Just like a person, your cat’s vomiting could be the result of anything from a meal eaten too quickly or a symptom of an illness. In order to know whether you need to take immediate action, there are a few things to consider. Web MD states that a cat regurgitating food is usually a matter of eating too quickly, eating something that shouldn’t have been eaten or exercising too soon after a meal. In less common situations throwing up can also occur as a result of digestive disorders.
Acute Vomiting
Acute vomiting, or a single instance of vomiting, can be an indication of any number of things. If your cat only vomits once and then carries on to eat another meal and have a healthy bowel movement, then your cat’s throwing up is most likely caused by:
- Bacterial infection of the gastrointestinal tract
- Diet-related causes (diet change, food intolerance)
- Gastric or intestinal foreign bodies (toys, hairballs)
- Intestinal parasite
- Acute kidney failure
- Acute liver failure or gall bladder inflammation
- Pancreatitis
- Post-operative nausea
- Toxins or chemicals
- Viral infections
- Certain medications
Chronic Vomiting
Vomiting once every now and then is pretty normal, but regular instances of vomiting can suggest a significant problem. You should take your cat in for an examination if throwing up persists. Some causes of chronic vomiting are:
- Colitis
- Gastritis
- Pancreatitis
- Diaphragmatic hernia
- Diet related (food allergy or intolerance)
- Foreign bodies
- Gastrointestinal ulceration
- Heartworm infection
- Intestinal obstruction
- Kidney failure
- Liver failure
- Neurological disorders
- Parasites
- Severe constipation
- Toxicity (such as lead)
- Gastric or intestinal tumors
Other Indicators
Because vomiting can be a result of such a wide variety of things, it’s important to consider what other symptoms are present and potentially related. These can be quite helpful in diagnosing your cat’s health issue. Symptoms to keep an eye open for include:
- Frequency of vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Lethargy
- Blood in vomit
- Weight loss
- Change in appetite and water intake
Be a Good Pet Parent
Now you know what to look out for and what might be considered more normal, less serious, cat vomiting. Always make sure clean water is available and reduce potential illness-inducing things from your pet's environment. Any time your pet vomits, monitor him or her carefully, so you know when it's time to visit the veterinarian--and what to tell them is going on with your pet.
