Vomiting in cats is common—but it’s not always harmless. From hairballs to serious underlying illness, knowing the difference between a minor issue and a medical concern can make all the difference. This guide outlines the most common causes of feline vomiting, what to watch for, and when to seek veterinary attention.

Types of Vomit in Cats

Cats can vomit for a variety of reasons, and the appearance of the vomit can offer clues about the cause. This guide from Purina breaks down what different types of vomit may indicate.

What the Vomit Can Tell You

  • Undigested Food: May occur from eating too quickly or minor stomach upset. Persistent episodes could suggest gastritis or even an intestinal obstruction.
  • Bile (yellow or foamy): Often a sign of an empty stomach or gastric irritation. Chronic bile vomiting can result in esophageal damage.
  • Blood or coffee ground appearance: A red flag—may indicate ulcers, poisoning, or internal injury. Seek veterinary care immediately.
  • Hairballs: While somewhat normal, frequent vomiting of hairballs could point to grooming issues or motility disorders.

Common Causes of Vomiting in Cats

1. Dietary Indiscretions

Eating spoiled food, sudden dietary changes, or consuming toxic plants can upset your cat’s stomach. Gradually introduce new foods and keep harmful substances out of reach.

2. Hairballs

Especially common in long-haired breeds. Hairballs can usually be managed with grooming and special diets, but severe cases may lead to obstructions. Learn more about gastrointestinal blockages from ACVS.

3. Infections & Parasites

Vomiting may result from bacterial, viral, or parasitic infections. Diagnosis usually involves lab tests and a thorough physical exam.

4. Chronic Illness

Persistent vomiting could signal a chronic illness like:

Vomiting vs. Regurgitation

It’s important to distinguish vomiting from regurgitation, which is passive and occurs without abdominal effort. This guide explains the difference.

When to Call the Vet

Urgent Symptoms to Watch For:

  • Repeated vomiting or dry heaving
  • Vomit that contains blood or looks like coffee grounds
  • Abdominal pain or bloating
  • Lethargy or refusal to eat
  • Weight loss or signs of dehydration
  • Bowel changes- diarrhea or constipation. Here’s a deeper dive on diarrhea causes and treatment.

Cats are masters at hiding illness, so subtle symptoms can be misleading. Chronic vomiting should never be considered normal.

In some cases, your veterinarian may recommend imaging or exploratory surgery to diagnose internal issues such as tumors, obstructions, or advanced inflammation.

What You Can Do at Home

Feeding Tips

  • Offer small, frequent meals
  • Use puzzle feeders to slow fast eaters
  • Avoid sudden diet changes
  • Choose a food appropriate for your cat’s life stage and medical needs

Regular Checkups

Routine veterinary visits help catch and manage issues early. Senior cats especially benefit from semi-annual exams. Learn how to monitor senior pets.

Partner in Your Cat’s Health

Understanding why your cat vomits—and knowing when it’s time to seek help—can make a lasting difference in their quality of life. If your cat is vomiting persistently or showing any of the symptoms above, don’t wait.

Contact Santa Monica Veterinary Group to schedule a consultation or exam. Our team is here to help at every stage of your cat’s life, from prevention to diagnostics to treatment planning.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: How often is vomiting normal for a cat?

A: Occasional vomiting (once a month or less) can be normal, but anything more frequent should be evaluated by a veterinarian.  For a comprehensive overview, see Feline Vomiting – Cornell Feline Health Center.

Q: Can stress cause vomiting in cats?

A: Yes. Changes in environment, routine, or new animals can trigger vomiting due to stress.

Q: What should I do if my cat vomits something unusual or toxic?

A: Seek veterinary attention immediately. If possible, bring a sample of the vomit or the suspected toxin.