What Causes Cats to Vomit?

Vomiting can be a result of something minor, like a cat consuming his meal too quickly, or it can be a sign of a much more serious condition that requires immediate medical attention. Usually, a cat vomits because he ate something disagreeable, ate too much or played too soon after dinner. Vomiting can also be associated with gastrointestinal or systemic disorders. Some causes for a sudden episode of vomiting, or acute vomiting, include: 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 What Should I Do If My Cat Vomits Frequently? An occasional, isolated bout of vomiting is normal. However, frequent vomiting can be a sign of a more serious condition. Please bring your cat to the vet for a complete examination and diagnosis. Some causes of chronic (ongoing) vomiting include: 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 What Other Symptoms Should I Watch For? The causes of vomiting are so varied that it can be difficult to diagnose, and so it’s important to consider the circumstances. What to Watch For: Frequency of vomiting. If your cat vomits once and proceeds to eat regularly and have a normal bowel movement, the vomiting was most likely an isolated incident. Diarrhea Dehydration Lethargy Blood in vomit Weight loss Change in appetite and water intake When Is It Time to See the Vet? Please see your vet if you notice any of the symptoms mentioned above or if vomiting persists. Depending on your pet’s age, medical history, physical examination findings and your cat’s particular symptoms, your vet may choose to perform various tests (blood test, X-ray, sonogram, fecal examination) in order to make a diagnosis. What Are Some Treatment Options? The most common course of action is to withhold food and water until after vomiting has stopped for two hours. Afterward, water is introduced slowly, followed by a bland diet. You can baby your cat as you would a sick child and give homemade food such as boiled potatoes, rice or cooked, skinless chicken. In certain situations your cat may require fluid therapy or antiemetics-drugs to help control vomiting. You’ll need to see your vet to determine the proper remedy.