How to Stop Cat Vomiting

Vomiting in cats is a common issue that can have various causes, ranging from something as simple as eating too fast to more serious health problems like gastrointestinal diseases or infections. Understanding the underlying reasons behind your cat’s vomiting and knowing how to address them is crucial for ensuring your furry friend stays healthy and happy.

This comprehensive guide will cover everything you need to know about cat vomiting, including common causes, types of vomiting, when to see a vet, home remedies, and prevention tips to help stop cat vomiting.

Understanding Cat Vomiting

Vomiting is the forceful expulsion of stomach contents through the mouth. It is essential to differentiate vomiting from regurgitation. Vomiting is an active process that involves heaving and abdominal contractions, whereas regurgitation is a passive process in which undigested food comes out without much effort from the cat.

Vomiting can be acute (sudden onset) or chronic (persistent over time). Occasional vomiting may not be a cause for concern, but frequent or severe vomiting warrants a closer look.

Common Causes of Cat Vomiting

Several factors can contribute to a cat vomiting. Understanding these causes will help in identifying the root of the problem:

1. Eating Too Quickly:
When a cat eats too fast, it may not chew properly, leading to swallowing large chunks of food that can irritate the stomach and cause vomiting.

2. Dietary Indiscretion:
Cats are curious creatures, and sometimes they ingest things they shouldn’t, such as plants, hair ties, or other foreign objects. Ingesting non-food items can cause gastrointestinal irritation or blockages, leading to vomiting.

3. Food Allergies or Intolerances:
Some cats may develop allergies or sensitivities to certain ingredients in their food, such as beef, dairy, or grains, which can lead to vomiting.

4. Hairballs:
Cats groom themselves frequently, and during this process, they may ingest loose fur. While most hair passes through the digestive tract, some may accumulate in the stomach, forming a hairball that the cat eventually vomits.

5. Infections:
Bacterial, viral, or parasitic infections can affect a cat's gastrointestinal tract, leading to vomiting. Common culprits include feline panleukopenia virus, salmonella, and worms.

6. Gastrointestinal Disorders:
Chronic vomiting can be a sign of underlying gastrointestinal disorders such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), pancreatitis, or gastroenteritis.

7. Systemic Diseases:
Conditions like kidney disease, hyperthyroidism, diabetes, or liver disease can cause vomiting as one of the symptoms.

8. Toxins:
Ingesting toxic substances such as certain plants (e.g., lilies), chemicals, human medications, or spoiled food can result in vomiting.

9. Medications:
Some medications, such as antibiotics or anti-inflammatories, can irritate the stomach lining and cause vomiting.

10. Stress and Anxiety:
Changes in the environment, new pets, or even a new routine can cause stress in cats, leading to vomiting.

Types of Vomiting in Cats

Understanding the type of vomit can provide clues about the underlying cause:

Hairball Vomit:
Contains fur and is usually tubular in shape. It may also contain some undigested food or bile.

Undigested Food Vomit:
Occurs shortly after eating and may suggest eating too fast, food intolerance, or an obstruction.

Bile Vomit:
Yellow or green in color and usually occurs when the stomach is empty. It can indicate gastritis or more severe digestive issues.

Foamy White Vomit:
Often seen in cats with acid reflux or gastritis.

Bloody Vomit:
Indicates a more severe issue like gastrointestinal ulcers, foreign body ingestion, or trauma and requires immediate veterinary attention.

When to See a Vet

While occasional vomiting is relatively common in cats, certain symptoms and situations require prompt veterinary attention:

• Vomiting more than once a day or consistently over several days.
• Presence of blood or a coffee-ground appearance in the vomit.
• Accompanying symptoms such as lethargy, diarrhea, loss of appetite, or weight loss.
• Signs of dehydration, such as dry gums, sunken eyes, or decreased skin elasticity.
• Suspected ingestion of a toxic substance or foreign object.
• Persistent vomiting in a kitten or an elderly cat, as they are more vulnerable.

How To Stop Cat Vomiting: Home Remedies

If your cat is experiencing occasional vomiting and is otherwise healthy, you may consider trying some home remedies before seeking veterinary care:

1. Change the Feeding Routine:
If your cat tends to eat too quickly, try feeding smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day. You can also use a slow feeder bowl to help slow down their eating pace.

