How Can I Stop My Cat From Vomiting? Vet Tips & Home Remedies

If your cat is vomiting, you’re likely wondering, “Can I stop my cat from vomiting?” Yes, you can often reduce or stop your cat’s vomiting by identifying the cause and implementing appropriate solutions, ranging from simple home remedies to veterinary intervention. This comprehensive guide will delve into the various feline vomiting causes, discuss common symptoms, explore effective home remedies, and highlight when a vet visit for cat vomiting is essential.

Vomiting in cats, often referred to as your cat throwing up white foam, can be a distressing sign. It’s important to distinguish between vomiting and regurgitation. Vomiting is an active process where the cat forcefully expels stomach contents, often preceded by nausea. Regurgitation is passive, where undigested food comes back up without effort, usually shortly after eating.

Deciphering Feline Vomiting Causes

Numerous factors can lead to your cat vomiting. Pinpointing the exact reason is the first step toward resolution.

Dietary Issues and Indigestible Items

One of the most frequent feline vomiting causes relates to diet. This can include:

Sudden Diet Changes: Cats have sensitive digestive systems. Abruptly switching their food can upset their stomach.
Food Sensitivities or Allergies: Some cats react to specific ingredients like certain proteins (chicken, fish), grains, or additives.
Eating Too Quickly: Many cats gulp their food, leading to indigestion and vomiting.
Indigestible Substances: Cats may ingest things they shouldn’t, such as string, plastic, hair (leading to cat hairball remedies), or foreign objects. While some cats eat grass and vomit deliberately to help clear their system, persistent vomiting after eating grass can indicate a deeper issue.

Hairballs

While not always a cause for alarm, hairballs are a common reason for vomiting in cats. As cats groom themselves, they ingest loose fur. This fur can accumulate in the stomach, forming a hairball that the cat eventually vomits up. If you notice your cat struggling to vomit or experiencing other cat sickness symptoms alongside hairballs, it’s time for a closer look.

Infections and Parasites

Bacterial or Viral Infections: Gastrointestinal infections can cause inflammation and vomiting.
Intestinal Parasites: Worms like roundworms or tapeworms can irritate the digestive tract and lead to vomiting, especially in kittens. Examining your cat’s stool for signs of parasites is crucial.

Underlying Medical Conditions

Vomiting can also be a symptom of more serious health problems:

Kidney Disease: As kidneys fail, toxins build up in the bloodstream, leading to nausea and vomiting.
Liver Disease: Liver issues can impair digestion and toxin processing, resulting in vomiting.
Pancreatitis: Inflammation of the pancreas is painful and often causes vomiting.
Hyperthyroidism: Overactive thyroid glands can speed up metabolism, leading to vomiting and weight loss.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): Chronic inflammation of the digestive tract can cause persistent vomiting and diarrhea.
Cancer: Gastrointestinal cancers can manifest with vomiting as a primary symptom.

Toxins and Poisons

Ingestion of toxic substances is a critical cause of vomiting. This can include:

Certain Plants: Many common houseplants are toxic to cats.
Human Foods: Onions, garlic, chocolate, and certain artificial sweeteners are dangerous.
Medications: Human medications, even over-the-counter ones, can be toxic to cats.
Household Chemicals: Cleaning products, antifreeze, and pesticides are highly dangerous.

Stress and Anxiety

Just like humans, cats can experience gastrointestinal upset due to stress or anxiety. This might be triggered by changes in their environment, a new pet, or loud noises.

Kitten Vomiting Causes

Kitten vomiting causes can be similar to adult cats, but kittens are more vulnerable due to their developing immune systems and smaller bodies. Common issues include:

Dietary indiscretion: Kittens explore with their mouths and are prone to eating inappropriate items.
Parasites: Deworming is essential for kittens.
Viral infections: Feline panleukopenia is a serious and often fatal viral disease that can cause severe vomiting.
Overfeeding or Underfeeding: Improper feeding schedules can lead to digestive upset.

Recognizing Cat Sickness Symptoms Associated with Vomiting

When your cat is vomiting, observe them closely for other cat sickness symptoms. These can provide vital clues to the underlying cause.

General Symptoms to Watch For:

Lethargy: A noticeable decrease in activity and playfulness.
Loss of Appetite: Changes in cat appetite are a significant indicator. If your cat is refusing food or eating much less, it’s a concern.
Diarrhea: Often occurs alongside vomiting, indicating a broader digestive issue.
Dehydration: Signs include sunken eyes, dry gums, and reduced skin elasticity.
Weight Loss: Unexplained weight loss can be a sign of a serious underlying condition.
Abdominal Pain: Your cat may cry out when their abdomen is touched or adopt a hunched posture.
Jaundice: Yellowing of the skin, gums, or whites of the eyes can indicate liver problems.
Fever: Elevated body temperature.

