Vomiting is the forceful ejection of the contents of the gastrointestinal tract that travel up the esophagus and out the mouth. There are various causes for cat vomiting. Generally, the vomiting may not be associated with a disease if your cat vomits once or twice, and does not have any other symptoms of illness. However, it may be a serious symptom of disease if the vomiting occurs more often than once or twice a day, or if your cat has additional symptoms of illness.
Occasional Vomiting
Vomiting is a common symptom that cats may experience for various reasons. Cats are known to vomit if they overeat or eat their meal too quickly. A common cause for occasional vomiting in cats is swallowing something that is irritating to the stomach, such as grass or hair. Cats often swallow some of their loose hair when they are grooming themselves. Hair cannot be digested, so it may collect in the cat's stomach and form a hairball.
Cats may try to vomit up the hairball because it is irritating to the stomach. However, if the hairball remains in the cat's stomach for a period of time, it could turn into a firm mass that could block the digestive tract. You can help prevent hairballs by routinely brushing your cat to remove any loose fur.
It is also possible for food allergies to cause vomiting or diarrhea in cats. Cats can be allergic to specific foods, including wheat, corn, soy, beef or pork.
Persistent Vomiting
You should contact your veterinarian if your cat vomits more often than twice a day, or if the vomiting is accompanied by other symptoms of illness, such as:
- Weakness
- Lethargy
- Fever
- Dehydration
- Weight Loss
Serious Symptoms of Cat Vomiting
It is essential that you notify your vet immediately if your cat vomits fresh blood or material that looks similar to coffee grounds, or if your cat has abdominal pain. Your cat may have a serious illness. You will also need to contact your vet immediately if your cat vomits any fecal material. This is a possible symptom of an intestinal obstruction or peritonitis.
If your cat experiences forceful projectile vomiting in which the stomach contents are suddenly ejected, you need to contact your veterinarian. Your cat may have a serious illness. Causes for projectile vomiting may include strictures or a complete blockage in the upper gastrointestinal tract. Other causes for projectile vomiting include:
- Foreign bodies
- Tumors
- Hairball
- Brain tumors or encephalitis (These are brain diseases that may cause increased intracranial pressure.)
Additional Causes of Cat Vomiting
Diseases that may be associated with vomiting include:
- Kidney disease
- Liver disease
- Feline panleukopenia
- Tonsillitis
- Gastritis
- Inflammatory bowel disease
- Digestive disorders
- Pancreatitis
- Pharyngitis
- Infectious enteritis
- Tumor
- Salmonella infection
- Worm infestation
- Infected uterus (acute metritis)
- Central nervous system disorders
Diagnosis
Your vet can determine the cause of vomiting by ordering and evaluating specific tests, which may include:
- Blood and urine tests
- Abdominal x-rays
- Endoscopic evaluation
- Possible biopsy of the stomach and small intestines
Treatment
The vet will monitor your cat's appetite and weight, and also check for signs of dehydration. Your
veterinarian can treat the underlying cause of vomiting and prescribe
medication to help control the vomiting and correct an electrolyte
balance.