What should I do if my cat is being sick?

If your cat is vomiting, it's natural to feel concerned. Vomiting is one of the most common reasons cat owners contact their vet, but in many cases, it may be possible to manage the situation at home. Understanding the reasons behind your cat’s vomiting and when to seek veterinary attention can help you decide the best course of action.

Why are cats sick?

Cats vomit for various reasons. It can be part of their normal digestive function or a sign of an underlying health issue. Unlike humans, occasional vomiting is not always a cause for concern in cats. It could be related to eating too quickly, hairballs, or even a slight digestive upset. However, repeated or severe vomiting could indicate something more serious.

Why is my cat being sick?

Cats can vomit for many reasons, and understanding the cause will help you know whether to worry or not. 

Common causes of vomiting include:

• Hairballs: Cats, especially those with long fur, often groom themselves and swallow loose hair. This hair forms into balls in their stomach, which they sometimes vomit up.
• Eating too fast: If your cat eats their food too quickly, it can cause regurgitation. This is when the food comes back up almost immediately after eating.
• Eating the wrong things: Cats are curious and may sometimes eat things they shouldn’t, such as houseplants, string, or even small toys. This can upset their stomach and lead to vomiting.
• Infections: A viral or bacterial infection can upset your cat's digestive system, leading to vomiting.
• Parasites: Worms and other parasites can sometimes cause vomiting in cats, especially if left untreated.
• Food intolerance: Some cats may have a food sensitivity or intolerance to certain ingredients in their diet, leading to tummy upsets.

When to be worried

It’s important to keep an eye on your cat’s vomiting and take note of any other symptoms. Occasional vomiting, especially if related to hairballs or eating too quickly, is usually harmless. However, if your cat vomits frequently, shows other worrying symptoms, or appears unwell, you should consult your vet.

Look for the following signs that may indicate a more serious condition:

• Persistent vomiting lasting more than 24 hours.
• Vomiting that’s accompanied by lethargy, loss of appetite, or weight loss.
• Blood in the vomit.
• Bloated abdomen or visible discomfort.
• Diarrhoea along with vomiting.

These could be signs of a more severe issue like poisoning, a gastrointestinal blockage, pancreatitis, or kidney disease.

What does cat vomit look like?

Cat vomit can give you clues as to what might be causing the issue. You can usually tell when your cat is about to vomit, as they may show signs such as drooling, licking their lips, or swallowing exaggeratedly. Once you see these signs, try to gently move your cat to an easy-to-clean area.

Common types of cat vomit:

• Partially digested food: This may happen if your cat vomits soon after eating. It could be due to eating too fast.
• Hairballs: These are tubular clumps of fur that your cat brings up after swallowing too much hair during grooming.
• Yellow bile: This usually occurs if your cat has been vomiting on an empty stomach or is suffering from a more serious digestive issue.
• White foam: This can indicate a mild stomach upset, but if it persists, it could point to more serious gastrointestinal issues.

What to do when your cat is vomiting

1. Monitor your cat: If your cat vomits once and seems otherwise normal, you can likely manage the situation at home. Keep a close eye on them for the next 24 hours.
2. Provide water: Encourage your cat to drink water to stay hydrated. 
3. Hold off food: If your cat has vomited multiple times, withhold food for 12-24 hours to let their stomach settle. After that, introduce small amounts of bland food, like boiled chicken, before returning to their regular diet.
4. Avoid treats or table scraps: During recovery, it’s important to avoid feeding your cat treats or food scraps that may upset their stomach further.

For kittens under six months old or cats with underlying health issues, vomiting can be more serious. If your cat shows signs like a bloated abdomen, blood in their vomit, or is vomiting bile, contact your vet immediately.

The difference between regurgitation and vomiting

It can be difficult to tell if your cat is vomiting or regurgitating. Regurgitation happens when food comes up shortly after eating, usually because they ate too fast. The food will often look undigested, and your cat may not seem particularly unwell afterward. Vomiting, on the other hand, involves a forceful expulsion of food or fluid from the stomach and is often accompanied by other signs like drooling or retching. If your cat regurgitates frequently, it’s best to consult your vet to rule out any serious issues.

Cat vomiting: FAQs

When to call the vet

If your cat’s vomiting is persistent, severe, or accompanied by other symptoms such as lethargy, dehydration, or blood, it’s time to call the vet. Even if your cat seems fine, regular vomiting should be checked to rule out any underlying health problems. Always trust your instincts—if something seems wrong, it’s better to get professional advice.