Watching your cat vomit can be stressful, mostly if it's happening more than once. While occasional vomiting isn’t always serious, it can also be a sign of an underlying health issue that needs attention. In this blog, you'll find common reasons for cat vomiting, information on how to help your kitty at home, and when you need to contact your veterinarian. 

Common Causes of Cat Vomiting:

• Hairballs - Cats groom themselves often and may swallow their loose fur. This fur can collect in the stomach and form hairballs, which your cat may eventually vomit.

• Eating Too Quickly - Some cats eat too quickly, especially if they love their food. This can cause vomiting shortly after eating.

• Dietary Issues or Rapid Food Change - Switching your cat’s food too quickly or feeding them table scraps or spoiled food may upset their stomach.

• Parasites or Infection - Vomiting can develop from a worm, or gastrointestinal infection in cats.  

• Toxins - Cats may vomit if they’ve ingested something toxic, like household plants, cleaning chemicals, or certain human foods (like onions or chocolate).

• Chronic Illness - Repeated vomiting can sometimes point to more serious conditions like kidney disease, liver problems, diabetes.

What You Can do at Home:

• Keep track of their eating habits: If your cat is a fast eater, try a slow-feed bowl.

• Keep their environment safe: Remove all toxic plants and chemicals within their reach.

• Groom them regularly: The more you groom, the less hairballs you'll have to deal with.

• Hydration is essential: Ensure your cat has access to clean water at all times. 

• Gradual Food Transitions: When changing their diet, mix the new food with the old one over 7–10 days. 

When to Seek Care from a Vet:

Call your vet if your cat: 

• Vomits more than once in a 24-hour period, or if vomiting lasts more than 24–48 hours

• Has blood in their vomit or the vomit appears to be more than mild irritation

• Acts lethargic, hides, or refuses to eat

• Has diarrhea, or appears to be in pain

• Loses weight or has other unusual behaviors

Vomiting in cats isn’t always a cause for panic, but it shouldn’t be ignored either. With a little observation and care, you can often manage minor cases at home. However, persistent or severe vomiting should always be checked by a vet to rule out serious health problems.

Your cat’s health and comfort come first—so if in doubt, it’s best to get them checked.