Ah.. the jokes on cats always choosing to vomit on the bed, the carpet or hard to clean surfaces, just to make your life a little tougher.

Cat vomiting can be caused by various factors & it's important to identify the underlying cause to address the issue appropriately.

Here are 6 reasons why your cat vomits.

1. Hairballs: 

Cats groom themselves by licking their fur & the loose fur can accumulate in their stomach, forming a hairball. When the hairball becomes too large to pass through the digestive tract, the cat may vomit to expel it. Regular grooming, hairball control diets & a good hairball paste can help reduce this. (Read post on Preventing Hairballs & How to Groom Your Cat).

2. Sudden Diet Changes:

Sudden changes in a cat's diet can result in digestive upset & vomiting. When transitioning to a new cat food or brand, it's recommended to do so gradually over a period of several days to allow the digestive system to adjust. Some cats are very sensitive & may even develop a bout of pancreatitis if this is not done properly.

Recommendation (by Petco):

When transitioning to a new pet food, do so slowly over a period of about 7–10 days, mixing an increasing amount of new food with old food each day:

• Day 1-3: 75% old food /25% new food

• Day 4-6:T 50% old /50% new food

• Day 7-10: 75% new food / 25% old food

• Then 100% new

3. Gastrointestinal Issues (GI issues):

Cats can experience various gastrointestinal issues including infections, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) or parasites. Chronic vomiting, especially with other symptoms such as diarrhoea, weight loss or lack of appetite may indicate an underlying health problem that requires an immediate visit to the vet. Parasites such as worms can also cause stomach upset and vomiting in cats. Regular deworming & maintaining proper hygiene can help prevent these issues.

4. Toxic Ingestion: 

Ingesting toxic substances such as certain foods, plants, chemicals, or medications can lead to vomiting. If you suspect your cat has ingested something toxic, seek immediate veterinary attention. Always do your research before purchasing any plants, using household cleaners & even burning aromatherapy scents as these can be harmful to your pets. Keep your cats out of your kitchen & research what can be toxic for them, e.g. chocolate.

5. Ingesting Foreign Objects:

Cats may ingest non--edible items, such as strings, rubber bands, dust, which can lead to vomiting. This is especially common for kittens, who are curious creatures & may tend to ingest items they find lying around. It is also important to keep your home clean & dust free as cats will be tracking & licking off whatever that is stuck to their paws. Ingesting foreign objects can cause medical complications & blockages if left untreated.

6. Underlying Medical Conditions:

Cats may vomit as a symptom of underlying medical conditions such as kidney disease, diabetes, liver disease or hyperthyroidism. Persistent or recurrent vomiting, especially with other symptoms such as lethargy or changes in appetite requires an urgent vet visit to rule out serious health issues.

Downloadable Infographic below & on our IG: @thecatwhisperersg

Like & Share!