?
A cat vomiting more than once a week can be concerning. When this happens to your cat, we recommend visiting the clinic or calling our vets. However, when a cat vomits more than two or three times consecutively, this is considered an emergency.
Generally, frequent vomiting can indicate several reasons, from mild hairballs to more serious issues such as gastrointestinal problems.
Frequently Asked Questions
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