Cat is Vomiting Up Brown Liquid: Causes and What to Do

Cats are known for their cleanliness and grooming habits, so it can be concerning when your feline friend starts vomiting. One particularly worrisome situation is when a cat is vomiting up brown liquid. This can be a sign of various underlying issues that require attention and care. In this article, we will explore the possible causes of brown liquid vomiting in cats and what you can do to help your furry companion.

Is It Normal for Cats to Throw Up?

Occasional vomiting in cats can be normal, and it's not uncommon for cats to vomit from time to time. Some common reasons for occasional cat vomiting include:

• Hairballs: Cats groom themselves by licking their fur, and they can ingest hair during this process. Hairballs can accumulate in their stomachs and occasionally be expelled through vomiting.
• Eating too quickly: Of course, most cat food, whether dry kibble or canned, is some shade of brown in color.  Cats that eat their food too quickly may swallow air along with their food, leading to vomiting shortly after eating.
• Overeating: Eating excessively or overindulging in treats or food can lead to vomiting.
• Sudden diet changes: Rapid changes in a cat's diet can sometimes upset their stomach and lead to vomiting.
• Stress or anxiety: Cats can vomit as a response to stress or anxiety.

What Color Vomit Is Bad for Cats?

Clear or foamy vomit can be relatively benign and may occur when a cat has ingested something that didn't agree with their stomach, such as grass or a small amount of hair. It can also happen when a cat vomits on an empty stomach.

It's important to note that any persistent or severe vomiting in cats should be evaluated by a veterinarian as soon as possible. 

Causes of Cat Vomiting Up Brown Liquid

• Hairballs: Hairballs are a common issue among cats, especially those with long fur. When a cat grooms itself, it ingests loose hair, which can accumulate in the stomach over time. To clear this hair from their system, cats may vomit, often expelling brown liquid along with the hairball.
• Ingested Foreign Objects: Cats are naturally curious creatures and may sometimes swallow objects they shouldn't, such as pieces of string, plastic, or small toys. These foreign objects can irritate the stomach lining and cause vomiting, which may result in brown liquid.
• Dietary Changes: Sudden changes in a cat's diet can lead to gastrointestinal upset, including vomiting. If you've recently switched your cat's food or introduced new treats, it could be a possible cause of brown liquid vomiting.
• Gastrointestinal Issues: Cats can develop various gastrointestinal problems, such as gastritis, pancreatitis, or inflammatory bowel disease, which can result in vomiting, including brown liquid.
• Toxins and Poisons: Ingestion of toxic substances, such as certain plants, chemicals, or spoiled food, can lead to vomiting. The color of the vomit may vary depending on what the cat has ingested, sometimes appearing as a brown liquid.
• Infections and Parasites: Infections, such as bacterial or viral gastroenteritis, as well as parasites like worms or protozoa, can cause gastrointestinal distress and vomiting in cats.
• Liver or Kidney Disease: Serious underlying health conditions, like liver or kidney disease, can lead to vomiting, with the vomit often appearing brown due to the presence of bile.

What Does It Look Like When A Cat Vomits Brown Liquid?

When a cat vomits brown liquid, it can indicate various underlying issues, and the appearance of the vomit can provide some clues about the possible cause. However, it's important to note that the exact appearance of the vomit can vary depending on the individual cat and the specific circumstances. Might include:

• Partially digested food: Such as kibble or canned food, the vomit may take on a similar appearance.
• Bile: Brown vomit can sometimes contain bile, which is a digestive fluid produced by the liver and stored in the gallbladder. 
• Blood: Brown vomit can also result from the presence of blood. When blood is partially digested in the stomach, it can appear brown or coffee-ground-like.
• Ingested foreign material: If a cat has ingested a foreign object or material that is brown in color, it may come back up in the form of brown vomit.

Cat Vomiting Brown Liquid But Acting Normal

If your cat is vomiting brown liquid but is otherwise acting normal, it's important to monitor the situation closely. If the vomiting occurs infrequently and your cat is otherwise healthy and active, it may not be a cause for immediate concern, but it's essential to watch for any changes in behavior, appetite, or energy levels. If your cat continues to act normally and shows no signs of distress, it may indicate a minor issue that can be resolved on its own. 
You may want to withhold food for a few hours and then offer small, bland meals like boiled chicken and rice. This can help soothe the stomach and prevent further irritation.

Home Care for Cats Vomiting Brown Liquid

If your cat is vomiting brown liquid at home, there are some steps you can take to provide basic care and help alleviate mild cases of vomiting. However, it's essential to remember that home care is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, especially if the vomiting persists, worsens, or is accompanied by other concerning symptoms. Here are some home care tips:

• Give your cat's stomach a break by withholding food for 12 to 24 hours. This can help calm the stomach and reduce further irritation.
• After the fasting period, offer your cat small, bland meals. Boiled chicken (without seasoning or bones) and plain, cooked rice can be easy on the stomach and provide some nourishment. Gradually reintroduce their regular diet over a few days if they tolerate the bland meals.
• Make sure your cat has access to fresh, clean water at all times to prevent dehydration. Encourage them to drink, as vomiting can lead to fluid loss.
• Ensure your home is free of any potential toxins or hazards that your cat could ingest, which might be contributing to the vomiting.
• If your cat's condition improves and they tolerate the bland meals, slowly reintroduce their regular cat food over several days, mixing it with the bland food initially.

