Diseases That Cause Cats to Vomit

Occasional vomiting is common in cats and does not necessarily point to disease. When a cat's vomiting becomes more frequent or severe, the animal might need to see a veterinarian for a checkup. Vomiting is a common symptom for many feline disease, some more serious than others. A veterinarian will look at the cat's symptoms and run a variety of tests to determine the cause of the cat's vomiting.

  1. Gastrointestinal Disorders

    • Gastrointestinal disorders that cause acute or chronic vomiting in cats include bacterial infection of the gastrointestinal tract, intestinal intussusception, intestinal volvulus, chronic colitis, chronic gastritis, gastrointestinal ulceration, neoplasia and hypertrophic gastropathy, veterinarian Debra Primovic says on PetPlace.com. Gastrointestinal disorders are considered primary causes of vomiting because they are diseases of the stomach and upper intestinal tract, according to Washington State University's College of Veterinary Medicine.

    Acute Kidney Failure

    • Acute kidney failure often occurs following severe dehydration or exposure to poisons such as antifreeze, according to Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine. Other symptoms of acute kidney failure include anemia, loss of body condition and drinking and urinating excessively.

    Pancreatitis

    • Pancreatitis in cats is the sudden inflammation of the pancreas that causes the pancreas to begin digesting itself. Causes of acute pancreatitis include obesity, a high-fat diet, liver disease, infection and recent abdominal surgery. Other symptoms of pancreatitis include loss of appetite, lethargy, abdominal pain, diarrhea, fever and weakness. Once diagnosed, treatment ranges from withholding food and water to surgery for complications.

    Diabetes Mellitus

    • Diabetes mellitus in cats is one of the most common hormonal diseases affecting the feline population. Diabetes is caused by a deficiency of the hormone insulin, which impairs the body's ability to metabolize sugar, according to veterinarian Leah Cohn on PetPlace.com. Symptoms of diabetes mellitus, besides vomiting, include increased thirst, increased urination, weight loss despite a good appetite, lethargy, poor body condition and weakness.

    Acute Liver Failure

    • Acute liver failure causes vomiting, as well as seizures, jaundice, excessive water consumption and urination and fluid accumulation in the abdomen and legs, according to Washington State University's College of Veterinary Medicine. Liver failure often leads to bladder obstruction, which is fatal if left untreated.