The age-old fable claims that cats have nine lives, and as pet parents, we certainly try to ensure that they live long healthy ones. So, when you find your cat throwing up, you’re understandably worried. 

If your cat is vomiting, contact your nearest VEG ER for Pets, open 24/7, even on holidays. Call or come in anytime for immediate veterinary attention.

What’s good to know is that just like humans, cats vomit for various reasons. While many causes resolve on their own, in other instances it could be a sign of underlying health issues or medical emergencies. Let’s chat about your feline friend and what to do if your cat is vomiting! 

What vomiting in felines looks like

We’ve seen it and dread it: the crouch, the dramatic retching, and then…cat splat. Cats tend to rock forward and back, dry heaving before finally expelling the contents of their stomach. And often, they walk away like nothing happened! You’re left questioning:

• Is my cat sick or is it just a furball? 

• Why is my cat vomiting undigested food?

• Why is my cat vomiting after eating? 

Not to mention, “Who is going to clean this up?” While we can’t help you with the cleaning, we will provide you with some common reasons as to why cats vomit and when it’s an emergency. 

There are various reasons that may cause a cat to vomit. Read on to learn more. Remember, VEG ER for Pets is open 24/7 with prompt, compassionate vet care to help your cat.

Common triggers for cat vomiting

We see a lot of pet vomit at VEG ER for Pets! And that’s good, because it means pet owners are taking a proactive step in caring for their little furry friends. From simple stomach upset to more serious health concerns, there are a few reasons why your cat is throwing up, like:

1. Change in diet

2. Ingesting a foreign object/intestinal blockage

3. Overfeeding or eating too fast

4. Poisoning

5. Stress

6. Urinary blockage (inability to urinate)

7. Kidney disease

8. Inflammatory conditions of the gastrointestinal tract

   
   

The difference between vomiting and regurgitation in cats

While vomiting and regurgitation are often perceived to be the same, they’re not. When a cat vomits, it’s usually an active process that involves retching/dry heaving motions.

On the other hand, regurgitation usually happens quickly and without much warning. The expelled material often includes undigested food and is usually tubular in shape, unlike vomit, which can be a more liquid consistency.

Vomit with food in it can be a sign of an obstruction and is a good reason for a VEG emergency vet hospital visit. 

Your cat may experience loss of appetite after acute or chronic vomiting. Call or come in to VEG animal emergency hospital to help determine how to best help your kitty.

Color of cat vomit can help determine the cause

Believe it or not, the color of cat vomit can offer valuable clues about the cause. Even though any acute vomiting episode (two or more times close together) or chronic vomiting (frequently over time) should be evaluated by a veterinarian, the color can give you insight into what’s happening and how you can support your cat in the meantime.

Here are a few key facts to make all this a little easier to digest:

What the color of vomit can mean in cats

Yellow vomit in cats

When cat vomit is yellow or a greenish-ish yellow that is a signal of an empty stomach. The yellow color comes from bile. If your cat has not eaten recently, they may benefit from a meal. If your cat has refused eating and become anorexic and is vomiting yellow bile, it is time to visit VEG to understand any underlying conditions. 

Cat vomit with white foam

If you find your cat vomiting white foam, the most common cause is an irritated and empty stomach.  But if the foamy episodes continue it’s best to have your cat examined. Underlying inflammation of the stomach or intestinal lining may be bubbling up beneath the surface.

Clear vomit

My cat is vomiting clear liquid. Now what?  Well, they may have simply had too much water to drink. Clear liquid is an indicator that the contents of the stomach have been emptied. Keep a close eye on your cat. If the vomiting continues, they should see a vet.

Red or pink vomit

Red or pink coloring means your pet is bleeding in their mouth, esophagus or stomach. Any red, gel-like or slimy vomit should be examined by a vet. 

Vomit that's black, dark brown or coffee-ground color

Dark colored vomit is a clear signal to visit the ER immediately. The color is coming from already digested blood and can be an ulcer, inflammation or obstruction. 

When to visit VEG ER for Pets vet hospital for emergency cat care

Cats vomit frequently, often for benign reasons. However, now that you understand the implication of different colors there are also certain symptoms that should raise concern. If you notice any of the following, call your nearest veterinary hospital or VEG ER for Pets location immediately:

1. Blood in vomit: This is a serious symptom that you should never ignore. 

2. Frequent vomiting: If there is an uptick in upchuck and your cat vomits multiple times in a single day, it’s time to consult the experts.

3. Other symptoms: If vomiting is accompanied by lethargy, diarrhea, inappetence, straining in the litterbox, or other changes in behavior, don’t wait—get help right away. 

Your cat’s health and well-being are too important to leave to chance. If you’re concerned about your cat’s vomiting, don’t hesitate to call VEG immediately. We’re here 24/7 for you and your feline family members!