For many cat owners, the sound of a cat retching in the middle of the night is an all-too-familiar wake-up call. Although it is usually assumed that occasional hairballs are a normal part of owning a cat, regular vomiting is a sign that something is wrong.
It’s worth distinguishing between a minor dietary indiscretion and a serious medical emergency – the best way to ensure your cat’s long-term health.
The five probable causes of frequent vomiting, along with the red flags you must never overlook, are as follows. Let’s review them in detail…
- Hairballs and Grooming Problems
Trichobezoars, which are also known as hairballs, are formed when a cat consumes fur that cannot get through the digestive system during grooming. Most cats can pass fur in their stool, but long-haired breeds or over-groomers might find it hard to clear it away.
If your cat vomits undigested fur wrapped in mucus one or two times per month, this can be managed with special treats or brushing. However, if vomiting occurs without fur, the underlying issue likely lies deeper than a grooming habit.
- Dietary Indiscretion or Food Sensitivities
Cats can be surprisingly sensitive to changes in their diet or the quality of their food. Vomiting soon after eating can mean that your cat is eating too fast—a habit commonly known as scarf and barf—or that your cat is allergic to a certain protein or artificial additive.
Reading about Common Feline Digestive Issues may be a way to understand whether the stomach of your cat is responding to a food allergy or an inflammatory bowel disease.
In most instances, chronic stomach upset can be solved by switching to a limited-ingredient diet under veterinary care.
- Ingestion of Foreign Objects
Cats are notoriously curious, and items like string, dental floss, rubber bands, or hair ties are tempting toys.
If a cat swallows a “linear foreign body,” it can cause a life-threatening intestinal blockage. This type of cats vomitting (猫 何 回 も 吐く) is usually frequent and forceful and may be accompanied by a complete loss of appetite.
If you think your cat has swallowed something it shouldn’t, this is a medical emergency and will require immediate imaging and possible surgery.
- Metabolic Diseases (Kidney or Liver Issues)
In elderly cats, recurrent vomiting is commonly a secondary effect of an underlying systemic health issue, but not necessarily a stomach problem.
Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) and hyperthyroidism are two of the most common culprits. When the kidneys or liver cannot adequately filter toxins from the blood, their accumulation causes nausea and vomiting.
Other symptoms such as increased thirst, frequent urination, and unexplained weight loss are common in these cats.
- Ingesting Toxic Plants or Chemicals
Several plants commonly found in households, such as lilies, sago palms, and azaleas, are very toxic to cats. Even a small bite will cause acute vomiting and organ failure. Similarly, household cleaners or essential oils can cause severe gastric distress.
If the vomiting is sudden and violent, accompanied by drooling and lethargy, examine your home for disturbed plants or spilled substances.
Here’s When to Worry
So, at what point does a puke warrant a trip to the vet? In case of vomiting accompanied by lethargy, concealed pain, or fever, you should seek professional assistance immediately.
Other emergency signs include blood in the vomit (which may look like coffee grounds), an inability to keep water down for more than 12 hours, or diarrhea.
Remember, a “wait and see” approach is dangerous if your cat appears weak or dehydrated. The more you’re aware of when cats usually vomit and what the actual reason behind it is, the more likely it is to get treatment on time.
The wise approach is to consult a reputable veterinarian who can guide you on how to cure your cat’s vomiting, if persistent, and keep it healthy from the inside.