My cat keeps throwing up but seems fine: What Could Be The Reason?
It might be in the middle of the night when you wake up in your room to the sound of your cat throwing up. Were they sick? Well, no. They did not show any signs of being sick, or were fine before you went to bed.
It is not a pretty scene seeing them throw up. More so when you don’t know what is causing it and how you can help them. I have seen many people asking, My cat keeps throwing up but seems fine.
However, are they fine? Why are they throwing up then? Let’s find out the causes and whether it is something together.
Cat Vomit Color Chart
Before getting into the question, my cat keeps throwing up but seems fine, let’s check what the color of their vomit means, and if the cause can be identified from it.
| Color of vomit | What it means |
|---|---|
| Yellow | This could be bile and can be a sign of liver disease. |
| Coffee-grounded appearance | This happens from internal bleeding in the stomach and indicates ulcers. |
| Clear | This could be because of an empty stomach or regurgitation from the esophagus. |
| Blood in vomit | The blood could be from their stomach, esophagus, or mouth. |
| White, foamy | This can also be the cause of regurgitation, or from an empty stomach. |
| Brown, smelly | This happens mostly when they bleed from their upper gastrointestinal tract or eat something brown. |
| Undigested food in vomit | This indicates that the food did not leave their stomach. This mostly happens from obstructions or food allergies. |
My Cat Keeps Throwing Up But Seems Fine: What Could Be The Causes?
There could be several explanations for the thought “My cat keeps throwing up but seems fine.” However, in most cases, especially if this is a lone incident, there is no underlying issue, and they are just fine.
But if they are vomiting constantly or throwing up often along with some other symptoms, then it is best to consult a vet. Here are some of the most common reasons why a cat vomits.
1. Hairballs
Hairballs are one of the most common reasons behind your cat vomiting. Most of the time, it is nothing significant. However, if this happens frequently, then it could turn into something serious.
If they are accumulating too much hair in their stomach and that is not passing through their stool, it can obstruct their intestines. It not only makes them throw up but can also cause electrolyte and fluid imbalance, along with abdominal pain, if it is not treated.
If you notice other signs and symptoms of obstruction, take them to a vet, as they might even need surgery to remove the blockage.
Moreover, if you have the proper grooming essentials and keep them groomed, there is less chance of this happening. Also, you will get special food or different treats available that have hairball remedies.
2. Food Allergies
Food allergies in cats are common. Mostly, they are allergic to dairy, beef, poultry, and fish. Sometimes they become allergic to eggs and soy. Some of the symptoms of food allergies include:
- Coughing or sneezing
- Skin inflammation
- Runny nose or eyes
- Vomiting and diarrhea
- Ear and skin infections
- Poor coat condition
Because of allergies, you might find your cat itching their skin and the area getting inflamed. They might even start overgrooming when it becomes extremely uncomfortable and itchy for them.
Why is my cat throwing up clear foamy liquid? This could be because of the stomach irritation from food allergies.
Consult a vet if you notice any of these signs, other than just vomiting. They might recommend food with single carbohydrate sources and hydrolysed proteins.
3. Eat Too Much Too Fast
Why is my cat throwing up undigested food but acting normal? If your cat has a habit of eating too much too fast, it can make them nauseous, and then throw up undigested food.
Some get excited about their meal time and start eating excessively fast. This causes retching. It is best to get them a slow feeder or some food puzzles to help manage their eating habits.
This will keep a check on their eating pace even if they are very eager to eat. Moreover, limit their access to dry food, so they do not eat a lot and do not take a lot of time.
4. Food Indiscretion
If you notice your cat throwing up daily after every meal, that means they are experiencing stomach issues due to the food you are feeding them.
Moreover, if you have changed their food recently, it could be because of that as well. So, introduce it slowly and give them time to adapt to it.
When you give them time to adjust, and they still don’t respond well, then avoid giving it to them. However, if you have an outdoor cat, it could be some animal they hunted outside that made them sick.
To be on the safe side, get them a fake mouse which they will chase inside the house if they wish to hunt and play with.
5. Chronic Stress
If there has been a major change in the family recently, and your cat starts to vomit, and vomits frequently, this could be due to stress. You might need to de-stress them with particular products like calming teats or pheromone spray.
However, do not try any human medicines on them. Moreover, do not use lavender essential oil. If you are wondering whether cats can have lavender, then the answer is a firm no. It is toxic to them. Some of the common signs of stress among felines are:
- Overgrooming
- Urinating outside their litter
- Aggression
- Eating more or less than their usual amount
- Hiding
- Diarrhea or vomiting
Calming pheromones act as their natural pheromones and provide a sense of safety. You can give them calming treats, as they contain natural amino acids, which can reduce their anxiety.
If you notice any of these signs of anxiety, it is better to consult a vet and get them the much-needed medicines. Moreover, there are some physical signs as well that your cat is stressed or anxious.
You might notice their coat condition getting worse. If they are overgrooming and getting bald patches because of that, it could be because of chronic stress.
Frequently Asked Questions
When discussing this matter, people often ask these few questions.
Yes, this can happen. Something, because of undigested food or hairballs, they throw up. But if this is persistent, then you need to take them to a vet.
Start withholding their food atleast for the next 12 hours to let their stomach rest. You can give them ice cubes or water to prevent dehydration. After that, give them a bland, low-fat diet in small portions.
If you notice blood in their vomit, or if it is brown with a foul smell, you should be concerned. Moreover, if there are other symptoms accompanying this, take the condition seriously.
This can happen when they are trying to get out a hairball. Also, this can happen from some other underlying issues or when their stomach is upset. They can have a foreign object lodged in their throat as well.
If you are looking for home treatment, make sure you keep them hydrated and provide a comfortable environment for them. Monitor their symptoms closely and take them to a vet if needed.
If your cat is vomiting and not peeing, this could be a serious situation. This could be because of urinary blockage or some other medical issue. Take them to a vet immediately.
Vomiting In Cats: When To Worry
My cat keeps throwing up but seems fine; it could have various possible explanations. But, as a cat parent, you have to be responsible and check whether your cat is showing any physical symptoms that might indicate a physical issue.
However, it is best to take them to a vet immediately when you see any symptoms, as there could be an underlying issue. Cat vomiting can be differentiated into two categories, chronic and acute.
Till now, we were discussing chronic vomiting, or some lone incident. But it is acute vomiting that should worry you. When a cat who does not have any tendency like this starts vomiting and vomiting multiple times, then the condition is acute.
If they have vomited more than three times, cannot keep food down, and get tired, then you need to take them to a vet. It might be some passing nausea, but what if there is something serious about it? You should take them to an emergency clinic.
Because vomiting is a very vague symptom, it is better to consult a doctor, as the condition might be something serious.
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