Cats throw up from hairballs, diet shifts, infections, toxins, or illness; track patterns and call a vet if episodes repeat or look severe.
You wake up to a little puddle on the floor, or your cat bolts off the couch with that unmistakable heave. It’s stressful, messy, and a bit scary. If you’re asking “why are my cats throwing up?”, you’re not alone. The good news: most cases have clear triggers and a simple plan. Start with quick triage, note patterns, and act fast if red flags show up.
Quick Triage: What’s Urgent, What Can Wait
First, scan your cat. Is there energy loss, belly pain, or a bloated look? Any string near the mouth? Any known plant or pill exposure? One gentle episode in a bright, playful cat is often low risk. Repeat episodes, blood, or pain call for an exam.
| Likely Cause | Clues You May See | What To Do Now |
|---|---|---|
| Hairball (Trichobezoar) | Tube-like wad, hacking, normal appetite | Brush more, try hairball gel, add water and play |
| Fast Eating & Regurgitation | Food comes up soon after a meal, little heaving | Use a slow feeder, split meals, calmer spot |
| Sudden Diet Change | New food, treats, or rich table scraps | Go back to old food, switch over 7–10 days later |
| Food Intolerance | Chronic churn, soft stool, skin flare in some cats | Talk to your vet about a hydrolyzed or novel diet |
| Parasites | Worms in vomit, weight loss, dull coat | Stool check and deworm plan from your vet |
| Gastritis / Viral Bug | Short burst of vomiting, mild listlessness | Small sips of water, rest; vet if it repeats |
| Foreign Body | String, ribbon, toy bits; belly pain | ER visit now; no pulling on string |
| Toxin / Plant | New plant, cleaner, pill access | Call poison line or ER; bring label or plant name |
| Chronic Disease | Weight loss, thirst change, older cat | Vet exam with labs and imaging |
| Motion Sickness / Stress | Trips, visitors, loud noise, new pet | Short trips, pheromone spray, quiet room |
Why Cats Throw Up: Common Causes And Triggers
Hairballs From Daily Grooming
Felines groom with a sandpapery tongue that grabs loose fur. Most fur passes in stool. Some mats tangle in the stomach and come up as a slick, cigar-shaped wad. Long-haired cats and heavy groomers face this more often. Regular brushing, more water, and a hairball gel can lower the odds.
Fast Eating And Regurgitation
Regurgitation is passive. Food slides back up fast, often within minutes of the meal. You may not see the full heave. True vomiting brings heaving and abdominal effort. Slow feeders, puzzle bowls, and smaller meals cut down those “bolt and barf” episodes.
Diet Change, Treats, And Rich Add-Ons
Gut bacteria need time to adjust. A sudden switch can stir up nausea. Rotate in the new diet over a week or more. Keep rich scraps off the menu. Read labels for oil content and strong flavorings that can upset a sensitive stomach.
Food Intolerance Or Allergy
Some cats don’t handle a certain protein or additive. Signs can include vomiting, soft stool, gas, or itchy skin. Vets may suggest a hydrolyzed diet or a single novel protein plan to test the response. Stick to the plan; no side treats during a trial.
Parasites That Irritate The Gut
Roundworms and other hitchhikers can cause an off stomach and poor weight. Indoor cats aren’t fully safe—eggs can hitch a ride on shoes or a bug snack. A stool test and a tailored dewormer clear the field.
Gastritis, IBD, And Pancreas Trouble
Stomach lining can inflame after trash raids, plant bites, or a viral bug. Ongoing flare with weight loss, picky eating, and off-and-on vomiting hints at inflammatory bowel disease. Pancreas flare (pancreatitis) can look similar. Blood work, ultrasound, and careful diet plans are common next steps.
Toxins And Unsafe Plants
Lilies are dangerous to cats; even small contact can be bad for kidneys. If a lily may be involved, treat it as an emergency. Keep cleaners, human meds, and rodent bait locked away. When in doubt, call a poison hotline or your ER clinic. See the ASPCA lily toxicity page for plant details.
Foreign Bodies: Strings, Ribbons, And Toys
Linear items like thread can hook under the tongue and saw through the gut. Don’t pull on a visible string; head to the ER. Toys with foam bits can also lodge. A fast x-ray or ultrasound can save time, pain, and risk.
Chronic Conditions In Older Cats
Thyroid overdrive, kidney disease, liver disorders, and diabetes can all show up with vomiting. You might notice thirst change, weight loss, or a greasy coat. Many cats bounce back with meds, fluids, or a diet plan once the root cause is found.
Medications, Supplements, And Treats
Even benign-looking chews can jostle a sensitive stomach. Pain pills, antibiotics, and hairball gels can also trigger episodes in some cats. Ask your vet about timing with meals or alternative options.
How To Document Episodes So Your Vet Can Help
Good notes speed up answers. A clean log turns a foggy timeline into a clear map. If you’re still wondering “why are my cats throwing up?”, tracking is the shortest path to the cause.
- Time And Triggers: Log meal time, brand, flavor, and treats.
- Vomit Description: Color, foam, food chunks, hair, or plant bits.
- Energy And Appetite: Play, grooming, thirst, litter box output.
- Exposure: Plants, strings, new cleaners, small toys.
- Photo Or Small Sample: Bag a sample if the vet asks for one.
Home Care For Mild, Isolated Vomiting
One short episode in a bright cat often resolves with simple steps. Keep the day calm. Offer water in a shallow bowl or a pet fountain. You can also add a little water to wet food at the next small meal.
