• Cylindrical shape
• Coated in mucus and saliva
• Contains visible hair
• Occasional occurrence is normal

Food-Related Vomit:

• Undigested food: Often due to eating too fast
• Partially digested food: May indicate stomach issues
• Bile (yellow foam): Suggests an empty stomach

Liquid Vomit:

• Clear liquid: Often water or saliva
• Yellow liquid: Bile, typically from an empty stomach
• White foam: Indicates stomach irritation
• Blood: Red streaks (fresh) or coffee-ground appearance (digested)—always an emergency

Common Causes of Vomiting in Cats

Dietary Causes

1. Hairballs

• The most common cause in long-haired cats.
• Form from ingested fur during grooming.
• Frequency increases during shedding seasons.

Prevention Strategies:

• Daily brushing for long-haired breeds
• Specialized hairball control diets
• Vet-recommended laxative pastes or gels

2. Eating Too Fast

• Gulping food can lead to regurgitation.
• Common in multi-cat households due to competition.
• Can cause esophageal irritation over time.

Effective Solutions:

• Slow-feeder bowls or puzzle feeders
• Offering small, frequent meals
• Feeding cats in separate areas

3. Dietary Changes & Intolerances

• Sudden switches in food
• Food intolerances or allergies (common triggers: beef, dairy, fish, chicken)
• Ingestion of spoiled food or non-food items

Medical Causes

1. Gastrointestinal Disorders

• Gastritis (stomach inflammation)
• Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
• Pancreatitis
• Intestinal parasites
• Foreign body obstruction

2. Systemic Diseases

• Kidney or liver disease
• Diabetes mellitus
• Hyperthyroidism
• Various infections (viral, bacterial)

3. Toxins and Poisons

• Highly toxic plants: Lilies are especially deadly to cats.
• Human medications
• Household chemicals (antifreeze, cleaners)
• Certain human foods (chocolate, onions)
• Essential oils (many are toxic)

4. Motion Sickness

• Often occurs during car travel.
• Can be related to stress or anxiety.
• May indicate vestibular system issues.

When to Seek Immediate Veterinary Care

Emergency Red Flags

Contact your veterinarian or an emergency clinic immediately if you observe:

1. Blood in the Vomit

   • Red streaks indicate fresh bleeding.
   • A coffee-ground appearance suggests digested blood.
   • Both signal potential bleeding in the digestive tract.

2. Repeated Vomiting

   • More than 3 episodes in 24 hours.
   • Inability to keep water down.
   • Persistent vomiting every few hours.

3. Concerning Additional Symptoms

   • Lethargy, weakness, or collapse
   • Diarrhea, especially if bloody
   • Signs of abdominal pain or bloating
   • Difficulty breathing
   • Seizures

4. Suspected Poisoning

   • Known ingestion of a toxic substance.
   • Sudden onset of severe vomiting.
   • Any neurological symptoms (tremors, disorientation).

5. Signs of a Foreign Body

   • String or thread hanging from the mouth (Never pull it)
   • Sudden vomiting after playing with small toys.
   • Abdominal pain, constipation, or straining.

Urgent Care (Within 24 Hours)

Seek veterinary care within a day if your cat exhibits:

• Vomiting lasting more than 24 hours.
• Vomiting paired with a decreased appetite.
• Vomiting accompanied by weight loss.
• Vomiting in a senior cat (over 7 years old) or a young kitten.
• Signs of dehydration (sunken eyes, dry gums, skin that "tents" when pinched).

The Veterinary Diagnostic Process

Initial Examination

A vet will typically perform:

• A full physical exam (temperature, abdominal palpation)
• Assessment of hydration status and weight
• Listening to heart and lung sounds

Common Diagnostic Tests

1. Blood Work: Complete Blood Count (CBC), chemistry panel, thyroid levels.
2. Fecal Exam: To check for intestinal parasites.
3. Imaging: X-rays for obstructions; Ultrasound for detailed organ views.
4. Urinalysis: Evaluates kidney function and screens for diabetes.
5. Specialized Tests: Pancreatitis-specific blood tests, endoscopy, or biopsies for conditions like IBD.

