Vomit Happens: What It Means When Your Cat Keeps Throwing Up

If you’ve ever stepped out of bed straight into a warm puddle of cat vomit, you’re not alone. It’s a common experience among cat owners—and unfortunately, it’s just as unpleasant for your cat as it is for your socks.

At Cupertino Animal Hospital, we talk to many cat owners who are unsure whether vomiting is something to monitor or something to worry about. The short answer: it depends. Occasional vomiting can be harmless, but frequent or severe episodes can point to something more serious.

Let’s walk through why cats vomit, when it’s a concern, and what steps to take to help your cat feel better—without sending you into a Google spiral of worst-case scenarios.

What Does Vomiting in Cats Really Mean?

Vomiting is your cat’s way of clearing something from the stomach—whether it’s something they shouldn’t have eaten, hair from grooming, or a reaction to illness. It’s an active process, often involving drooling, retching, or abdominal contractions. That’s different from regurgitation, which happens more passively, without the warning signs or stomach effort.

Both can look similar, but they often have different causes. Either way, they shouldn’t be brushed off—especially if they’re happening often.

Need a refresher on what feline vomiting actually involves? Here’s a helpful overview from Cornell Feline Health Center.

Common Causes of Vomiting in Cats

Cats can vomit for all kinds of reasons. Sometimes it’s harmless. Other times, it’s a sign of a deeper problem.

Here are some of the most common culprits:

1. Eating Too Fast or Eating the Wrong Thing

You might have heard the term “scarf and barf”—and yes, it’s just as glamorous as it sounds. Some cats eat too quickly or ingest spoiled food, resulting in vomiting. Introducing new foods too abruptly can also upset their stomach.

2. Hairballs

Cats spend a lot of time grooming, and it’s normal for them to swallow hair in the process. Usually, it passes through. But sometimes, it forms a hairball that gets vomited up. Long-haired cats and frequent groomers are especially prone.

3. Infections

Viral infections (like panleukopenia) and bacterial infections (like salmonella) can cause vomiting. So can intestinal parasites like roundworms, which are especially common in kittens or outdoor cats.

4. Gastrointestinal Diseases

Conditions like inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), gastritis, or even GI cancers can cause chronic vomiting. These are typically long-term issues that require a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.

5. Foreign Body Ingestion

Some cats have a habit of eating things that aren’t food—rubber bands, string, toys. These items can get stuck in the digestive tract and cause blockages. Learn more about the dangers of swallowed objects at ACVS: Gastrointestinal Foreign Bodies.

6. Chronic Health Conditions

Vomiting is a common symptom in systemic illnesses like:

• Chronic kidney disease (Cornell Feline Health Center)
• Hyperthyroidism (AAHA Hyperthyroidism Guidelines)

These conditions are especially common in older cats and often go unnoticed until vomiting becomes frequent.

7. Toxins and Poisoning

From lilies and cleaning products to human medications, cats are sensitive to many household items. If you suspect your cat may have ingested something toxic, contact ASPCA Poison Control right away.

For a full list of toxic plants, check the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants List.

Why Frequent Vomiting Deserves Attention

Cats hide illness well, which means vomiting is sometimes the first and only clue that something is wrong. While a single episode might not be cause for panic, repeated or severe vomiting can lead to:

• Dehydration
• Electrolyte imbalances
• Weight loss and muscle wasting
• Esophageal damage or aspiration pneumonia

Ignoring the symptoms could allow a manageable issue to turn into a serious one. Early intervention is always safer—and often simpler.

Symptoms That Signal It’s Time to Call the Vet

Not all vomiting is created equal. Here’s when you should reach out to your veterinarian:

You can also compare different types of vomit (yes, it matters) by visiting Purina’s guide to types of cat vomit.

How Vomiting Is Diagnosed at Cupertino Animal Hospital

If your cat comes to us for vomiting, we take a step-by-step approach:

Step 1: History and Physical Exam

We ask questions about your cat’s diet, behavior, and environment. A hands-on exam helps us check for pain, dehydration, or abnormalities.

Step 2: Diagnostics

Depending on what we find, we may recommend:

• Bloodwork and urinalysis: To check organ function
• Fecal testing: To rule out parasites
• X-rays or ultrasound: To look for foreign bodies or masses
• Endoscopy or exploratory surgery: If we suspect a structural problem
  Learn more about exploratory surgery in pets
  

Treating Vomiting in Cats: What to Expect

Treatment depends entirely on the cause. It might be as simple as adjusting your cat’s diet—or as complex as surgery.

Common treatments include:

• Withholding food temporarily to let the stomach rest
• Offering a bland diet in small amounts
• Antiemetic medications to reduce nausea
• Deworming or antibiotics, if infections are found
• IV fluids to correct dehydration
• Surgical intervention for blockages or tumors

We tailor every treatment plan to the individual cat, based on diagnosis and response to care.

Preventing Vomiting in Cats

While you can’t prevent every case, there’s a lot you can do:

• Feed smaller, more frequent meals
  
• Use puzzle feeders to slow down fast eaters
• Groom your cat regularly to reduce hairball formation
• Avoid sudden food changes—transition gradually over 7 to 10 days
• Cat-proof your home by keeping small objects and toxins out of reach

Preparing for a Veterinary Visit

Coming in for a vomiting evaluation? Here’s what to bring:

• A log of symptoms, including how often and when vomiting happens
• A sample of the vomit (if you can collect it safely)
• Notes about any diet changes or stressors
• A list of medications and supplements your cat takes
• Photos or videos, if you’ve caught an episode on camera

FAQs About Cat Vomiting

Q: Is it normal for my cat to vomit once in a while?
 A: Occasional vomiting, especially from hairballs, may not be serious. But frequent or worsening symptoms should be evaluated.

Q: Can stress cause my cat to vomit?
 A: Yes. Cats are sensitive to environmental changes, and stress can lead to vomiting, appetite changes, or hiding.

Q: What can I feed my cat after vomiting?
 A: If your vet recommends it, start with bland foods like plain boiled chicken or prescription gastrointestinal diets. Avoid rich or fatty foods.

We’re Here to Help

At Cupertino Animal Hospital, we understand how unsettling it is to see your cat vomiting and not know what’s wrong. Whether it’s a quick fix or something more involved, we’re here to get to the bottom of it—and get your cat back to feeling like themselves.

If your cat is showing signs of vomiting or any other changes, contact our team today. We’re here to help, every step of the way.