Cats sometimes vomit, which is normal. But sometimes, there might be an issue – your cat might be sick, and you need to take action. Find out how often vomiting is normal, what you can do, and when you should see the vet.
Cats and vomiting: what’s normal and when should you worry?
Do you have a cat? Then chances are you’ve experienced your cat vomiting. And if it happens once in a while, that’s perfectly okay. But when and how often is vomiting actually normal, and when should you take action? In this blog, we’ll tell you:
- Why cats vomit
- How many times a cat can vomit
- What to do if a cat vomits
- How long a cat can go without eating
- Which plants are poisonous to cats
- Why cats always vomit on your carpet or doormat
Why do cats vomit?
There are many different reasons why cats vomit. Usually, there’s no need to worry, but it is important to know the cause and whether your cat has a problem or is sick. Here are the most common causes of vomiting in cats:
- Hairballs
Hairballs are one of the most common causes of vomiting in cats. Cats have fur and they groom themselves with their tongues, which means they swallow a lot of hair, especially during shedding season. Most of the hair they swallow is passed through their digestive system, but sometimes it’s too much, and the hair forms a hairball in your cat’s stomach. If your cat can’t expel it, it will vomit to bring the hairball up.
- Food allergies or intolerances
Just like humans, cats can also be allergic to certain ingredients in their food. Your cat may not tolerate grains, some vegetables, or proteins well. If you’re wondering, “Why does my cat vomit after eating?” it may be that your cat has an allergy or intolerance to something in its food. In this case, it’s wise to consult your veterinarian and consider switching to a special diet or hypoallergenic cat food.
- Illness or infection
Vomiting can also indicate that your cat is sick – it may have kidney problems, constipation, a liver condition, diabetes, or an infection in its stomach or intestines. If your cat is vomiting frequently and shows other symptoms like diarrhea, weight loss, or lethargy, go to the veterinarian as soon as possible for an examination.
- Excitement and stress
Cats are very sensitive creatures and can be susceptible to stress due to things like moving, having a baby in the house, or introducing another pet. Cats that are overstimulated or anxious can also vomit when they are stressed or excited. The solution is to give your cat some peace and be gentle with it.
- Eating plants or grass
Cats enjoy playing with plants. However, if they are feeling nauseous, they might also eat your plants or grass. If this happens occasionally, it’s not a problem. But if your cat is eating a lot of grass and plants and vomiting frequently, it means your cat may be feeling nauseous often, and there could be an issue. In such cases, you should consult your veterinarian to check if your cat is okay.
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How often can a cat vomit?
If your cat is vomiting more frequently than you’re used to, you should pay attention and contact the veterinarian. If your cat only vomits occasionally – a few times a year – there is generally no reason to worry. As mentioned earlier, cats sometimes have hairballs, which they can vomit up. What should you do if your cat has a hairball? Generally, nothing. However, this depends on how often your cat vomits up hairballs. If your cat frequently experiences this, ask your veterinarian for advice and possibly dietary food.
What should you do if a cat vomits?
Cats can vomit occasionally, just like humans. However, there are times when you need to keep a closer eye on your cat because something may be wrong. Always pay close attention to the following signs if your cat is vomiting (more than normal):
- If your cat vomits multiple times in a day
- If your cat vomits multiple times a week
- If there is blood or a lot of bile in the vomit
- If your cat hasn’t eaten or drunk anything for more than 24 hours
- If your cat has diarrhea
- If your cat’s abdomen is swollen
- If your cat is losing weight or is lethargic
- If your cat is no longer playing or purring
- If your cat feels warm or has a fever
- If your cat’s stool suddenly becomes darker and smells bad
- If your cat vomits immediately after eating
Does your cat show one or more of these symptoms? Then you should quickly make an appointment with the veterinarian, as vomiting could be a symptom of a serious condition, illness, infection, allergy, health issue, or a blockage in the intestines. A veterinarian can often quickly determine the underlying cause of the vomiting through a physical examination and tests.
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How long can a cat go without food?
Cats love to eat, so it’s not normal if your cat is eating less or not at all. If you notice that your cat has less appetite or stops eating altogether, something may be wrong. A healthy cat can go without food for a few hours, but it becomes dangerous if your cat hasn’t eaten for more than 24 hours – this puts them at risk for fatty liver disease. This can quickly become serious and requires an immediate visit to the veterinarian.
Consider a hypoallergenic cat as a possible solution
Which plants are toxic to cats?
Cats occasionally nibble on cat grass or regular grass from your lawn, which is usually harmless. However, some garden and houseplants can be dangerous. If your cat eats any of these, it may experience vomiting, diarrhea, respiratory problems, and swelling of the eyes, nose, and mouth. Some plants are even toxic enough that they could be fatal to your cat. Want to know which plants are toxic to cats? The LICG has compiled a list of plants that are toxic to cats, so you can be sure you’re keeping a safe plant in your home or garden. What a great idea!
If your cat has eaten a toxic plant, contact your veterinarian immediately!
Why do cats always vomit on your carpet or doormat?
As much as we love cats, there is one thing that isn’t so great about them: they tend to vomit on your carpet, rug, or doormat. The reason for this hasn’t been thoroughly studied, but it seems that cats instinctively seek out a soft and comfortable surface. This makes sense, as we humans also prefer to lie in a warm and soft bed rather than on a hard, cold floor when we’re feeling ill. So, it’s likely that cats are just after comfort – they want to feel as good as possible when they’re not feeling well!
You now know a bit more about cats and vomiting: occasional vomiting is not a big deal, but it’s wise to keep a close eye on your cat when it vomits, as it could indicate that your cat is sick, has eaten something wrong, or is constipated. In those cases, a visit to the veterinarian is necessary.
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Disclaimer: Petrebels is not a veterinarian or behavior specialist; all content, information, and tips in this blog are intended to inspire and provide information. If your cat has complaints or issues, and you are uncertain about your cat’s health, always consult a veterinarian or a behavior specialist.
