Does your cat vomit occasionally—or more often than you’d like to admit? While many cat owners are told that vomiting is “just part of being a cat,” this is a dangerous myth. Vomiting is not normal. It’s a clinical sign that something isn’t right, and ignoring it can mean overlooking the early—or even advanced—stages of disease.

At Bayview Animal Hospital, we urge pet owners to treat vomiting seriously. Cats are experts at hiding discomfort, so vomiting may be one of the few visible signs of a deeper problem. From mild digestive irritation to chronic disease or life-threatening emergencies, understanding the causes and knowing when to seek help is key to protecting your cat’s health.

If your cat is vomiting, request an appointment with our veterinary team today.

Vomiting in Cats: A Symptom, Not a Condition

Vomiting in cats is a symptom with a wide range of potential causes—some minor, others serious. What’s especially important to understand is that frequent vomiting is never something to ignore. Whether it’s food, hair, bile, or blood—your cat is signaling that something is wrong.

Types of Vomiting: What to Look For

Acute vs. Chronic Vomiting

  • Acute vomiting is sudden and may be caused by dietary indiscretion, infection, or toxins. It can sometimes resolve on its own—but may also signal emergencies like blockages or poisoning.
  • Chronic vomiting occurs frequently or intermittently over weeks or months. This often points to underlying disease such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), chronic kidney disease (CKD), or hyperthyroidism.

Learn more from Cornell Feline Health Center.

What Does the Vomit Tell You?

  • Hairballs: Common, especially in long-haired cats, but frequent hairballs could signal overgrooming, anxiety, or gastrointestinal issues.
  • Undigested food: Often a sign of eating too quickly, food intolerance, or gastric motility issues.
  • Yellow bile or foam: Indicates vomiting on an empty stomach or possible acid reflux.
  • Blood in vomit (hematemesis): A red flag. Could be from ulcers, toxins, or severe illness.
  • Watery or mucus-filled vomit: May be linked to infection, inflammation, or kidney disease.

Explore more on Types of Cat Vomit.

Common Causes of Vomiting in Cats

1. Dietary Issues

  • Eating too fast can trigger regurgitation.
  • Sudden diet changes can upset the digestive tract.
  • Food allergies or intolerances (e.g., certain proteins or grains) can lead to vomiting and diarrhea.

For more digestive insights, visit Cat Diarrhea: Causes & Treatment.

2. Hairballs or Intestinal Blockages

  • Chronic hairball vomiting may lead to obstructions over time.
  • Foreign body ingestion (string, rubber bands, toys) can cause life-threatening blockages.

Read more on Gastrointestinal Foreign Bodies in Small Animals.

3. Underlying Medical Conditions

  • Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)

    • Nausea, vomiting, dehydration, and weight loss—especially in senior cats
    • Diagnosed via bloodwork and urine testing
      Learn more
  • Hyperthyroidism

    • Vomiting, weight loss, increased appetite, and restlessness
    • Typically affects middle-aged to older cats
    • Diagnosed through a blood test (T4 levels)
      Read about Feline Hyperthyroidism
  • Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)

    • Chronic vomiting, diarrhea, and weight loss
    • Often requires endoscopy or biopsy for definitive diagnosis

When Vomiting Signals an Emergency

Contact a veterinarian immediately if your cat:

  • Vomits multiple times within 24 hours
  • Is lethargic, weak, or hiding
  • Has blood in their vomit (bright red or resembling coffee grounds)
  • Stops eating or drinking
  • Has sunken eyes, dry gums, or signs of dehydration
  • Appears to be in pain or vocalizes when touched

Learn more about Recognizing Senior Pet Health Problems.

Contact Bayview Animal Hospital if your cat is showing these signs.

How Vets Diagnose Vomiting in Cats

Diagnostic Process

To determine the cause of vomiting, your vet may perform:

  • Physical Exam: Checking hydration, abdominal tenderness, and visible signs of illness
  • Bloodwork and Urinalysis: Evaluating organ function and identifying potential systemic disease
  • Imaging (X-rays or ultrasound): Identifies blockages, tumors, or organ abnormalities
  • Fecal Testing: Screens for parasites and infectious agents
  • Exploratory Surgery or Endoscopy: In complex cases where imaging isn’t conclusive

More on Exploratory Surgery

Treatment Options for Vomiting

Treatment depends on the underlying cause:

  • Dietary Causes: Prescription diets, food trials, or slow feeders for fast eaters
  • Hairballs: Grooming tools, hairball lubricants, and high-fiber diets
  • Infections or Parasites: Antibiotics, dewormers, and supportive care
  • Chronic Illness (e.g., IBD, CKD, Hyperthyroidism): Long-term medication, dietary management, and regular monitoring
  • Foreign Object Ingestion: May require surgery
    More on GI Obstruction Treatment

Preventing Vomiting in Cats

Proactive Strategies

  • Feed small, frequent meals to avoid overloading the stomach
  • Use slow-feed bowls to reduce regurgitation from fast eating
  • Regular brushing to minimize hairball risk
  • Keep small, dangerous objects out of reach
  • Routine deworming and parasite prevention
  • Avoid sudden diet changes—transition foods gradually

Wellness Exams Are Key

  • Senior cats (7+ years): Biannual exams to screen for chronic disease
  • Younger cats: Annual wellness visits and parasite prevention
  • Preventive care can catch disease before symptoms—even vomiting—appear.

Don’t Wait—Vomiting Is a Red Flag

Vomiting isn’t just messy—it’s a medical symptom that can point to anything from a minor dietary issue to a serious underlying illness. Because cats are so good at hiding discomfort, visible signs like vomiting deserve our full attention.

If your cat is vomiting, don’t wait and see—take action.
 Early intervention can dramatically improve outcomes.

Schedule an appointment at Bayview Animal Hospital or contact us to speak with a member of our team.

We’re here to help your cat feel better—starting today.