Specific Vomit Content Observations:

Undigested Food: Suggests the cat ate too fast or there’s a problem with stomach emptying.
Bile (Yellow or Green Foam): Indicates an empty stomach with the presence of bile. This is often seen when a cat vomits after a period without food.
White Foam: Cat throwing up white foam can be due to a variety of reasons, from an upset stomach to hairballs to more serious conditions.
Blood (Red Streaks or Coffee Grounds): Blood in the vomit is always a cause for concern and warrants immediate veterinary attention. Fresh blood indicates active bleeding, while “coffee ground” vomit suggests digested blood.
Foreign Objects: Visible strings, plastic, or other non-food items.

Home Remedies for Cat Vomiting

For mild, infrequent vomiting, especially if your cat seems otherwise well, some home remedies for cat vomiting might help. However, it’s crucial to use these cautiously and to consult your veterinarian if symptoms persist or worsen.

1. The Fasting and Reintroduction Method:

This is often the first step recommended for acute vomiting.

Fasting: Withhold food for 12-24 hours. Ensure fresh water is always available. This allows the gastrointestinal tract to rest and recover. Crucially, do not withhold food from kittens, elderly cats, or cats with pre-existing medical conditions like diabetes without veterinary guidance.
Water: Offer small amounts of water frequently. If your cat keeps water down, you can gradually increase the amount.
Bland Diet Introduction: After the fasting period, if your cat is not vomiting, gradually reintroduce food. Start with a small amount of a bland, easily digestible diet. Options include:
- Boiled Chicken or Turkey: Plain, boiled, deboned, and skinless white meat, finely chopped.
- Boiled White Rice: Cooked until very soft.
- Commercial Veterinary Bland Diet: Your vet might recommend a specific prescription diet for sensitive stomachs.
Small, Frequent Meals: Feed small portions of the bland diet every few hours for the first 24-48 hours.
Gradual Return to Normal Diet: If the cat tolerates the bland diet well, slowly transition back to their regular food over several days by mixing increasing amounts of their usual food with the bland diet.

2. Probiotic Supplements:

Probiotics can help restore the balance of good bacteria in your cat’s gut, which can be disrupted by vomiting or diarrhea.

Type: Choose a probiotic specifically formulated for cats.
Dosage: Follow the product instructions or your veterinarian’s recommendations.
Caution: While generally safe, discuss with your vet before starting any supplement, especially if your cat has other health issues.

3. Hairball Management:

For vomiting related to hairballs, focus on prevention and relief.

Regular Grooming: Brush your cat daily, especially long-haired breeds, to remove loose fur.
Hairball Remedies: Over-the-counter hairball remedies, available as pastes or treats, can help lubricate the digestive tract and aid in the passage of hairballs. These are generally safe when used as directed.
Dietary Supplements: Some cat foods are specifically formulated to help reduce hairball formation.

4. Ensuring Adequate Hydration:

Dehydration can quickly become a serious issue when a cat is vomiting.

Fresh Water: Always have fresh, clean water available.
Water Fountains: Some cats prefer drinking from running water, so a pet water fountain might encourage more intake.
Hydration Boost: If your cat is reluctant to drink, you can try offering low-sodium chicken broth (ensure no onions or garlic!) or small amounts of canned food mixed with water.

5. Avoiding Irritants:

No Human Food: Do not feed your cat table scraps or human foods, as many are indigestible or toxic.
Secure Toxins: Keep all household cleaners, medications, and toxic plants out of reach.

When to Seek Veterinary Care: The Importance of a Vet Visit for Cat Vomiting

While home remedies can be effective for minor issues, it’s crucial to know when your cat needs professional veterinary attention. Persistent or severe vomiting is a red flag.

Red Flags Indicating a Vet Visit:

Frequent Vomiting: If your cat vomits more than once or twice in a 24-hour period.
Vomiting Blood: Any blood in the vomit is an emergency.
Lethargy and Weakness: If your cat is significantly less active or appears weak.
Signs of Dehydration: Dry gums, sunken eyes, or a visible “tent” when gently pinching the skin on their back.
Diarrhea: Especially if it’s severe or contains blood.
Abdominal Pain: Your cat cries when you touch their belly or is reluctant to move.
Ingestion of a Known Toxin: If you suspect your cat has eaten something poisonous.
Vomiting in Kittens or Elderly Cats: These age groups are more susceptible to complications.
Pre-existing Health Conditions: Cats with chronic illnesses should be monitored closely for vomiting.
Changes in Cat Appetite: If vomiting is accompanied by a refusal to eat or drink.

What to Expect During a Vet Visit for Cat Vomiting:

Your veterinarian will conduct a thorough examination and may recommend diagnostic tests to determine the cause of the vomiting.

