Why Is My Cat Vomiting? When to Worry & When to Call a Vet

It’s that sound that every cat owner knows too well the gack-gack-gack from the hallway at night when our feline companions attempt to cleanse their systems whilst we are still asleep.

Unfortunately, most of us are the seconds late to save the carpet from the unfortunate nightly occurrences of our beloved cats.

At Pawssum, vomiting is one of the most called for complaints from cat owners.

While vomiting can be the result of scarf and barf episodes or hairballs, mobile vets see the occasional cat with serious issues resulting in vomiting.

In this article, we’ll discuss the signs and causes of vomiting in cats so that you can determine if your feline friend needs to rest or if you need to call a vet to assist them.

Vomiting vs. Regurgitation

When determining whether a cat is vomiting or regurgitating, there are a few differences to consider.

Regurgitation can occur if the cat was eating quickly and the food came out of the cat in its natural shape (oesophagus). It can also be if there’s an issue with the oesophagus.

Vomiting suggests that the problem is in the stomach or upper small intestine. Signs of vomiting include:

• Abdominal press (heaving)
• Drooling
• Licking lips
• Anxious pacing
• The “Rainbow” of Cat Vomit

Depending on the colour of the vomit, there can be different causes of the behaviour.

Yellow or green liquid can be a sign of bile. This can indicate an empty stomach. In some instances, the liquid can be bilious indicating that the cat’s stomach is irritated.

Clear liquid could be saliva or gastric juice. It can suggest an irritated stomach.

If the vomit is black and looks like “coffee grounds,” this is a sign of digested blood. This is a medical emergency.

Bright red blood can be a sign of fresh bleeding in the mouth or oesophagus. Call a vet immediately.

Undigested food can be the result of scarf and barf behaviour (eating too fast). It could also be food intolerance.

Common Culprits for Cat Vomiting

Hairballs (Trichobezoars)

These are common in Australia with the long-haired breeds of cats. There is nothing wrong with one or two hairballs per month. However, if the cat is vomiting these very frequently, this is a sign to take closer look at the cat’s grooming habits or health of their digestive system.

Dietary indiscretion

Many cats eat quickly and may develop vomiting due to a change in diet.

Toxins

Many of the common items in the Australian household can be toxic to the cat.

Lilies are toxic to the point that exposure to the pollen can result in kidney failure leading to death in the cat.

Paracetamol is toxic in cats.

Many cleaning products can cause burns to the mouth or oesophagus.

Paralysis Ticks

For the cats living in the coastal regions of Australia, the concern for paralysis ticks is common. These ticks can result in vomiting due to the paralysis of the muscles involved in the process of swallowing. Other common signs are difficulty walking or a change in their meow. If you notice that your cat is vomiting and showing signs of weakness, it could be a 24-hour emergency.

Chronic Vomiting vs. Acute Vomiting

Acute vomiting comes after a period of wellness and can be the result of a foreign body obstruction in the intestine. It is common for cats to ingest items such as string, dental floss or tinsel.

Chronic vomiting occurs every few weeks over an extended period and could be a sign of:

• Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
• Kidney disease (especially with the elderly)
• Hyperthyroidism

What to Do When Your Cat Vomits Once

If only one episode of vomiting occurs, follow these steps:

• Check their vitals
• Check if they are hydrated by pinching their skin between shoulder blades
• Check their gums

Follow the 24-hour rule. If vomiting stops and they are behaving normally, continue to monitor. However, if they vomit more than three times in a day or continue to vomit after 24 hours, call a vet.

When to Call the Vet

There are a few instances when a vet must be called for your cat.

• If they exhibit frequent heaving with nothing coming out.
• Vomiting and lethargy.
• No bowel movements.
• Ingestion of a potentially toxic substance.
• Projectile vomiting.
• Abdominal pain indicated by growling at being touched on the abdomen.

The Advantage of a Mobile Vet for a Nauseous Cat

For a cat that is already feeling nauseous, the car ride to the vet clinic can be challenging for the cat and the owner. The stress can mask the symptoms of vomiting.

With a mobile vet like Pawssum, your cat can be looked at in their home environment. Vomiting can be checked for cause with a physical examination and treatment for nausea can be given directly at the point of care.

Summary

Trust your gut (and your cats’ instincts) to determine if they need care from the vet or not.

A change in behaviour is a sign to pay attention to their health.

Watch their water bowl and litter box.

If they are vomiting hairballs only once in a while, it’s okay. However, if it becomes a more frequent issue, a vet visit is necessary.

About the Vet: Dr. Jess 

Dr. Jess (BVSc)

Dr. Jess is a vet with over 12 years of experience in Australia with a special interest in the care of cats. She joined Pawssum with the desire to offer an alternative to visiting the vet clinic. Dr. Jess believes that the best medicine is administered when the cat is relaxed. She also has experience in treating the elderly cat with Home Triage visits. Outside of her work with Pawssum, she is the boss of her two rescue tabby cats, Barnaby and Pip.