If your cat throws up after eating, this is not typically considered vomit, but regurgitation. Regurgitation is the term used if the throwing up occurs within 30 minutes after eating. The throwing up after a meal is caused by the fact that the cat eats food too quickly, and it is more common in kittens but may also occur in adult cats. The condition may also be caused by a medical problem.
Causes of Vomiting after Eating
If your cat throws up immediately after eating you can suspect some of the following causes:
- The cat eats too quickly
- The size of the kibble is unsuitable and the cat doesn't chew the food properly
- Stomach infections (viral or bacterial)
- Gastric ulcers that are active and secrete a lot of gastric juice
- Esophagus ulcers
- Internal parasites
- Stress
- Allergies to food
- Hyperactive thyroid gland
- Kidney infection
- Poisoning
- Heat stroke
- Liver problems
- Pancreas problems
Other Symptoms
If the cat throws up after eating because he eats too quickly or the kibble size is too large, he will not show any other symptoms. However, you should watch your cat to see if there are other symptoms that are present and could point to a medical problem. The regurgitation will result in undigested food particles that may be accompanied by gastric juice. Pay attention to see if there is blood or worms in the regurgitated food. Watch out for symptoms such as:
- Excessive thirst
- Increased urination
- Stomach pain
- Pot bellied appearance
- Lethargy
- Seizures
- Elevated temperature
If the vomiting after eating is caused by an underlying condition, this may require immediate help, as the cat can get dehydrated quickly and the condition can worsen.
Treating Regurgitation
If the cat eats too quickly, this may be due to the fact that he is stressed and he is afraid of losing the food. This happens especially when you have several cats in your household. Try separating the food for each of your cats and make sure they eat the food in a quiet place with no distraction. Also make sure your pet drinks water, so that the food can be easily ingested and stays in the stomach.
You may be advised to switch to wet food, which can be easier to digest and is less likely to be regurgitated. Change the feeding bowl to a flat plate, which will slow down the cat while eating. You may also place the plate on a higher level, closer to the cat's head, so that he won't have to stay in a position that may trigger regurgitation.
If the cat is affected by an underlying condition causing him to throw up after eating, the vet will prescribe specific medication. The vomiting should disappear after the cat is treated.