Quick answer: Cats often throw up because of hairballs, eating too fast, or a change in food. These are usually not serious if it happens only once in a while. But vomiting that happens often, comes with blood, or comes with tiredness, weight loss, or not eating can mean a health problem. Call your vet if you are worried.
You hear that sound. Your cat is making a strange noise, and then it throws up on the rug. It is not fun to clean up. It can also be scary.
Many cats throw up now and then. Sometimes it means nothing. Other times it is a sign your cat needs help.
Let's look at why cats throw up, what the color of the vomit means, and when you should call the vet.
Is It Normal for Cats to Throw Up?
It is common, but it is not truly "normal." A healthy cat might throw up a hairball once in a while. But a cat that throws up often is trying to tell you something.
A good rule to remember: if your cat throws up more than once or twice a month, talk to your vet.
Vomiting or Regurgitation?
These two look alike, but they are different.
Vomiting comes from the stomach. Your cat will heave, and its belly will move. The food is often partly broken down.
Regurgitation is when food comes back up without effort. It often happens right after eating. The food usually looks whole and may be shaped like a tube.
Knowing the difference can help your vet find the cause.
10 Common Reasons Cats Throw Up
1. Hairballs
Cats clean themselves with their rough tongues. They swallow loose hair. Most of it passes through the body. But some hair builds up in the stomach and comes back up as a hairball.
Long haired cats get more hairballs. So do cats that groom a lot.
2. Eating Too Fast
Some cats gulp their food. Then it comes right back up. This is often called "scarf and barf."
3. A Sudden Change in Food
Switching foods too fast can upset your cat's stomach. It is best to mix the new food with the old food over about a week.
4. Eating Grass or Plants
Some cats eat grass and then throw it up. But be careful. Some plants are toxic to cats. Lilies are very dangerous, even a small bite or a lick of the pollen.
5. Food Allergies
Some cats react badly to certain foods, such as chicken, beef, or fish. This can cause vomiting, itchy skin, or loose stools.
6. Eating Something It Should Not
Cats love to play with string, ribbon, hair ties, and rubber bands. If they swallow them, it can cause a blockage. String is extra dangerous. Never pull on a string you see coming from your cat's mouth or bottom. Go to the vet right away.
7. Worms and Parasites
Worms can upset your cat's stomach. You might even see worms in the vomit. Your vet can give safe medicine to treat them.
8. Stomach and Gut Problems
Some cats have long term tummy problems, such as inflammation in the gut. These cats may throw up often and lose weight.
9. Health Problems in Older Cats
Senior cats may throw up because of health issues like kidney disease, an overactive thyroid, or diabetes. Watch for weight loss and more drinking or peeing.
10. Poison
Some things in your home are toxic to cats. These include lilies, certain human medicines, cleaning products, and some essential oils. If you think your cat ate something toxic, call your vet or a pet poison hotline right away.
What Does the Color of Cat Vomit Mean?
The color can give you clues. Here is a simple guide:
| Color | What It Might Mean |
|---|---|
| White foam | Empty stomach or mild upset |
| Yellow | Bile, often from an empty stomach |
| Clear liquid | Drinking too fast or mild upset |
| Brown | Food, or sometimes old blood |
| Green | Grass, plants, or bile |
| Red or pink | Fresh blood, call your vet |
| Looks like coffee grounds | Old blood, call your vet now |
This chart is only a guide. Your vet is the best person to tell you what is going on.
When to Call the Vet Right Away
Get help fast if your cat throws up and:
- Throws up many times in one day
- Has blood in the vomit
- Will not eat for more than a day
- Seems weak, tired, or hides
- Has a swollen or painful belly
- Has diarrhea too
- Is losing weight
- May have eaten string, a toy, or poison
- Tries to throw up but nothing comes out
Kittens and senior cats can get sick very fast. Do not wait to call if they are vomiting.
How to Help Your Cat at Home
If your cat throws up once and then acts normal, you can try these tips:
Watch your cat closely. Look for more vomiting or other signs of sickness.
Offer water. Make sure fresh water is always close by.
Try a slow feeder bowl. This helps cats that eat too fast.
Feed smaller meals. Give smaller meals more often during the day.
Brush your cat. Regular brushing means less hair to swallow and fewer hairballs.
Try hairball food. Some cat foods are made to help hair pass through.
Keep dangerous items away. Put away string, hair ties, rubber bands, and toxic plants.
Never give your cat human medicine for an upset stomach. Many human medicines are toxic to cats.
So, why is your cat throwing up? Often it is hairballs, eating too fast, or a food change. These are usually easy to fix. But vomiting that happens often, or comes with other signs of sickness, needs a vet visit.
You know your cat best. If something seems wrong, trust your gut and call your vet.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my cat throw up after eating?
Your cat may be eating too fast. Try a slow feeder or smaller meals. If it keeps happening, see your vet.
Why does my cat throw up white foam?
White foam often means an empty stomach or a mild upset. If it happens often, call your vet.
How often is too often for a cat to throw up?
More than once or twice a month is worth a vet visit.
Should I feed my cat after it throws up?
Wait a little while, then offer a small amount of food. If your cat throws up again, call your vet.
Can stress make a cat throw up?
Yes. Big changes like moving or a new pet can upset some cats' stomachs.
