As a cat owner, seeing your beloved pet unwell can be very distressing. Since cats can’t express their feelings verbally like humans, it’s often difficult to know when they’re feeling ill until you find vomit on the floor.

According to Dr. Bruce Kornreich, the head of the Cornell Feline Health Center, vomiting in cats can happen for various reasons, and it’s quite common.

However, understanding your cat’s behavior is essential, as vomiting can sometimes indicate a serious health issue.

What Causes Vomiting in Cats?

Cats can vomit for a variety of reasons, from harmless to potentially life-threatening. As Kornreich explains, hairballs, which consist of undigested fur, are a typical cause of vomiting in some cats. It’s normal for cats to cough up a hairball every week or two.

Generally, a cat may vomit if there’s an obstruction in its gastrointestinal tract. “These obstructions could result from more than just hairballs,” Kornreich notes. They might also originate from small objects like toys, tinsel, rubber bands, or paper clips.

Furthermore, there are “non-mechanical obstructions” that can lead to vomiting. One example is antifreeze. “If you live in a cold area, be extremely cautious to avoid spills of antifreeze,” warns Kornreich. “Just a drop can be harmful.”

Some plants, like lavender and tulips, can be toxic to cats and cause vomiting if consumed. The same holds true for certain foods like chocolate and onions.

Additionally, conditions such as parasites, constipation, hyperthyroidism, or inflammatory bowel disease may also lead to vomiting in cats, according to Kornreich.

If your cat is vomiting more than once a week or exhibiting other concerning symptoms, like:

• Lethargy
• Increased appetite
• Blood in the vomit
• Increased thirst
• Frequent urination
• Diarrhea

you should reach out to your veterinarian. It’s also crucial to distinguish between vomiting and regurgitation. In rare instances, a cat may regurgitate food without the active heaving and abdominal strain that are typical of vomiting, Kornreich adds.

What Actions Should I Take If My Cat Is Vomiting?

When your cat is vomiting, keep track of how often it happens, any additional symptoms present, and whether there’s any blood. From there, consult your veterinarian, Kornreich suggests.

“The first step is to identify the potential issue,” Kornreich advises. “If the veterinarian detects a mass in the abdomen, is it compacted stool? Is your cat constipated?”

Blood tests can reveal underlying health conditions like kidney or liver disease.

Based on the identified cause of vomiting, additional diagnostic procedures may be required. “As you progress through the diagnostic process, it may turn out that your cat needs more detailed and possibly invasive tests,” Kornreich states. This could include procedures like biopsies, X-rays, or abdominal ultrasounds.

How to Prevent Cat Vomiting

While not all vomiting episodes can be avoided, there are strategies to reduce the likelihood.

If hairballs are a frequent issue, it’s essential to keep your cat’s coat well-groomed. “Removing loose hair reduces the chance of it becoming tangled in the gastrointestinal tract,” Kornreich explains.

Ensure that harmful plants and materials are out of your cat’s reach to prevent accidental ingestion.

“It’s crucial to remain observant regarding what might lead to your cat’s vomiting,” Kornreich emphasizes.