2. Switch to a Bland Diet:
A bland diet, such as boiled chicken or turkey and plain white rice, can help soothe an upset stomach. Gradually reintroduce your cat's regular food over several days.

3. Hydration:
Ensure your cat stays hydrated, especially if they are vomiting. Offer fresh water and consider giving an electrolyte solution to prevent dehydration.

4. Hairball Remedies:
Regular grooming can help reduce the amount of fur your cat ingests. You can also provide hairball control treats, gels, or a high-fiber diet to help prevent hairballs.
→Supplement helps with cat hairball issues

5. Probiotics:
Probiotics can help restore the natural balance of gut bacteria, especially if your cat's vomiting is related to dietary changes, stress, or antibiotic use.

6. Avoid Toxic Substances:
Ensure that toxic plants, chemicals, and human medications are out of your cat’s reach to prevent accidental ingestion.

7. Monitor Stress Levels:
If your cat is vomiting due to stress or anxiety, try to identify and remove the stressor. Provide a quiet, safe space for your cat to relax.

8. Fasting:
In some cases, fasting your cat for 12-24 hours (with water available) can give the stomach a break and help resolve mild gastrointestinal upset. However, this should only be done under veterinary guidance, especially in young or senior cats.

Veterinary Treatments for Cat Vomiting

If home remedies don’t help or if your cat is experiencing chronic vomiting, a visit to the veterinarian is necessary. Your vet will perform a thorough examination and may recommend diagnostic tests such as blood work, X-rays, ultrasound, or endoscopy to determine the underlying cause. Based on the findings, your vet may suggest one or more of the following treatments:

• 1. Anti-Nausea Medications:
  Drugs like maropitant (Cerenia) can help reduce nausea and vomiting.
• 2. Antacids and Gastroprotectants:
  Medications such as famotidine (Pepcid) or omeprazole (Prilosec) can help reduce stomach acid and protect the stomach lining.
• 3. Fluid Therapy:
  If your cat is dehydrated due to vomiting, your vet may administer subcutaneous or intravenous fluids to restore hydration.
• 4. Dietary Changes:
  Your vet may recommend a hypoallergenic, easily digestible, or prescription diet to manage food allergies or gastrointestinal disorders.
• 5. Antibiotics or Antiparasitics:
  If an infection or parasite is causing the vomiting, appropriate medications will be prescribed.
• 6. Surgery:
  In cases where a foreign object, tumor, or severe obstruction is identified, surgery may be necessary.
• 7. Management of Underlying Conditions:
  For systemic diseases like kidney disease, hyperthyroidism, or diabetes, managing the underlying condition is crucial to reducing vomiting episodes.

Preventing Cat Vomiting

Prevention is always better than cure. Here are some tips to help prevent your cat from vomiting:

1. Feed High-Quality Food:
Choose a high-quality, balanced diet tailored to your cat's age, weight, and health needs. Avoid frequent changes in diet, which can upset the stomach.

2. Regular Grooming:
Regularly brush your cat to reduce the amount of loose fur they may ingest, particularly for long-haired breeds prone to hairballs.

3. Avoid Table Scraps and Human Food:
Many human foods can be toxic to cats or cause digestive upset. Stick to cat-friendly treats and foods.

4. Slow Feeding Techniques:
Use puzzle feeders or slow-feed bowls to encourage slower eating and prevent vomiting from eating too fast.

5. Monitor for Foreign Objects:
Keep small objects, strings, and household plants out of your cat's reach to prevent ingestion.

6. Regular Health Check-Ups:
Regular veterinary check-ups can help detect and manage health issues before they cause significant problems.

7. Reduce Stress:
Ensure a stable, predictable environment for your cat. Provide plenty of hiding spots, interactive toys, and engage in regular play to reduce stress.

8. Keep Them Hydrated:
Cats often don’t drink enough water, which can lead to dehydration and vomiting. Use a pet water fountain or multiple water bowls to encourage drinking.

Conclusion

Vomiting in cats can be a symptom of various underlying causes, ranging from benign issues like hairballs to more severe conditions like gastrointestinal disease or infections. Understanding the reasons behind your cat's vomiting, knowing when to seek veterinary care, and applying home remedies can help manage and prevent this common issue. Always remember that persistent vomiting requires professional veterinary attention to ensure the health and well-being of your beloved pet. By being proactive and informed, you can help keep your cat happy, healthy, and vomit-free.