Why Is My Cat Vomiting?

A concerned veterinarian carefully examines an unwell cat in a clinic, using a stethoscope to check its health. Hilltop / Cat Health Care

Common Causes of Vomiting in Cats

Vomiting is a common problem in cats and can occur for many different reasons. While occasional vomiting may happen if a cat eats too quickly or develops a hairball, repeated vomiting can be a sign of an underlying health problem.

Because cats are very good at hiding illness, frequent vomiting should always be taken seriously and discussed with a veterinarian.

Occasional Vomiting vs Frequent Vomiting

A cat that vomits once and then behaves normally may simply have an upset stomach or hairball.

However, vomiting may be more concerning if it:

• happens repeatedly

• continues for more than 24 hours

• occurs alongside other symptoms

• causes weight loss or loss of appetite

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Frequent vomiting can indicate an underlying medical condition that requires veterinary attention.

Common Causes of Vomiting in Cats

There are many possible reasons a cat may vomit.

Hairballs

Hairballs are a common cause of occasional vomiting, particularly in long-haired cats. During grooming, cats swallow loose hair that can accumulate in the stomach. Eventually the hair may be expelled through vomiting. While occasional hairballs can be normal, frequent hairballs may indicate excessive grooming or underlying digestive issues.

Eating Too Quickly

Some cats vomit shortly after eating if they eat too quickly.

This type of vomiting often occurs within minutes of eating and the food may appear largely undigested.

Feeding smaller meals more frequently can sometimes help prevent this problem.

Dietary Changes

Sudden changes in diet can upset a cat’s digestive system.

Switching foods too quickly may cause:

• vomiting

• diarrhea

• reduced appetite

When introducing a new diet, it is best to transition gradually over several days.

Gastrointestinal Disease

Conditions affecting the stomach or intestines can cause persistent vomiting.

Examples include:

• inflammatory bowel disease

• intestinal parasites

• food intolerance

• stomach inflammation

Cats with gastrointestinal disease may also develop weight loss, diarrhea, or appetite changes.

Infections

Certain infections can cause vomiting in cats. These may include viral infections, bacterial infections, or parasites affecting the digestive system.

Kidney or Liver Disease

Vomiting can sometimes be a sign of disease affecting internal organs such as the kidneys or liver.

These conditions are more common in older cats and may also cause symptoms such as:

• reduced appetite

• weight loss

• increased drinking or urination

• lethargy

Toxins or Foreign Objects

Cats occasionally ingest substances that irritate the stomach.

Possible causes include:

• toxic plants

• medications

• spoiled food

• foreign objects

Foreign objects in the digestive tract can cause severe vomiting and may require urgent veterinary care.

When Vomiting Is an Emergency

You should seek veterinary care immediately if your cat:

• vomits repeatedly in a short period

• cannot keep food or water down

• appears lethargic or weak

• has abdominal pain

• vomits blood

• has stopped eating

These signs may indicate a serious medical problem that requires prompt treatment.

Sick cat receiving care with an IV catheter, appearing lethargic and resting due to illness.. Hilltop/ Cat Care

How Veterinarians Diagnose Vomiting in Cats

If a cat is vomiting frequently, your veterinarian will begin with a physical examination and a detailed history.

Depending on the findings, diagnostic tests may include:

• blood tests

• urine tests

• abdominal X-rays

• abdominal ultrasound

• parasite testing

These tests help identify the underlying cause of the vomiting so the appropriate treatment can be provided.

Preventing Vomiting in Cats

While not all vomiting can be prevented, several steps may help support digestive health.

Helpful measures include:

• feeding a consistent, high-quality diet

• introducing new foods gradually

• regular parasite prevention

• grooming long-haired cats regularly

• preventing access to toxic plants or substances

Monitoring your cat’s eating and vomiting habits can help detect problems early.

Cat Health Care in Kalamunda

If your cat is vomiting frequently or showing signs of illness, the team at Hilltop Veterinary Hospital in Kalamunda can help identify the cause and recommend appropriate treatment.

Early veterinary care often leads to better outcomes and faster recovery.

Concerned About Your Cat’s Vomiting?

If your cat is vomiting frequently or showing signs of illness, book a consultation with Hilltop Veterinary Hospital so our veterinary team can assess your cat and recommend the most appropriate treatment.

Explore More Pet Health Advice

For more practical veterinary guidance, explore our Pet Health Advice library, where we cover common health problems, preventative care, behaviour, and early signs of illness in dogs, cats, birds, and exotic pets.

You can also browse our Cat Health Care guides for more articles on feline medical conditions.

The information provided in this article is intended for general educational purposes only and should not replace professional veterinary advice. Every pet is unique, and medical conditions can vary between animals. If your pet is showing signs of illness or behavioural changes, please consult your veterinarian for a proper examination and personalised advice.