Physical Examination: The vet will check your cat’s overall health, including temperature, hydration, and abdominal palpation for pain or masses.
Medical History: Be prepared to provide details about the vomiting frequency, vomit content, diet, any recent changes, and other observed symptoms.
Diagnostic Tests:
- Blood Work: Complete blood count (CBC) and chemistry panel can reveal infections, inflammation, organ dysfunction (kidney, liver), and electrolyte imbalances.
- Urinalysis: Helps assess kidney function and detect urinary tract infections.
- Fecal Examination: Checks for intestinal parasites.
- X-rays (Radiographs): Can identify foreign objects, blockages, or abnormalities in the digestive tract or other organs.
- Ultrasound: Provides detailed images of abdominal organs and can detect inflammation, masses, or fluid.
- Endoscopy: A procedure where a flexible tube with a camera is inserted into the esophagus and stomach to visualize the lining and take biopsies if needed.

Veterinary Treatments for Vomiting:

Treatment will depend entirely on the diagnosed cause.

Fluid Therapy: For dehydration, intravenous (IV) or subcutaneous (under the skin) fluids will be administered.
Anti-nausea Medications: To reduce vomiting and allow the cat to keep food and water down.
Medications for Underlying Conditions: Antibiotics for infections, dewormers for parasites, medications to manage kidney disease, hyperthyroidism, or IBD.
Dietary Management: Prescription diets for food allergies, sensitivities, or specific medical conditions.
Surgery: May be necessary to remove foreign objects or address blockages or tumors.

Preventing Vomiting in Cats

Prevention is always better than cure. Implementing these strategies can help minimize the occurrence of vomiting:

1. Gradual Diet Transitions:

When changing your cat’s food, do it over 7-10 days. Start by mixing a small amount of the new food with the old, gradually increasing the proportion of the new food and decreasing the old.

2. Quality Food:

Feed a high-quality, balanced cat food appropriate for your cat’s age and lifestyle. Consult your veterinarian for recommendations.

3. Portion Control and Feeding Schedule:

Feed your cat the appropriate amount of food for their weight and activity level. Multiple small meals throughout the day can be better than one large meal for some cats.

4. Slow Feeding Techniques:

If your cat eats too fast, use a slow feeder bowl or puzzle feeder to encourage slower consumption.

5. Regular Grooming:

Brush your cat regularly, especially long-haired breeds, to minimize the amount of hair they ingest and reduce hairball formation.

6. Avoid Access to Toxins:

Keep toxic plants, household chemicals, and medications securely stored away from your cat. Be mindful of what your cat might find outdoors if they are an outdoor or indoor-outdoor cat.

7. Stress Reduction:

Provide a stable, enriching environment for your cat. Minimize sudden changes and create safe spaces where they can retreat.

8. Regular Veterinary Check-ups:

Annual check-ups allow your vet to catch potential health issues early, before they become severe enough to cause vomiting.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: How often is it normal for a cat to vomit?

A1: It’s generally not considered normal for a cat to vomit frequently. Occasional vomiting, perhaps once every few weeks, might be attributed to a hairball. However, vomiting more than once or twice a month, or any vomiting accompanied by other cat sickness symptoms, warrants a vet visit.

Q2: My cat keeps eating grass and then vomits. Should I be worried?

A2: Some cats eat grass as a natural behavior, often to help them vomit and clear indigestible material. If your cat only does this occasionally and otherwise seems healthy, it might not be a cause for alarm. However, if it becomes a frequent occurrence, or if they show other signs of illness, it could indicate a digestive upset, dietary deficiency, or an underlying medical issue. Consulting your vet is advisable.

Q3: What is the best home remedy for cat vomiting?

A3: The most effective initial home remedy for vomiting in an otherwise healthy cat is a temporary fasting period (12-24 hours, with water available) followed by a gradual reintroduction of a bland diet. However, home remedies for cat vomiting should only be used for mild, infrequent episodes, and always with caution, especially for kittens and elderly cats.

Q4: My cat is throwing up white foam. What does this mean?

A4: Cat throwing up white foam can indicate an upset stomach, indigestion, or an empty stomach with irritation. It can also be associated with hairballs or, in some cases, more serious conditions like inflammatory bowel disease or pancreatitis. Observing other symptoms and the frequency of vomiting is key to determining the next steps.

Q5: Are there specific foods that cause vomiting in cats?

A5: Yes, cat dietary issues are a common cause of vomiting. Some cats can be sensitive or allergic to common ingredients like chicken, fish, dairy products, grains, or certain additives. Suddenly changing their diet can also lead to vomiting.

Q6: What should I do if my kitten is vomiting?

A6: Kitten vomiting causes can be particularly serious due to their small size and developing immune systems. If your kitten is vomiting, it’s crucial to contact your veterinarian immediately. Do not attempt to fast a kitten without veterinary guidance, as they can become hypoglycemic and dehydrated very quickly.

By understanding the potential causes, recognizing warning signs, and knowing when to seek professional help, you can effectively manage and often prevent vomiting in your feline companion. Always prioritize your cat’s well-being and consult with your veterinarian for personalized advice and treatment plans.