Though your cat can’t talk, he does communicate with you in a variety of ways. When your furry friend gets sick and vomits, this is his body’s way of telling you that something is off. Here’s everything you need to know about the common causes of cat vomiting and when this behavior should be a cause for concern.
What Are Some Common Causes of Cat Vomiting?
Here are three potential reasons why your cat may be getting physically ill:
- Hairballs
The most common reason that a cat vomits is because she has a hairball, says Dr. Nadja Raver, an associate veterinarian at Mamaroneck Veterinary Hospital. Cats are self-grooming animals, and they use their tongues to give themselves a bath. Usually, most of the hair passes through a cat’s digestive track without any issues.However, if the hair sits in a cat’s stomach, it can cause her to vomit. Thankfully, “there are several over-the-counter products designed to help a cat who is experiencing hairballs, including Laxatone, which will help to bind the hair instead of allowing it to sit in the stomach,” says Dr. Raver. In addition, you can try to cut down on the amount of hairballs your cat has by brushing her fur frequently.
- Eating Too Quickly
Your cat may also vomit if he rushes through the eating process. “Cats don’t often chew their dry food properly, they scarf it too quickly and it doesn’t effectively pass into their system,” says Dr. Patrick Mahaney, a certified veterinary acupuncturist. “You’ll know this is what has happened because their vomit looks just like their food because it hasn’t had time to digest.”This is a particularly prevalent problem if you have a multi-cat household, as each of your cats may feel the urge to scarf down his food as fast as he can so that he can also try to eat the food you provided for your other cats.
If this is the case in your house, you can try to remedy the situation by putting your cats into different rooms when they eat. You can also try putting their food on the outside edge of a paper plate, which will make each cat work for his food and slow down his speed of consumption.
- Eating Poor-Quality Food
As Dr. Mahaney points out, the ingredients in some pet foods are considered to be feed grade, which means that they’re of a lower quality than the food that humans eat. Certain ingredients in these foods can irritate your cat’s stomach and cause a lot of digestive issues, which may in turn lead to vomiting.The consumption of poor-quality food can also lead to larger issues, such as irritable bowel syndrome. If you’re concerned about whether or not the food you provide for your cat is making her sick, you should work with your veterinarian to develop a nutrition plan for your pet.
When Should You Be Concerned By Your Cat’s Vomiting?
If your cat is vomiting frequently or experiencing other alarming symptoms, such as a loss of appetite or change in bowel habits, this may be a cause for concern. You should also be wary of the degree to which this behavior is typical for your pet, so before you leave for vacation be sure to tell your pet sitter what is normal for your cat.
Cats who suddenly start to vomit are trying to tell you something, says Dr. Mahaney. “They’ve consumed a foreign object or chemical that is irritating their intestines or isn’t passing through their system properly.”
Your cat’s vomiting may also be a symptom of a larger health issue, such as cancer, kidney or liver failure, a urinary obstruction, diabetes or an infection. As such, you should call your veterinarian if you are concerned by your cat’s behavior. He or she will be able to diagnose the root issue and recommend a treatment plan. “A cat doesn’t get the flu the way humans do — this isn’t a wait and see thing,” says Dr. Raver. If you’re concerned by your cat’s vomiting, you should reach out to your vet right away.
And read Is Cat Drooling Normal?
NJ Rongner is a freelance writer who lives in Massachusetts with her family and their two precious cats, Harvey and Moxie.
* This article is for general informational purposes only. It is not intended nor implied to be providing medical advice and is not a substitute for such advice. The reader should always consult a health care provider concerning any medical condition or treatment plan. Neither Care.com nor the author assumes any responsibility or liability with respect to use of any information contained herein.
