Is it Normal for my Cat to Throw Up?

Is it normal for my cat to throw up? There are plenty of reasons why your beloved feline may be vomiting – from minor to more serious issues. When your cat vomits, it is important to remember that the best thing you can do for your pet is call your vet. She knows your cat’s health history and will be able to determine if the vomiting is cause for a visit or not. But, we know our kitties don’t necessarily operate under your vet’s schedule, especially when they aren’t feeling themselves. So, if your cat is showing symptoms after vet hours and you’re looking for some immediate answers, here are some things to consider:

Is this an on-going problem or an isolated incident? Our cats are a lot like us. Sometimes we get sick; it comes on suddenly, and then it’s gone. Maybe we ate something that just didn’t agree with us, or maybe we caught a bug. If your cat vomits once after eating and then goes about normally – begins eating again, playing as usual, and having normal bowel movements – it’s possible your kitty simply ate too quickly, or got a little too active directly after eating (remember that rule we always ignore about waiting an hour to get in the pool?)

If you see your cat frequently eating too quickly and then vomiting as a result, try giving her a little less food more frequently throughout the day. If you’re living in a multiple-cat household, try separating your cats while they’re eating – there might be a little competition that needs to be alleviated.

If your cat seems to vomit directly after eating often, it might be her diet. Have you recently switched to a different brand of kibble? Cats are a little picky and generally don’t like much variation in their diets. Make sure you are purchasing food that you can buy regularly; don’t switch just because something else is on sale. If you have been consistent, you cat may have a food allergy, and you will need to consult your veterinarian about diet alternatives.

You know your pet. Watch for changes in behavior like lethargy, or hiding. If your cat is usually lazy and sleeps in strange places, this may be a little harder to catch. Try rousing her attention in any way that you usually do, maybe with a favorite toy or a call that she usually responds to. If she doesn’t respond, or she gives you a delayed response, she might be sick.

Has your cat ingested something toxic? Cats are curious creatures. If your kitty has gotten into your houseplants (as will be evident by the mess and dead houseplant,) her body is rejecting the plant. If this is a frequent problem and you simply cannot part with your plants, try buying cat grass (wheat grass) and placing it around her favorite spots. Cats can digest this and it won’t be a cause for sickness.

Again, you’re going to want to keep an eye on her, in case she ingested something more seriously toxic. Watch for changes in behavior or frequent vomiting accompanied by diarrhea.

Is your cat vomiting frequently? If your cat is vomiting frequently, and the vomiting is accompanied by changes in behavior and/or diarrhea, this is a medical issue that needs to be taken up with your vet. Your cat could be experiencing anything from colitis, to heartworm infection, parasites, or even kidney or liver failure.

Remember this: As mentioned above, the best thing you can do in the event that your cat is throwing up is to contact your vet.

If your cat is sick after vet hours and you think she needs immediate medical attention, seek out the closest 24-hour emergency vet center. Even if you have to drive a couple hours out – it may be worth it for your pet’s health. If it’s a matter of finance, keep in mind that some conditions will get more serious, expensive, and time consuming if left unattended.