What Causes Cat Vomiting?

It is not unusual for cats to vomit, as they have sensitive stomachs and often chomp on grass and other plants to help remove hairballs. You’ve probably seen little watery, furry vomit patches with bits of grass in them; that’s totally fine. In fact, there are several reasons why cats in particular seem to throw up more than we do, and most of them are nothing to worry about. The key is understanding when vomiting is normal and when it signals a more serious issue.  

Why Cats May Vomit Occasionally 

Fur: Cats commonly vomit due to grooming habits. When cats clean themselves, they ingest hair that can accumulate in the stomach. This often leads to hairballs, which are normally expelled through vomiting – especially after swallowing some fibrous plant matter to get things moving. 

Eating too quickly: Cats that eat too quickly may regurgitate food shortly after meals. This is often due to the stomach becoming overloaded before digestion begins. 

Dietary sensitivity: Sudden changes in food, eating something unusual or mild intolerance to certain ingredients may cause temporary stomach upset. Cats can also be allergic to their food, with the most common protein allergies being chicken, beef and fish. 

Common Causes of More Frequent Vomiting 

When vomiting becomes more frequent, underlying digestive issues may be involved. Conditions such as gastritis, inflammatory bowel disease or food allergies can irritate the stomach and intestines. These issues often lead to repeated vomiting, sometimes accompanied by diarrhea or changes in appetite. 

Parasites are another possibility, particularly in younger cats or those with outdoor access. Internal parasites can disrupt digestion and cause ongoing gastrointestinal symptoms. You may even be able to see some of those parasites when you clean up after your cat – both in the vomit and in the litter box. 

Systemic and Medical Conditions 

Chronic conditions such as kidney disease, liver disease or hyperthyroidism are known to cause vomiting in cats. These conditions affect how the body processes toxins and nutrients, which can lead to nausea and digestive upset. 

Toxins are another serious concern. Cats are highly sensitive to certain substances, including plants, chemicals and some human foods. Ingesting these can cause sudden and severe vomiting. 

Acute vs. Chronic Vomiting 

It is important to distinguish between occasional and repeated vomiting. Acute vomiting happens suddenly and may resolve quickly, often due to something minor like dietary upset. Chronic vomiting, which occurs regularly over time, is more concerning. Even if the cat appears otherwise normal, repeated episodes suggest an underlying issue that requires investigation. Frequency, duration and accompanying symptoms all matter when determining the cause. 

When speaking to your cat’s veterinarian, remember to note whether the vomit was watery, clear or yellow, contained blood or food, and other details. These can be very important. 

When Vomiting Becomes a Concern 

If vomiting is frequent, persistent or accompanied by other symptoms, it should not be ignored. These symptoms may include: 

• Lethargy 

• Loss of appetite 

• Weight loss 

• Diarrhea 

• Blood in vomit 

  
  

Kittens, senior cats and cats with existing health conditions are especially vulnerable and should be assessed sooner. If your cat is vomiting more than once or twice in a short period, or if the behaviour continues over several days, it is time for a veterinary evaluation. 

Early diagnosis allows for more effective treatment and can prevent more serious complications. Even conditions that seem mild at first can progress if left untreated. 

If your cat is vomiting frequently or showing other signs of illness, we highly recommend booking a veterinary appointment as soon as possible.

At Urgent Paws, we see patients between 2 pm and 11:30 pm, Thursday to Sunday.

Need to see a vet in Red Deer on the weekend or after work? That’s us!