A feline’s health and happiness means everything for cat parents. A cat throwing up is not normal and needs attention immediately. Cat owners around the world have expressed their concerns regarding this matter and recommend identifying the root cause of the problem. From an underlying health condition to eating quickly, a cat can be sick due to many reasons. 

Reasons Why Cats Can Vomit

Cats can vomit due to many concerning reasons. Sometimes the cat can vomit because of undigested food and other times it could be due to motion sickness. Occasional vomiting can still be ignored. But when a cat ends up throwing in front of guests that can be embarrassing. Rather than getting your hands on the carpet shampoo, it is time to head to the veterinarian to resolve the problem.

Undigested Food

Cats can vomit out undigested food. Cat owners can prevent their cats from vomiting undigested food by stopping them from consuming their meals too fast. The air consumed while eating fast can expand in their stomach and cause discomfort. There are many feeding bowls for cats available in the market that can encourage pets to eat at a slower pace. Small meals can be given to the pets to prevent them from throwing up undigested food.

Food Allergies

Allergic reactions to foods can be harmful for their immune system. Cat parents can identify specific food allergens. Eliminate them from your cat’s diet as soon as possible.

Foreign Objects

Cats can vomit because they swallowed a foreign object. Some foreign objects that cat parents should keep away from their pets are strings, household items, small toys, etc. They can block the digestive tract and can cause serious health complications. Veterinarians can remove the foreign objection from a cat’s body through imaging tests, etc. Swallowable items such as yarns should be kept away from pets.

Hairballs

Cats can end up consuming lose hair during their grooming sessions. The loose hair can accumulate in their stomach and take the shape of a hairball. This hairball can get stuck in the digestive tract and lead to vomiting. Cat parents can invest in specific cat treats and cat foods to reduce this hairball formation and associated digestive concerns. 

Stress

Environmental changes can make a cat stressed. An introduction of a new pet or weather change can make a cat anxious. Pheromone diffusers can minimize a cat’s stress and help them relax. Pet behaviourists and veterinarians can also provide essential guidance to cat owners on how to maintain a stable and calm environment for a cat.

Gastritis

Cats can vomit because of gastritis or stomach lining inflammation as well. Gastritis is cats can occur due to ingestion of toxic substances and even certain medications. The associated discomfort with gastritis can make a can vomit soon after they have consumed food. Cat parents can resolve this concern by reaching out to a veterinarian for diagnosis and getting a treatment to better manage the condition. 

Spoilt Food

Cats need to be kept away from spoiled food because its consumption can make them vomit. The sensitive digestive systems of cats can get contaminated with the bacteria in the spoiled food and cause gastrointestinal stress. Cat owners should always check the expiration date of cat food and store it as mentioned on the pack. Homemade food prepared by cat owners should always have fresh ingredients. It needs to be stored correctly to ensure a cat’s overall well-being.

Large Meal

Cats have a small stomach. Cat parents should not overwhelm their pet’s stomach with a large meal. Smaller portions of daily meals can go a long way in keeping the cat healthy. Cat owners should follow a specific feeding schedule and meal portion to improve their digestion. Proper meal management is key for a healthy living, even for cats.

Sensitive Stomach

Cat owners need to be careful about what is fed to their pets. Check for any trigger foods with a veterinarian and avoid feeding them to a cat. Foods with gentle ingredients that are easily digestible should only be fed to cats with sensitive stomachs. Veterinarians have knowledge of specific brands and even meals that can be fed to a cat to reduce vomiting and promote health.

Gastrointestinal Infection

Parasites and viruses can get into digestive tracts of cats. They can make cats vomit as well as lose appetite. Antiparasitic medications to antibiotics, your nearest veterinarian can recommend everything from a bland diet to specific brands. They will also suggest tips on how to keep them hydrated. 

Motion Sickness

Vomiting and nausea while travelling is common even for pets. Cat owners can buy pet carriers to ensure their pets remain comfortable while travelling. Cat parents can take their pet on a ride more frequently to make them accustomed to motion sickness.

Summary

Cats have sensitive stomachs and need to be fed fresh food just like humans. Cat parents should not let a cat vomit frequently. An experienced veterinarian should be their number one priority when something like this happens. Recommending healthy veterinarian treats to premium ingredients, an experienced veterinarian can ensure the best nutrition for a pet cat.

FAQs

• How to prevent a cat from throwing up undigested food?

Stop a cat from throwing up undigested food by feeding them small amounts of meals. Place their food on a flat surface. Try not feeding them in a bowl.

• What to do when a cat is throwing up undigested food?

See the vet as soon as possible whenever the cat throws up. They can be experiencing passing nausea or something more serious.

• What to give a cat to stop vomiting?

Give the cat antiemetic medications such as metoclopramide and maropitant. Cat owners can also offer antacids and corticosteroids.

• Is it normal that cats throw up undigested food?

No, it is not okay for cats to throw up. Cats can throw up because of many reasons like hairballs and underlying health problems.