Why is My Cat Throwing Up: Causes and Solutions

Key takeaways:

• Occasional vomiting isn’t unusual in cats, but frequent episodes or changes in behavior are worth paying attention to.
• Diet shifts, hairballs, stress, or chronic conditions like IBD are common triggers to keep in mind.
• Tracking symptoms and checking in with your vet early can help you manage the cause and keep your cat more comfortable.
  

If you’ve ever been woken up by the sound of your cat throwing up, you’re not alone. Occasional vomiting is fairly common in cats and often not a cause for concern, but it’s still important to watch for patterns. Noticing how often it happens can help you and your veterinarian decide whether it’s just a minor issue or something that needs closer attention.

Keeping track of when vomiting occurs, what your cat ate, and any changes in behavior or appetite can offer helpful clues. If your cat vomits more than once a week, it’s a good idea to check in with your vet. Support from trusted sources like PetHealthMD can help you feel more confident as you care for your cat’s health.

Why is your cat throwing up? 

There are several reasons your cat might be vomiting, and understanding the underlying cause is key to managing its health. Vomiting can be occasional and harmless, or it can signal something more concerning.

Here are some of the most common reasons your cat might be throwing up:

Diet and eating habits

Changes in diet or eating habits are a pretty common reason cats get an upset stomach. Even something as simple as switching to a new food too quickly can throw off their digestion. Some cats also have sensitivities or mild allergies to certain ingredients. And if your cat eats really fast, they might regurgitate their food—not quite the same as true vomiting, but easy to confuse.

Hairballs and grooming

Hairballs are another common reason cats throw up. They form when your cat swallows loose fur during grooming, which can clump together in the stomach and eventually be coughed back up. How often this happens can depend on how long your cat’s coat is, how much they groom themselves, and even how active they are. Some cats may need a little extra help with grooming to keep hairballs to a minimum.

Stress and inflammatory conditions

Stress and inflammation—especially from conditions like inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)—can also contribute to vomiting. Cats are sensitive to environmental changes, and both emotional stress and physical illness can affect digestion. Minimizing stress at home and working with your vet to manage chronic conditions can help.

Toxins or foreign objects

Cats are curious by nature, and sometimes that curiosity leads them to eat something they shouldn’t. Ingesting toxic plants, human medications, or small objects like a string or hair ties can irritate the stomach or cause blockages, both of which can result in vomiting.

Infections and parasites

Bacterial or viral infections and intestinal parasites like roundworms or Giardia can disrupt your cat’s digestive system and lead to vomiting. These causes are more common in outdoor cats or kittens, but any cat can be affected.

Kidney or liver disease

Chronic conditions like kidney disease or liver dysfunction can also trigger vomiting, especially in older cats. These issues often come with other signs, such as weight loss, changes in thirst, or reduced appetite.

If you’re unsure what’s behind your cat’s vomiting, don’t hesitate to contact your vet. They can help rule out more serious causes and guide you on next steps, whether it’s a diet change, stress management, or additional testing.

What to do when your cat throws up

When your cat vomits, a calm and supportive approach at home can help them recover comfortably. Here’s what you can do to give their digestive system a chance to reset:

• Pause food temporarily: Begin with a fasting period of 12–24 hours to allow your cat’s stomach to settle. Don’t offer food during this time, but ensure your cat stays hydrated.
  
• Encourage hydration: Offer small amounts of water every few hours—vomiting can lead to dehydration, which makes recovery harder. To encourage drinking, try a clean bowl, syringe, or pet fountain. Keeping multiple freshwater sources around the home helps your cat stay comfortably hydrated.
  
• Reintroduce food slowly: Once your cat keeps fluids down, offer a bland diet in small portions. A mix of plain, boiled chicken (skinless) and white rice—about 1 to 2 tablespoons—is a good starting point. Serve it at room temperature, and feed small amounts every 4 to 6 hours.
  
• Observe behavior and recovery: Keep a close eye on your cat for the next day or two. Monitor for changes in appetite, energy levels, and litter box habits. Take notes if anything seems off—they could be helpful later.

Most of the time, a little tummy trouble can be managed at home, but it’s always okay to check in with your vet if something doesn’t feel quite right. If your cat is throwing up often, seems unusually tired, isn’t eating, or has trouble keeping water down, a vet visit can help rule out anything more serious. Even occasional vomiting that happens more than once a week is worth mentioning. Your vet can offer clear answers, supportive guidance, and the proper care to help your cat feel better.

How to prevent your cat from throwing up

Your cat’s comfort and well-being start with simple, daily choices that support healthy digestion. Here are some proven ways to help your feline friend maintain a happy, settled stomach:

• Feed smaller meals more often: Break up your cat’s daily food into 3 to 4 smaller meals to prevent rapid eating and digestive upset. Place food in shallow bowls to encourage slower, more comfortable eating patterns.
  
• Stick to gentle, easy-to-digest foods: Choose simple, single-protein foods like turkey or chicken that are easy on your cat’s system. Make any food transitions gradual over 7 to 10 days by mixing the new food with their current food slowly.
  
• Make mealtimes calm and predictable: Create a peaceful feeding environment away from noisy or high-traffic areas. Feeding your cat in the same quiet spot regularly can help them feel more secure and relaxed during meals.
  
• Keep water and food dishes clean and inviting: Place fresh water bowls in quiet spots around your home and wash them daily using mild soap and warm water. Clean food dishes after each meal to maintain a hygienic dining space that your cat will happily return to.
  
• Stay on top of routine vet care: Book wellness check-ups with your vet every six months. These visits can help catch digestive issues early and ensure your cat stays healthy and comfortable.

What’s the difference between vomiting and regurgitation?

Vomiting happens when your cat’s stomach muscles contract, often with signs like drooling or gagging before the food comes up. Regurgitation is different—it’s when food comes up quickly and easily from the throat and usually looks mostly undigested. Knowing the difference can help your vet determine what’s causing the problem.

Know when it’s more than just an upset stomach

Cats throw up from time to time, but if it happens regularly, it’s worth paying closer attention. Frequent vomiting, especially when paired with changes in appetite or behavior, can be a sign of something more than a simple stomach issue.

The good news is you don’t have to figure it out on your own. PetCareRx makes it easier to support your pet’s health with a wide selection of vet-approved medications, supplements, and supplies delivered right to your door.