Hearing your cat throw up is nothing out of the ordinary for most cat owners. We usually just think that they ate a little too much or too quickly. Although this is often the case, sometimes there can be a more serious reason.
Why Is My Cat Throwing Up After Eating?
Hearing your cat throw up is nothing out of the ordinary for most cat owners. We usually just think that they ate a little too much or too quickly. Although this is often the case, sometimes there can be a more serious reason.
If you're a cat owner, it's very likely a familiar occurrence that shortly after feeding your cat, you hear the sounds of regurgitation and realize your cat has vomited. Why do cats throw up after eating so often, and should you be concerned? Here are five common reasons behind feline vomiting, from the not-so-serious to potentially serious problems that necessitate a visit to the vet.
1. Eating Too Quickly
When you set out wet food or refill your cat's dish with dry food, they can get a little too excited to nosh and eat too quickly. Food eaten too quickly doesn't get digested well, causing your cat to vomit. Movement or exercise after eating can also spur vomiting. If your cat vomits as a result of speedy eating, try feeding her several small meals throughout the day rather than one large bowl full of food.
2. Hairballs
Although hairballs are caused by hairs ingested during your cat's grooming and not by mealtime food, the presence of hairballs can also lead to vomiting after your cat eats.
3. Food Intolerance or Food Allergy
If your cat is eating something in their food that they're allergic to, or even if your cat simply has an intolerance to it, this can lead to vomiting. Food allergies are a common issue in cats and can cause chronic vomiting.
4. New Food
Switching foods could introduce an ingredient that causes an allergic reaction, but it could also simply throw off your cat's eating routine, leading to vomiting after a meal. To avoid this, always switch to a new cat food gradually.
5. Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
In addition to vomiting, inflammatory bowel disease can lead to upset stomachs and diarrhea. If you notice these symptoms, a visit to the vet is recommended to come up with a treatment plan.
More Serious Causes
More serious problems can also cause cats to vomit. For instance, your cat may have a stomach obstruction as a result of ingesting a non-food item, like a rubber band. Or your cat may have accidentally eaten something poisonous. It's also possible that your cat has a metabolic disorder, like a kidney-related problem or hyperthyroidism.
So as a pet owner, what should you do if your cat vomits frequently? If the vomit seems clearly tied to your cat scarfing down food at mealtime, you should try feeding your cat several small meals, as opposed to one or two large ones, and providing food at the same time each day. If your cat is a serious groomer, then a specially formulated "hairball food" or supplement can help.
If vomiting persists on a weekly basis or more frequently, then there might be a more serious cause, and a visit to the vet is recommended.
When to Contact Your Vet if Your Cat Vomits?
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Check for foreign objects. Sometimes cats will ingest items that aren't food or treats and end up vomiting them up later in the day or even hours after eating them; these would include things like paper clips, toys, and marbles (though marbles are probably less common). It's important to get these types of items out as quickly as possible because they can cause serious problems if left inside your pet!
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If your cat is a kitten or geriatric, contact your veterinarian immediately. A cat who vomits frequently will likely need a more thorough exam and may need to stay overnight for observation. If you're not sure if the vomit is serious but are concerned about your cat's behavior, seek veterinary attention. It's always better to be safe than sorry when it comes to our beloved pets' health!
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If your cat has vomited two or more times in an hour, it may be a sign of a more serious problem. Call your vet immediately. Cats often vomit once or twice when they have a hairball or food allergy. But if your cat is vomiting more than once an hour, it could be due to something more serious like pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas). If your cat has been vomiting for even longer and has other symptoms such as fever, lethargy, or loss of appetite, call the vet immediately.
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If you see blood in your cat's vomit, call your vet immediately. Blood can be a sign of a serious problem, such as a bleeding ulcer or other internal bleeding. It can also be from a ruptured stomach or intestinal tract. If you aren't able to reach your veterinarian and want to try home treatment for vomiting after eating too fast, contact the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center 24/7 at 888-426-4435 (option 1).
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If your cat is lethargic after vomiting, it could be a sign of poisoning or infection. Lethargy can also be a sign of kidney disease, so if you suspect that's what's causing your cat to be lethargic, call your vet immediately. Your veterinarian may recommend a blood test and/or x-rays to check for kidney disease. If you notice that your cat seems lethargic after vomiting, take him or her to the vet right away!
4 Ways to Slow Down Your Cat's Eating
Some cats get a little too excited when dinner time rolls around and devour their food at lightning-fast speed. This is sometimes a problem in multi-cat homes; one cat inhales their food and then moves on to its sibling's share. It's not only a frustrating situation, but it can also result in tummy upset for your little speed-eater. In fact, fast eating is one of the most common causes of cat vomiting. And a cat who sucks in the air while gobbling may suffer from hiccups, too. So how can you get your cat to hit the brakes when its bowl hits the floor?
Tip #1: Put a Ball in Their Bowl
Put a golf ball, ping-pong ball, or some other type of ball into your cat's food bowl. The cat will have to eat around the ball, which will force them to slow down. Just make sure that the ball you choose is a large enough size that it can't be swallowed, and wash it regularly to avoid bacterial growth.
