Why does my cat vomit? | Understanding the causes and solutions

While occasional vomiting, such as a hairball, is relatively normal for most cats, repeated or severe vomiting can indicate an underlying health issue. In this blog post, l will explore common causes of vomiting in cats, when to be worried, and what steps you can take to help prevent it.

While its not unusual for cats to vomit hairballs or minor vomiting episodes every few weeks, especially for outdoor cats, it would be unusual for your cat to vomit frequently. Some may have sensitive stomachs and may react to minor irritations. Frequent vomiting is not normal and may indicate an underlying issue. Pay attention to patterns, if your cat vomits more than once a month or seems otherwise unwell, it’s time to investigate further.

Common causes of vomiting in cats

Cats may vomit for a variety of reasons, ranging from mild to very serious. Common causes include:

• Eating too quickly
• Food intolerance
• Hairballs
• Dietary changes

More serious issues

• Gastrointestinal issues
• Parasites
• Toxins
• Systemic Illnesses: Kidney disease, hyperthyroidism, etc

Identifying the cause often requires observing when and how frequently vomiting occurs and any accompanying symptoms like lethargy or weight loss.

Hairballs and vomiting

Vomiting hairballs is relatively common in cats, especially in long-haired breeds or those who groom excessively. While an occasional hairball isn’t usually a cause for concern, frequent hairball vomiting may signal excessive grooming, digestive issues, or an underlying skin condition. There are preventative measures you can take at home to further reduce hairballs in your cat such as:

• Providing your cat with specific food such as hairball control that is specifically formulated to reduce hairballs in cats.
• Ensuring your cat is groomed regularly to prevent a build up of excess hair in your cat’s coat

When to visit the vet

If your cat vomits persistently, appears lethargic, stops eating, or shows other signs of illness, a veterinary visit is essential. Vomiting can be a symptom of serious conditions, and prompt diagnosis can lead to better outcomes. Always err on the side of caution if you’re unsure. Preventative or early treatment is the best treatment!

Preventing vomiting in cats

Here are some steps you can take to minimize vomiting episodes

• Ensure your cat eats a balanced diet that is appropriate for their age and health needs.
• Slow feeders can help prevent gulping food too quickly
• Regular grooming can reduce hairballs
• Specialised diets or hairball control treats, or hair laxatives may help.
• Always provide plenty of fresh water and consult your veterinarian for tailored advice if vomiting persists.

While an occasional vomit episode might be normal for a cat, frequent or severe vomiting should never be ignored. By observing your cat’s behaviour, understanding common causes, and taking preventive steps, you can help ensure your feline friend stays healthy and happy. If you’re ever in doubt, remember that a visit to the vet is always a good idea when it comes to your pet’s well-being. Detection is key to addressing potential issues before they become serious problems.

Click HERE to view Petmania’s Cat Care advice centre for further information on caring for your feline friend!