If you’ve ever owned a cat, they most likely vomit during their lives. Cats who frequently vomit people consider vomiting to be “normal,” however, that isn’t the case. Although not every instance of vomiting should be viewed as an excuse to make an emergency visit to the vet, vomiting in cats isn’t commonplace.
This article will help you discover what triggers cats to throw food out, the difference between regurgitation and throwing up, what to look for in vomit, and what to do when you suspect vomiting food may indicate a medical problem.
Why Do Cats Throw Up Food?
Vomiting isn’t a particular condition or diagnosis, but it’s a non-specific symptom due to a myriad of causes and is a frequent event in households with felines. The occasional vomiting (once a month or so) is generally not considered a cause for alarm, especially if the matter discussed is hair. But vomiting more frequently could indicate something is wrong, and a thorough examination and treatment are necessary.
Cat Vomiting vs Regurgitation
Your pet may not be vomiting when it eats on the table. That is why it’s important to distinguish between regurgitation and vomiting.
Vomiting may occur anytime and is a vigorous, intense activity usually associated with vomiting. Cats experience nausea, be vocal or drool, and typically do not want to eat.
Regurgitation is caused by issues in the oesophagus, the tube that connects the mouth with the stomach. Regurgitation is an involuntary process where the cat vomits, and food that is not digested comes out. Regurgitation is usually experienced shortly after eating. The cat could regurgitate and try eating once more. There isn’t any nausea.
Why Do Cats Throw Up Undigested Food?
Are you seeing your cat throw food, but it appears normal? The most frequent reason cats vomit regularly undigested food is overeating. If cats gorge on their stomachs, they cannot control their weight which causes them to vomit.
Consuming grass can cause vomiting. We don’t know what causes cats to eat grass; we understand that the texture and shape of the grass can upset their gag reflex, causing vomiting.
It isn’t an emergency medical situation when your pet is throwing up after eating grass or gorging. There are other reasons cats throw up after eating, which need veterinary attention. These may include:
Obstructed digestion: things that can get stuck or cause damage to the gut, such as small toys, giant bone hairballs, hair tie ribbons, and tinsel or ribbons, could all trigger vomiting.
Allergic reactions or reactions to food: cats can have allergies to the ingredients they consume in their food, resulting in chronic vomiting. The most commonly cited allergens include beef, poultry, pork, eggs, turkey, soy and lamb. Cats with food allergies typically suffer from diarrhoea and itchy skin too. Adverse food reactions can be an issue with food, including food poisoning or allergic reactions to foodstuffs and lactose intolerance (adult cats are unable to digest milk) and eating foods that don’t suit the cat.
Gut inflammation Cats can vomit or experience diarrhoea due to inflammatory bowel disorder (IBD). Chronic, untreated IBD is associated with a specific intestinal cancer called lymphosarcoma. In the gut, bacterial overgrowth can also trigger vomiting and diarrhoea.
Intestinal parasites or viruses: parasites like hookworms and roundworms frequently cause diarrhoea and vomiting in cats. Cats that have worms may also appear potbelly. Cats suffering from panleukopenia, feline leukaemia or other viruses may also vomit.
Other issues: Conditions that trigger nausea, including chronic kidney conditions, liver diseases, neurological diseases, pancreatitis hyperthyroidism, inner ear issues, and diabetes, may all trigger nausea.
Poisoning eating lilies, poisonous garden or house plants, or the accidental ingestion of pesticides, antifreeze and herbicides or prescription drugs can all trigger vomiting. Particular cats also vomit when they are exposed to prescription medications.
Stress Moving, visiting or changes in routines, and adding pets to the family can all trigger anxiety in felines and can trigger vomiting.
Cat Vomiting Food: When to Worry
If your cat has a frequent vomiting habit, seek a vet as soon as possible. Vomiting isn’t regular. However, there are sure signs of vomiting that could indicate an emergency that needs urgent intervention by a veterinarian as soon as possible.
- Acute vomiting (your cat experiences sudden vomiting).
- An increase in the frequency of vomiting (your cat will occasionally vomit but is now vomiting more often).
- A decrease in appetite
- Weight loss
- Feeling exhausted or weak
- Urinating or defecating in the toilet or unintentionally removing waste elsewhere in the home
- Afraid increase (could be a sign of discomfort)
- More to hide
- Drooling
- Fever
- Diarrhoea
- Skin that is yellowed or white around the eyes (jaundice may be a sign of liver disease)
- In vomit, there is fresh red blood or material that resembles the coffee grinds (digested blood and indication of gastric ulcers or acute stomach irritation)
- Vomiting as a result of the administration of medication
- Worms in the cat’s stool, along with vomiting
- Your cat was diagnosed with a condition such as diabetes or kidney disease.
- Evidence shows that your cat ate something dangerous like chewed-up hair ties, ribbons, tinsel, dangerous plants or any other poisonous substance.
- Your cat is relatively young or very old.
Treatment Options for Cats Throwing Up Food
Your vet will conduct an extensive physical exam, discuss your cat’s health issues with you, and suggest a few tests. The tests could include urinalysis, bloodwork, Fecal examinations for parasites, and imaging tests, like abdominal radiographs or ultrasounds of the abdomen (X-rays).
It’s an excellent idea to bring a small amount of vomit, a stool sample, and any other evidence that you believe your cat might have eaten to the appointment. Additionally, you should know the brand and kind of food your cat is fed and how fast your cat eats.
The treatment method will depend on the reason for vomiting and could consist of the following:
- The use of medication to treat nausea
- The deworming process is for parasites.
- Treatment for illnesses outside of the stomach which may cause nausea
- Detoxification of toxic substances
- Surgery to clear an obstruction
- Changes in diet to address hairballs, food allergies or food allergies.
- The use of steroids in medicine can lessen inflammation of the digestive tract.
In most cases of mild or acute nausea, nausea medications and a bland diet for a few days are all required to treat the cat.
Pet owners often ask whether there are any natural solutions for vomiting cats. If your cat’s vomiting is not because of food consumption or a snoring cat, there aren’t any solutions at home for vomiting in cats. Never give a cat medication to treat vomiting unless instructed by a veterinarian. Also, never let your cat go without eating for more than a few days.
How to Prevent Cats from Throwing Up Food
If you’re worried about your cat having vomiting issues, take these steps to decrease the chance of it occurring:
You can slow down your cat’s food intake with a food puzzle. If your cat is a glutton for their food, think about using a food puzzle or an automated feeder that feeds pre-determined amounts at various times during the day. You can also provide your cat portions of food throughout the day or distribute the food over the floor on a flat area.
Change the food your cat is eating. Think about changing your cat’s diet to a diet designed specifically for stomachs with sensitive linings. If your cat is vomiting hair and food, it is advisable to brush it more often to remove hair. Also, think about switching to a hairball-based food.
Reduce stress within your cat’s surroundings. Stress can trigger vomiting, so make sure you keep your cat at ease by providing adequate litter boxes, water bowls, and food. Also, provide lots of climbing and scratching possibilities.
Take your cat to the vet for regular veterinary treatment. Check your cat every year with your vet, and talk to your cat more frequently in case you have concerns regarding your cat’s behaviour.