Tip #2: Use a Muffin Tin
Separate your cat's portion into the cups of a muffin or cupcake tin. Your cat will have to move from cup to cup and take its time to get the food out of each individual space.
Tip #3: Stuff a Puzzle Toy
Stuff a puzzle toy like the Kong Wobbler with your cat's portion (keep in mind that this only works with dry food). Your cat will have to knock, spin, or drop the toy in order for it to dispense pieces of food. Using a puzzle toy not only slows your cat's eating, but it also provides them with some exercise (which most cats don't get enough of).
Tip #4: Make a Scavenger Hunt
Another way to slow down your cat's eating? Tap into their natural desires to hunt and explore. Hide food in different places around the house and then send your cat off to track it down. Your cat will feel like they're on a mission, and you'll feel good knowing that your furry friend's meal will go down easy.
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Can Dry Food Make Cats Vomit?
Dry cat food can make a cat vomit if it causes some sort of allergic reaction. Cats often develop food allergies to dry foods because they expand in the cat's stomach, which feels uncomfortable. Moreover, since dry food has a very low moisture content, older cats have trouble swallowing and digesting them, especially if they are already suffering from gastrointestinal disorders. If you do not see any signs of medical illness, chances are that your cat is simply throwing up because it doesn't want to digest the food. If you want to feed your cat dry food, make sure to add some milk or broth (without onion or garlic). Also, feed your cat in smaller measures.
What Is the Difference Between Regurgitation and Vomiting in Cats?
You must identify whether your cat is vomiting or regurgitating. Regurgitating can be the result of problems related to the esophagus and is usually a passive process. Usually, cats have to contract their abdomen and put in effort to vomit. Vomiting is usually accompanied by retching, which also acts as a warning. You might see greenish bile, digested, and semi-digested food in the vomit. On the other hand, regurgitation does not require stomach contraction, and it usually takes place right after the cat has eaten or drank something. It is usually a noiseless process, and you will mostly see undigested food in it. Your cat will probably just lower its head and quietly regurgitate the food. If you notice your cat vomiting or regurgitating food at least once a week, you should take it to the vet immediately.
Why Is My Cat Throwing Up Undigested Food Hours After Eating?
There can be various reasons why your cat is throwing up undigested food. If it happens once, you should check for other signs of an illness. Your cat's vomiting might be due to a hairball, gastrointestinal disorders, pancreatitis, infection, poisoning, or stress. You must know why your cat is throwing up, so taking it to a vet is the best option. You should also regulate your cat's meal and give it time to rest after it has eaten. Also, make sure the food is wet enough and at room temperature. Make sure your cat has access to drinking water after it has eaten.
What Do Different Types of Cat Vomit Mean?
Besides differentiating between vomiting and regurgitation, it is also necessary to be able to identify what your cat's vomit might mean. Yellow or orange vomit indicates that there was partially digested food or bile in your cat's stomach. Red or pink vomit could be due to the presence of blood or artificial dye (from cat food). Clear, white, or foamy vomit is usually just regurgitation. Green vomit might indicate undigested bile or green dye in cat food. If your cat's vomit is black or brown and looks like ground coffee, it can indicate bleeding in the digestive tract. You should take your cat to the vet immediately if you notice this color of vomit.
What Natural Remedy Can I Give My Cat for Vomiting?
If your cat has been vomiting, the first natural remedy would be to not feed it for about 8-12 hours. Make sure you keep plenty of water for your cat. You should also feed only plain, boiled food to your cat. Start with small portions of boiled meat mixed with some rice. Alternatively, you can also try food brands made specifically for a sensitive stomach, such as Hills Prescription Diet or Purina Pro Plan.
The Importance of a Cat's Diet and Health
A well-balanced cat's diet is essential for maintaining your cat's health and preventing issues like vomiting. Ensuring that your cat's food is appropriate for their age, activity level, and any health conditions they may have is crucial for their overall well-being.
Understanding Your Cat's Digestive System
The cat's digestive system is sensitive and can be easily disrupted by changes in diet, eating habits, or underlying health issues. Keeping an eye on how your cat reacts to different foods and feeding routines can help you identify potential problems early on.
Identifying the Underlying Cause of Vomiting
Determining the underlying cause of your cat's vomiting is important for effective treatment. While occasional vomiting can be normal, chronic vomiting often indicates a more serious issue that requires veterinary attention. Conditions such as gastrointestinal tract disorders, intestinal parasites, or food allergies need to be diagnosed and managed properly to keep your cat healthy.
By understanding these factors and taking appropriate actions, you can help ensure that your cat stays healthy and happy, with fewer incidents of vomiting and other digestive issues.
More on Upset Stomachs
Tips to Avoid Your Cat's Stomach Upsets
Signs Your Pet Needs New Food
Choosing the Best Cat Diarrhea Remedy
This information is for informational purposes only and is not meant as a substitute for the professional advice of, or diagnosis or treatment by, your veterinarian. It has however been reviewed for accuracy by Dr. Joe, a board certified veterinary nutritionist and graduate of Cornell University's program for Veterinary Medicine.
