Why Does a Cat Vomit Frequently?

Cat owners know how to handle the occasional hair ball, but no cat should have to endure frequent vomiting. Usually this is a sign that something is wrong. Sometimes the problem is something as minor as eating too quickly, but frequent vomiting can also be a symptom of a serious disease.

  1. Expert Advice

    • Cat owners should take note of their cats' vomiting spells, so that they can help their veterinarian make a diagnosis later. On CatChannel.com, veterinarian Elaine Wexler-Mitchell advises owners to observe whether vomiting takes place after eating. On PetEducation.com, veterinarian Holly Nash recommends noting the appearance of the vomit, whether it is traced with blood, and whether the vomiting began suddenly or gradually. Accompanying symptoms, such as diarrhea and weakness, may signal illness.

    Minor Causes of Vomiting

    • Healthy cats vomit for a number of minor reasons. Some cats eat too quickly or play after eating, which interferes with digestion and can cause vomiting. In these cases, owners are actually noticing regurgitation, which can be identified by its appearance; regurgitated food has not yet reached the stomach, and will still look like food. According to cat-world.com, changing types of food too suddenly can also disturb cats' stomachs and cause vomiting.

    Serious Causes of Vomiting

    • Sometimes cats eat things that upset their stomach, including paper, fuzzy toys, or plants. According to VetInfo.com, vomiting can be a healthy way for cats that have ingested toxic plants--including oleander, English ivy, foxglove, baby's breath, and lily of the valley--to rid their bodies of the poison. Parasites, heat stroke, and food allergies can also be the culprits behind frequent vomiting. Common food allergens are eggs, wheat, fish, and beef. Many cats cannot tolerate milk, even if they beg for it as a treat.

    Illnesses and Diseases

    • Sometimes cat vomiting is a symptom of a serious illness and cause for a trip to the veterinarian. Infections such as salmonella and giardia cause vomiting, often with accompanying symptoms. Cat-world.com lists several diseases that cause vomiting in cats, including liver disease, hyperthyroidism and diabetes mellitus. According to the Feline Chronic Renal Failure Information Center, vomiting a foamy substance may be a sign of kidney failure.

    Treatment

    • Treatment for frequent cat vomiting varies, depending on the underlying cause. If a cat is not ill but eats too quickly, Wexler-Mitchell recommends feeding the cat small, frequent meals of large kibbles in a shallow bowl, to keep meals manageable for the cat's stomach. Nash states that cats who vomit excessively may need to go 24 hours without food. If a cat is dehydrated from vomiting, a veterinarian may administer fluids.