Why Do Cats Vomit So Much?

Despite what you may have heard, it's not normal for cats to vomit frequently. If your cat throws up more than the occasional hairball, he should be seen by a veterinarian. Frequent vomiting can be a symptom of a serious health problem. Here are some of the most common causes of vomiting in cats and some ways to prevent them

  1. Hairballs

    • The best cure for hairballs is prevention. If your cats are prone to hairballs, comb them with a flea or greyhound comb several times a week, and give them a dab of Vaseline or about 1 teaspoon of melted butter every few days. If you use a commercial hairball product, be aware that most have a laxative effect and should be given several hours before or after meals.

    Sudden Diet Changes

    • If your cats have eaten the same food for a long time, make changes in their diet very gradually. Add a tiny bite of the new food to the old, and slowly increase the amount of the new food over a period of several days.

    Food Allergies

    • Some cats cannot tolerate the corn and grains found in most brands of dry food. Transition your cat to a grain-free brand; even better, switch to an all-wet food diet.

    Eating Too Fast

    • Cats are less likely to wolf down food and have it all come back up if they eat several small meals every day or are allowed to free-feed. You can free-feed wet food the same way you do dry.

    Chronic Disease

    • Diabetes, hyperthyroidism, kidney disease, pancreatitis, liver disease and inflammatory bowel disease can all cause frequent vomiting. If your cat vomits several times a week, make a vet appointment for blood tests.

    Medication

    • Antibiotics, thyroid medicine and pain medications can cause vomiting. If your cat's medicine is causing stomach upset, ask your veterinarian for an alternative.