Is it Normal That My Cat Keeps Vomiting?

Watching your cat vomit repeatedly can be unsettling, especially when you’re not sure what’s causing it. Whether it’s the aftermath of a hasty meal or something more concerning, frequent vomiting isn’t something to overlook. It’s worth exploring the reasons behind this behavior and understanding when it’s time to consult with your veterinarian.

 

Why Do Cats Vomit?

Vomiting in cats can be triggered by a variety of factors, ranging from harmless to more serious health concerns. Occasional vomiting might be related to something as simple as eating too quickly or ingesting hair while grooming. However, frequent vomiting can indicate underlying issues that may require veterinary attention.

Common Causes of Cat Vomiting

• Eating Too Fast: When food is consumed rapidly, it doesn’t get properly chewed, leading to regurgitation. Additionally, some cats have sensitive stomachs and may react to certain foods or sudden changes in diet.
• Hairballs: As cats groom themselves, they ingest loose fur, which can accumulate in their stomachs and eventually be expelled through vomiting. While hairballs are generally not a cause for concern, frequent vomiting of hairballs might suggest an issue with grooming or digestion.
• Allergies or Intolerances to Food: If your cat has recently changed diets or is consuming new treats, this could be the culprit. Some cats are allergic to certain ingredients like dairy, grains, or specific proteins, and these allergies can manifest as vomiting.
• Health Issues: Lastly, more serious causes like gastrointestinal issues, infections, or even chronic conditions such as kidney disease or hyperthyroidism can result in frequent vomiting. In these cases, vomiting is often accompanied by other symptoms like weight loss, lethargy, or changes in appetite.

When Should You Be Concerned About Cat Vomiting?

While occasional vomiting might not be alarming, there are certain situations where frequent vomiting should prompt a visit to the vet. Understanding the warning signs can help you decide when it’s time to seek professional advice.

Signs That Warrant Veterinary Attention

• Persistent vomiting over an extended period of time
• Presence of blood or unusual material in vomit
• Additional symptoms such as diarrhea, lethargy, or changes in appetite or behavior
• Weight loss 
• Signs of distress or pain

How the Kryder + Harr Team Can Help

When you bring your cat to the vet for vomiting, the veterinarian will likely perform a thorough physical exam and may recommend additional tests to determine the underlying cause. Treatment will depend on the diagnosis, and early detection often leads to better outcomes.

Physical Examination & Diagnostic Testing

Your vet might start with a complete physical examination, looking for signs of dehydration, pain, or other abnormalities. Depending on the findings, blood tests, X-rays, or ultrasounds may be recommended to get a clearer picture of what’s going on inside your cat’s body.

How Cat Vomiting is Treated

Elimination Diet

If food allergies or intolerances are suspected, your vet may suggest an elimination diet to pinpoint the problematic ingredient. This involves feeding your cat a special diet with limited ingredients to see if the vomiting subsides.

Medications

For cases involving infections or parasites, medications such as antibiotics or anti-parasitic treatments might be prescribed. These treatments can be highly effective in resolving the issue if caught early.

Hospitalization

In more severe cases, hospitalization may be required to administer fluids and medications intravenously, especially if your cat is dehydrated or in pain. Chronic conditions like kidney disease or hyperthyroidism may require long-term management with medication and dietary changes.

What You Can Do to Prevent Cat Vomiting

While some causes of vomiting require veterinary care, there are steps you can take at home to reduce the chances of your cat vomiting frequently. 

• Feeding your cat smaller, more frequent meals can help prevent them from eating too quickly, which is a common cause of vomiting. Consider using a puzzle feeder to slow down their eating or dividing their daily food into several smaller portions throughout the day.
• Brushing your cat daily, especially during shedding season, can significantly decrease the amount of fur they ingest. Additionally, there are special hairball control diets and treats that can help with digestion.
• Transitioning your cat to a hypoallergenic or limited-ingredient diet may prevent future episodes of vomiting.
• Cats are sensitive creatures, and changes in their environment or routine can cause stress, leading to vomiting. Ensure your cat has a safe, quiet space to retreat to and try to maintain a consistent daily routine.

If your cat is experiencing frequent vomiting, they require prompt veterinary care. While some causes are minor, others can be more serious and require care from the experienced team at Kryder + Harr Veterinary Clinic. Call us today at (574) 277-6533 to schedule an appointment.