Cat vomiting: causes, how to identify, related health problems and what to do

 Cat vomiting: causes, how to identify, related health problems and what to do

Tracy Wilkins

Cat vomiting is not a very uncommon situation. Although it is often related to the elimination of hairballs, it is important to keep an eye on the frequency and appearance of cat vomiting, as it is a common symptom of some health problems. If you have a cat vomiting yellow, white foam or kibble, it is likely that he has some imbalance in the body that needs to be investigated.If the vomit includes blood or feces, care needs to be immediate. Diseases such as lymphoma, kidney failure and diabetes are some of the health complications that can be pointed out with cat vomit. Paws of the House has prepared a guide with everything you need to know about cat vomiting!

"My cat is vomiting": observing the appearance of the vomit is essential

In order to identify what cat vomit means, it is necessary to look closely at the appearance of the contents that have come out of the cat's mouth. If it is a hairball elimination, it will not be difficult to identify the matted hairs together with a yellow liquid. But other aspects and colorations may be associated with a different cause. In addition, it is important to pay attention to the moment when the cat vomits,to know if the vomiting is occurring after a meal or having taken some medicine, for example. The most common characteristics of cat vomit are:

  • Yellow vomit Yellow cat vomiting : usually yellow cat vomiting indicates that the animal's stomach is empty and the only substance left to be expelled is bile fluid. Gastritis problems can also be associated with yellow cat vomiting, which often occurs after frequent episodes of brown vomiting.

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  • White foam Cat vomiting white foam may indicate some irritation in the digestive system. The frequency of vomiting of this type should be observed by the guardian. If it is occurring recurrently, the ideal is to seek the help of a professional to check the case of your pet, since there are several possibilities associated with this type of cat vomiting.

  • Brown vomit In severe cases, brown coloration can indicate parasites, alimentary lymphomas, gastritis and complications in the gastrointestinal system. However, this type of vomiting can also be associated with something less serious, such as cases of cats vomiting food. In this case, it is possible to identify the grains that have been poorly digested.

  • Red vomit red color is associated with clotting problems, tumors, roundworms, tapeworms and other issues. The cat vomiting blood needs to be examined by a veterinarian urgently as it may be a more serious case.

  • Vomit with feces Cat vomiting with faeces can be caused by some kind of obstruction in the stomach.

Cat vomiting: what can it be?

While the appearance of the vomit may indicate the severity of the problem, there are several diseases that can be associated with the same characteristic of cat vomit. Cat vomiting food, for example, most often does not present a major threat to animal health. However, regurgitation can also indicate malformation of the esophageal canal, allergy to food or ingestion of a foreign object.The most common diseases and conditions associated with cat vomiting are:

  • renal failure
  • poisoning
  • pancreatitis
  • diabetes
  • feline hepatic lipidosis
  • feline inflammatory bowel disease
  • food allergy
  • tumors

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Cat vomiting: what to do?

It is necessary for guardians to remain calm when the cat vomits. After analyzing the appearance of the vomit, it is important to observe the cat's behavior after becoming ill. It is normal and expected that the feline will be quieter and showing tiredness after the event. Even so, the most appropriate thing is to take the water and food away from the pet so that it does not vomit again. The ingestion of water or food mustThe feline must also not become dehydrated, because vomiting causes it to lose certain nutrients and food.

If the cat does not show any change in behavior, it may be that it was just an isolated vomit. In any case, keeping your kitten's check-up always up to date is the best way to prevent diseases and make early diagnoses.

How to deal with the cat vomiting hairballs?

Cats are extremely hygienic, cleaning themselves with their tongues, which can result in the elimination of hairballs. Also called trichobezoar, hairballs form in the stomach as the feline's rough tongue removes dust and loose hair. In the case of the long-haired cat, it is common for oral elimination to occur at least once a week, especially at the time of birth.The only problem is when these balls cannot be eliminated and end up getting stuck in the animal's intestines, which can cause abdominal pain, diarrhea or dry stools, lack of appetite, apathy and vomiting. The best way to prevent hairballs is to brush the cat frequently to remove dead hair. The cat's diet can also help: a food rich in hairballs can help.fiber helps facilitate the transit of hair in the pet's digestive system.

Frequent cat vomiting: treatment depends on the cause of the problem

If your cat is vomiting frequently, it is necessary for the owner to see a professional. This is essential to find out the source of the problem and make the appropriate treatment. Home remedies often end up delaying improvement. In severe cases, antibiotics and other medications may be indicated, depending on the cause. The precise diagnosis can only be made by the veterinarian.In general, avoiding fatty and sugary foods in the feline's diet is something that can be adopted to avoid the case of a vomiting cat. If in addition to vomiting the feline presents other symptoms, the guardian should be a little more concerned. Diarrhea, bloating, fever, signs of feline depression, pale or yellowish gums are some of the signs that should make the guardian alert to more serious conditions.

Tracy Wilkins

Jeremy Cruz is a passionate animal lover and dedicated pet parent. With a background in veterinary medicine, Jeremy has spent years working alongside veterinarians, gaining invaluable knowledge and experience in caring for dogs and cats. His genuine love for animals and commitment to their well-being led him to create the blog Everything you need to know about dogs and cats, where he shares expert advice from veterinarians, owners, and respected experts in the field, including Tracy Wilkins. By combining his expertise in veterinary medicine with insights from other respected professionals, Jeremy aims to provide a comprehensive resource for pet owners, helping them understand and address their beloved pets' needs. Whether it's training tips, health advice, or simply spreading awareness about animal welfare, Jeremy's blog has become a go-to source for pet enthusiasts seeking reliable and compassionate information. Through his writing, Jeremy hopes to inspire others to become more responsible pet owners and create a world where all animals receive the love, care, and respect they deserve.