Treatment Options for Cat Vomiting

At-Home Care for Mild Cases

Only attempt if your cat has vomited once, seems otherwise normal, and has no red flags.

Step 1: Brief Food Withholding

• Withhold food for 12-24 hours to let the stomach rest.
• Continue to offer fresh water.

Step 2: Reintroduce a Bland Diet

• Offer small amounts every 3-4 hours.
• Options include:
  • Boiled, unseasoned chicken (no skin/bones)
  • Plain white rice
  • Plain canned pumpkin (not pie filling)
  • A veterinary-prescribed bland diet

Step 3: Gradual Transition

• Slowly mix regular food back in over 3-5 days.
• Monitor closely for any return of symptoms.

Professional Veterinary Treatments

Medications may include:

• Antiemetics (e.g., Cerenia®) to stop vomiting.
• Antacids or gastroprotectants.
• Antibiotics for bacterial infections.
• Dewormers for parasites.
• Probiotics to support gut health.

Supportive Care:

• Fluid Therapy: Subcutaneous or IV fluids to correct dehydration and electrolyte imbalances.
• Surgical Intervention: Required for foreign body removal or repairing blockages.

Prevention Strategies

Dietary Management

• Feed Small, Frequent Meals: Prevents gulping and overloading the stomach.
• Use Puzzle or Slow-Feeder Bowls.
• Choose High-Quality Food: Opt for easily digestible formulas.
• Transition Food Slowly: Take 7-10 days when changing diets.
• Avoid Table Scraps: Human food can upset feline stomachs.

Hairball Prevention:

• Commit to regular brushing.
• Consider a hairball control diet or supplements.
• Ensure adequate fiber intake.

Environmental Management

• Toxin-Proof Your Home: Secure chemicals, remove toxic plants (especially lilies), and store medications safely.
• Eliminate Hazards: Keep strings, rubber bands, and small toys out of reach.
• Reduce Stress: Use pheromone diffusers (like Feliway®), maintain a consistent routine, and provide hiding spots and enrichment.

Special Considerations

Chronic Vomiting

Defined as vomiting more than 2-3 times per month.

Potential Causes:

• Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
• Chronic kidney disease
• Hyperthyroidism
• Food allergies
• Chronic pancreatitis

Management involves: long-term dietary management (e.g., novel protein or hydrolyzed diets), medication, and regular veterinary monitoring.

Vomiting in Senior Cats

• Always take seriously due to higher prevalence of systemic diseases (kidney, thyroid).
• Dehydration and weight loss occur more rapidly.
• Prompt veterinary evaluation is crucial.

Vomiting in Kittens

• Considered a high-priority emergency.
• Extreme risk of rapid dehydration and hypoglycemia.
• Common causes include parasites and serious infections like panleukopenia.
• Requires immediate veterinary attention.

Cost Considerations

Approximate Cost Ranges

Planning Ahead: Pet insurance or a dedicated emergency savings fund is highly recommended to manage unexpected veterinary costs.

When Is It Safe to Monitor at Home?

You may monitor your cat at home only if:

• It was a single, isolated vomiting episode.
• Your cat is otherwise acting normally—eating, drinking, playing.
• There are no other symptoms (lethargy, diarrhea, blood).
• The cat is an adult (not a kitten or frail senior).

What to Watch For:

• Any additional vomiting.
• Changes in behavior, appetite, or litter box habits.
• If any of these occur, contact your vet.

Conclusion

Vomiting in cats spans a spectrum from routine hairballs to critical medical emergencies. Recognizing the signs that warrant professional help is key to protecting your cat's health.

Key Takeaways:

• Occasional hairballs are common, especially in long-haired breeds.
• Blood in vomit, repeated episodes, or vomiting in kittens/seniors require immediate veterinary care.
• Prevention through proper diet, grooming, and a safe environment is highly effective.
• You know your cat best. If your instincts tell you something is wrong, err on the side of caution and consult your veterinarian. Early intervention leads to better outcomes.