- Feed Smaller Meals: Two to four mini meals instead of one large bowl.
- Slow The Pace: Use a puzzle feeder or a raised center bowl.
- Gentle Diet: A vet-approved, highly digestible GI food helps many cats.
- Hairball Help: Brush daily; use hairball gel as directed on the label.
- Fresh Air And Play: Short play sessions keep stress down and gut motility steady.
Avoid long fasts in cats; they can’t handle gaps like dogs can. If food has been off for many hours, offer a spoon or two of the usual diet. Call your vet if your cat refuses food, water, or looks worn down.
For a clinical overview of vomiting and how vets sort causes, see the Merck Veterinary Manual on vomiting. It explains workups your vet may choose, like labs and imaging.
When To See A Vet (And What To Expect)
Call your clinic the same day if you see repeated episodes, blood, belly pain, a swollen look, or black tarry stool. Kittens and seniors need faster care. If a toxin or string is in play, treat it as urgent.
- History And Exam: Your notes guide next steps. The vet checks hydration and belly comfort.
- Testing: Blood work, x-rays, ultrasound, or stool checks to find the source.
- Treatment: Anti-nausea meds, fluids, diet change, dewormers, or surgery for blockages.
- Follow-Up: Rechecks keep the plan on track and adjust food or meds.
Vomit Colors And What They Can Mean
| Color Or Content | What It May Mean | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Clear Foam | Empty stomach, mild nausea, hairball prep | Small meal, monitor; vet if it repeats |
| Yellow Bile | Stomach sat empty too long, reflux | Smaller, more frequent meals |
| Grass Or Plant Bits | Nibbling plants; possible GI irritation | Remove plants; call if lily exposure |
| Brown “Coffee Grounds” | Partly digested blood | Vet visit soon; ER if weak or pale |
| Bright Red Streaks | Fresh blood from upper GI | Urgent exam |
| Green Or Yellow With Plant Smell | Plant or grass, bile, or blockage risk | Vet guidance; ER if pain or swelling |
| Worms Visible | Roundworms or other parasites | Stool test and deworm plan |
| Food Right After Meal | Regurgitation or fast eating | Slow feeder, split meals |
| Fecal Odor | Possible lower GI or blockage | ER visit |
Preventing The Next Episode
Dial In Feeding And Water
Pick a complete diet your cat enjoys, then switch brands or flavors slowly. A fountain or extra bowls in quiet spots can bump up water intake. Wet food adds moisture with every meal.
Grooming And Hairball Control
Daily brushing pulls loose fur before it reaches the stomach. Long-haired cats benefit from a comb-and-slicker combo. During peak shed, add an extra session. A hairball gel can help the wad slide along.
Play, Rest, And A Predictable Day
Cats thrive on routine. Stick to steady meal times and short play blocks. Offer a safe hideout when guests visit. A calm day means a calmer gut.
Cat-Proof The House
Store string, ribbon, thread, hair ties, rubber bands, and foam toys out of reach. Keep sewing kits closed. Place plants on high shelves, and skip lilies. Close trash cans and keep cleaners locked up.
Smart Treat Choices
Limit rich snacks. Use small, single-ingredient treats that match the main diet. If your cat is on a trial food, treats and lickable snacks must match that plan.
Key Takeaways: Why Are My Cats Throwing Up?
➤ Hairballs, diet shifts, and gut bugs top the cause list.
➤ Track timing, color, and triggers for faster answers.
➤ One mild episode is common; repeats need a vet.
➤ Strings and lilies are emergencies; act fast.
➤ Slow feeders and brushing prevent many flares.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do I Tell Regurgitation From Vomiting?
Regurgitation is passive and quick, often minutes after eating, with little heaving. Vomiting brings wretching and belly effort and can happen any time after meals.
Note the timing and look of the mess. Regurgitated food is often tubular and undigested. Share a photo and your timeline with the vet.
Is Withholding Food Safe For Cats After Vomiting?
Long fasts aren’t safe for cats. Skip only one small meal at most, then offer a spoon or two of a bland, vet-approved GI food. Keep water available in a shallow dish.
Call your clinic if your cat refuses food or looks lethargic. Kittens and seniors need quicker care.
Which Plants And Toxins Are High Risk?
Lilies, certain lilies of the valley, and sago palm are high risk. Rodent bait, xylitol, and many pain pills are dangerous too. Keep a list of household hazards on the fridge.
If exposure is possible, bring the plant or product label to the clinic. Fast action raises the odds of a smooth outcome.
When Should I Worry About Blood In Vomit?
Any red streaks or “coffee grounds” material deserve a same-day call. Pale gums, weakness, or belly pain raise the urgency. Don’t wait for a second episode to pass.
Bag a small sample if you can. Transport your cat in a carrier lined with a towel for grip.
Can Stress Alone Make A Cat Vomit?
Yes—some cats react to trips, new pets, or sudden noise with an upset stomach. Create a quiet safe zone with a bed, water, and a litter box and stick to steady routines.
Use slow feeders and short play breaks to keep the day predictable. If episodes persist, your vet can guide further steps.
Wrapping It Up – Why Are My Cats Throwing Up?
Vomiting is a symptom, not a single disease. Patterns tell the story. Note timing, color, and what your cat ate, then match that record to the steps above. If the question “why are my cats throwing up?” keeps coming back, bring your notes to the clinic and move straight to a plan. Most cats feel better with a few well-placed changes and, when needed, targeted treatment.