When Should I Be Worried If My Cat is Vomiting Brown Liquid?

Mild, infrequent vomiting of small amounts of brown liquid may simply indicate transient stomach upset. But any recurrent brown vomit or vomit accompanied by concerning symptoms warrants prompt veterinary care.

If your cat is vomiting brown liquid, it can be a cause for concern, especially if it happens repeatedly or is accompanied by other concerning symptoms. Here are some situations in which you should be worried and consider seeking immediate veterinary attention for your cat:

• If the vomiting continues for more than 24 hours.
• Presence of blood.
• Severe lethargy, collapse or seizures
• Loss of appetite
• Abdominal pain, or any noticeable behavior changes
• Cat has ingested a toxic substance, foreign object, or something that could be harmful and they subsequently vomit brown liquid, it is an emergency situation, and you should contact your veterinarian or an emergency veterinary clinic immediately.
• Pre-existing medical conditions: If your cat has a pre-existing medical condition, such as kidney disease, liver disease, or a history of gastrointestinal problems, and they start vomiting brown liquid.

How to Treat Cat Vomiting Brown Liquid？

If your cat is vomiting brown liquid, it's crucial to consult a veterinarian for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan. Your veterinarian will perform a physical examination and may recommend diagnostic tests, such as blood work, X-rays, or ultrasound, to determine the cause of the vomiting.

Treatment will vary based on the cause of the vomiting. If your cat's vomiting is due to a specific issue such as a gastrointestinal infection, parasites, pancreatitis, or a foreign object, your veterinarian will recommend appropriate treatment options.

The specific medications prescribed for a cat with vomiting due to issues like gastrointestinal infection, parasites, pancreatitis, or the presence of a foreign object will vary depending on the underlying cause and the severity of the condition. Here are some common medications and treatments that a veterinarian may recommend:

Gastrointestinal Infection

• Antibiotics: If a bacterial infection is the cause of the vomiting, antibiotics may be prescribed to target the specific bacteria responsible for the infection. Such as amoxicillin, clavulanate/amoxicillin, cephalexin, clindamycin, enrofloxacin, doxycycline, and metronidazole.
• Anti-diarrheal medications: In some cases, medications to control diarrhea may be prescribed to alleviate symptoms and aid in recovery.
• Fluid therapy: Intravenous (IV) fluids may be administered to address dehydration and support the cat's overall condition.

Parasites

• Dewormers: Depending on the type of parasites identified (e.g., roundworms, tapeworms, or hookworms), deworming medications will be prescribed to eliminate the parasites from the cat's system. Such as pyrantel pamoate, praziquantel, and albendazole.
• Flea and tick control: If external parasites like fleas or ticks are contributing to the problem, topical or oral flea and tick control products may be recommended. Such as fipronil, imidacloprid.

Pancreatitis

• Pain medication: Cats with pancreatitis may be prescribed pain medications to help alleviate discomfort. Such as buprenorphine.
• Anti-nausea medications: Medications to control nausea and vomiting may be administered to manage symptoms.
• Dietary management: A special low-fat diet may be recommended to reduce the strain on the pancreas and aid in recovery.

Foreign Object Ingestion

• Surgery: In cases where a foreign object is causing an obstruction or gastrointestinal distress, surgical removal may be necessary.
• Medications for pain and inflammation: Post-surgery, pain management and anti-inflammatory medications may be prescribed to aid in recovery.

Cat Vomit Color Chart

A cat's vomit color can vary depending on the underlying cause of the vomiting. While there is no official "cat vomit color chart," I can provide you with a general guideline for the colors of cat vomit and what they may indicate:

• Clear or foamy vomit: This type of vomit is often due to the cat expelling stomach contents that have not yet reached the small intestine. It can be normal, especially if it occurs infrequently. Clear or foamy vomit may indicate that the cat has an empty stomach or has ingested something that doesn't agree with them.
• Yellow or green vomit: Vomit that is yellow or greenish in color may contain bile. Bile is a digestive fluid produced by the liver and stored in the gallbladder. Yellow or green vomit can suggest irritation in the stomach or upper gastrointestinal tract.
• White or frothy vomit: White or frothy vomit may indicate the presence of mucus. Mucus can be produced in response to irritation or inflammation of the stomach lining.
• Brown vomit: Brown vomit can result from partially digested blood. It may indicate bleeding in the upper gastrointestinal tract. This can be a sign of a more serious issue and requires prompt veterinary attention.
• Red or pink vomit: Vomit that is red or pink in color may contain fresh blood. This can be a sign of active bleeding in the mouth, throat, or upper gastrointestinal tract. It's a concerning sign that requires immediate veterinary care.
• Black vomit: Black vomit, often resembling coffee grounds, can indicate the presence of digested blood. This can be a sign of bleeding in the stomach or upper digestive tract and should be treated as an emergency.

Conclusion

When your cat is vomiting up brown liquid, it's a clear sign that something is amiss. While it can be distressing to witness, it's essential to remain calm and take action promptly. Consult your veterinarian to determine the cause and receive proper guidance for treatment. Early intervention can help ensure your feline companion's health and well-being. Remember that your veterinarian is your best resource for addressing your cat's health concerns effectively.

Related: Cat Vomiting: Causes, Concerns, and Care

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