Excessive Vomiting in Cats

Cat owners are familiar with the occasional hair ball, but excessive vomiting in cats signals that something is wrong. In cases of illness, other symptoms often accompany vomiting. Other times, vomiting is a lone symptom that is difficult for owners to diagnose. While a prompt trip to the veterinarian is usually necessary for vomiting cats, checking possible causes may help owners recognize contributing factors, from toxic plants to heat stroke.

  1. Warning Signs

    • When a cat vomits excessively, it is almost always a sign that something is wrong. Veterinarian Holly Nash at Pet Education states that owners should note the color and substance of their cats' vomit, as well as traces of blood. They should also note accompanying symptoms if they appear and whether symptoms appeared gradually or suddenly. Often, nausea causes cats to drool, lick their lips, smack their lips or swallow--signs that they are not feeling well and need to see a veterinarian.

    Digestion Problems

    • Cats' curiosity gets them into trouble when they eat things they are unable to digest, from furry toys to grass. Another common problem is milk--the treat many cats seem to enjoy but cannot easily digest. Some cats develop allergies to foods that cause them to vomit; common allergens are beef, fish and wheat. Cat World in Australia also recommends that owners gradually add new food to their cats' old food when changing their diet, as abrupt dietary changes can wreak havoc on cats' digestion.

    Poisons

    • Toxins, such as antifreeze, cause cats to vomit excessively. Some owners give cats aspirin for pain relief, but aspirin is toxic to cats. Cats also like to munch on plants that are poisonous to them, including English ivy, foxglove, Easter lily, baby's breath, lily of the valley, geranium, philodendron, asparagus fern, clematis and bird of paradise, according to Vet Info.

    Infections and Diseases

    • Vomiting in cats is often a sign of illness. Infections that cause vomiting include salmonella, which is contagious for other animals and humans in the house, and giardia, with additional symptoms of flatulence and foamy, foul-smelling stools. Serious diseases, such as liver disease, pancreatitis, diabetes mellitus, hyperthyroidism and inflammatory bowel disease, also cause vomiting. The Feline Chronic Renal Failure Information Center states that kidney failure sometimes induces cats to vomit food or a foamy substance.

    Other Causes

    • Sometimes vomiting in cats is a sign of parasites or other health problems. Cat World lists ulcers and a ruptured bladder as causes of vomiting. Heat stroke also makes cats ill, with additional symptoms including dizziness, panting, muscle tremors and thick salivation. When suffering from heat stroke, cats' vomit is sometimes tinged with blood.