Why Is My Cat Throwing Up? 7 Possible Reasons

You’ve heard it–the hacking and coughing of your cat throwing up. Yikes! Then comes the inevitable question, “Why is my cat throwing up?”

Whether it’s a one-time thing or an ongoing issue, vomiting in cats leaves pet owners feeling distraught and worried.

While the occasional hair ball isn’t unusual, repeated vomiting may be a sign that something more serious is going on.

Read on for the top 7 reasons your cat may be throwing up and what you can do about it.

1. Hairballs

If you live with a cat you are undoubtedly familiar with hairballs. Cats clean and groom themselves daily with their sand paper-like tongue and naturally build up hair in their digestive tracks. Most of the time their hair passes through their system and out into your litter box. Occasionally, that hairball comes up the other way.

Hairballs look like long, tube-shaped clumps of hair and come out with some lubricant or fluid. Occasional hairballs are normal and nothing to worry about, but if your cat is hacking up hairballs multiple times a day, it may indicate a deeper issue. Some cats, especially long-haired breeds may need grooming assistance or hairball food to help minimize the buildup of hair.

2. Eating Too Quickly

If your cat eats their food like they’re racing the clock, that could be the culprit behind the vomiting. This is much more common in multi-cat households where cats feel the need to compete for their meals.

Vomiting shortly after eating (and seeing visible food in their vomit) may actually be regurgitation and not vomit. It’s not dangerous in small amounts but if it happens repeatedly, it can lead to nutritional deficiencies or an upset stomach.

Try feeding smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day or use a slow feeding bowl designed for cats to encourage Whiskers to slow down.

3. Dietary Sensitivities

Just like humans, cats can experience food sensitivities or allergies. Switching to a new brand of cat food, adding in fatty treats, or sneaking human food can all cause digestive upset. Sudden changes in diet may also trigger vomiting, even if your cat doesn’t have a sensitivity to the food.

Stick to high-quality, vet-recommended cat food, and introduce new food slowly. Mix it in with their current food over 7-10 days to help their system adjust. If vomiting continues even with a consistent diet, your vet may recommend a specialized diet trial.

4. Gastrointestinal Problems

If your cat is vomiting more than once a week, or they’re showing other symptoms like weight loss, diarrhea, or poor appetite, it could be a sign of a more serious gastrointestinal issue.

The following conditions may cause vomiting:

• Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)

• Parasites

• Bacterial or viral infections

• Intestinal blockages

A veterinary exam, along with diagnostic testing like bloodwork or fecal analysis, can help to figure out what’s going on beneath the surface.

5. Toxins or Foreign Objects

Have you heard the saying “curiosity killed the cat”? Well, that’s because they’re curious creatures and get into things they shouldn’t. Houseplants, string, ribbon, small toys, and hair ties are all fair game if they’re in reach of your cat. This is especially true of medications on the counter. They can have devastating consequences if swallowed by a cat.

Vomiting is very common if a cat ingests something toxic or indigestible. If your cat is vomiting persistently or seems distressed, lethargic, or in pain, it’s best to treat it as an emergency. Ingesting a foreign object can lead to a blockage, which often requires surgery.

6. Underlying Illness

Vomiting can also be a symptom of underlying illnesses, especially in older cats. Conditions such as:

• Chronic kidney disease

• Hyperthyroidism

• Liver disease

• Diabetes

…can all cause nausea and vomiting.

These diseases often come with additional signs such as increased thirst, changes in appetite, weight loss, or behavioral issues. Regular wellness exams, especially for senior cats, can help catch these conditions early before they become more serious.

7. Stress or Anxiety

Believe it or not, your cat has emotions and those emotions can impact their physical health. Cats are creatures of habit and even small changes can cause stress. Have you gotten a new pet? Had a recent move? Loud noises, visitors, or even a change in your schedule could all cause your cat to vomit.

Stress-induced vomiting is not usually frequent, but it’s still a sign your cat is having trouble adjusting. Creating a calm environment and offering enrichment activities may help.

When to Call the Vet

So, when is vomiting an emergency, and when can you wait it out?

You should immediately load your cat in their carrier and contact your vet if:

• Your cat vomits more than once or twice in a day
• The vomiting continues for more than 48 hours
• There’s blood in the vomit
• Your cat is also lethargic, hiding, or refusing to eat
• There are additional symptoms like diarrhea, weight loss, or increased thirst

While the occasional hairball might not require a vet visit, frequent or unexplained vomiting should always be evaluated to rule out serious issues.

Concerned About Your Cat’s Vomiting?

At Westmonte Animal Clinic, we know how stressful it is when your cat isn’t feeling their best. Our experienced team is here to help you get answers—and relief—for your feline friend. From physical exams to diagnostic testing and personalized treatment plans, we’ll work with you to get your kitty back to purring in no time.

Call us today to schedule an appointment or learn more about your cat’s digestive health.