Generally speaking, cats vomit quite easily. You could even say it's part of their natural behavior . However, it's important to learn to distinguish between "normal" vomiting and vomiting that requires a visit to the veterinarian.
If you're wondering " why is my cat vomiting?" , know that it can be perfectly normal. But in that case, how do you distinguish between an illness and a simple purge ?
Discover everything you need to know about vomiting in our feline friends.
Why is my cat vomiting: what are the possible causes?
In practical terms, vomiting is a natural reflex that allows the stomach contents to be expelled quickly, often in response to irritation or a temporary dysfunction.
In cats, this mechanism is sometimes linked to normal behavior. BFPetfood explains everything you need to know to recognize normal vomiting based on its causes!
1 – Ingestion of hair
As you already know, being a proud cat owner, some cats have a lot of fur . And they use their tongues to groom themselves. We'll let you draw your own conclusions: if they groom themselves regularly, it inevitably means they ingest a certain amount of fur. And that's perfect, because their bodies are designed to digest a little fur here and there.
However, if your cat has particularly long fur, it may ingest too much. Naturally, its body can't process it: that's the dreaded hairball!
If your cat vomits a few hairballs, there's nothing to worry about: it's perfectly normal. It's simply expelling the hair that's blocking its digestion.
2 – Your cat is purging
Do you know the practical use of cat grass? You may see it at florists near you, and know that it's not for nothing: to regulate its intestinal transit , your cat needs greenery .
If you live in a house with a garden, feel free to let your cat outside to eat some grass. However, if you live in an apartment, don't forget to invest in cat grass ! Ideally, your cat should always have some available.
While catnip is very good (and even necessary) for your pet's health, it can sometimes cause vomiting. Nothing to worry about (as long as it's occasional): it just means their digestive system needs to cleanse itself.
3 – Changes in your cat's eating habits
Just like with humans, a sudden change in diet can upset your cat's stomach.
Whether it's due to a new organic chicken food or because you gave in and gave him a piece of butter during a meal, these changes can lead to vomiting.
If you are planning a long-term change, do it gradually, in small, regular amounts, so that its stomach can adapt.
😺 BFPetfood's tip:
Just like in humans, some cats can have intolerances or allergies to certain foods.
These reactions often manifest as digestive problems , including vomiting. If there is no obvious reason for your cat's vomiting and it is recurrent, your veterinarian can advise you on possible food intolerances.
4 – Viruses
Whether your cat goes outside or not, it can catch a parasite that causes vomiting.
A gastrointestinal infection , for example, can cause not only vomiting but also diarrhea , lethargy , and even loss of appetite. Therefore, pay attention to other symptoms that might suggest it's not just a simple purge.
😺 BFPetfood's tip:
If your cat catches a virus or bacteria, the first thing to do isclean its food bowl ! Indeed, it's a place where bacteria can develop very easily, especially if you feed it wet food .
5 – A gastrointestinal obstruction
Generally speaking, if your cat vomits undigested food or grass, as long as it's infrequent, there's no reason to worry. However, if it vomits white or green foam, or a foreign object (toys, string, or other small items), it means it has eaten something it shouldn't have.
However, such ingestion can lead to intestinal obstruction. This potentially very serious situation requires urgent veterinary intervention . The cat's body then tries to get rid of the object by causing repeated vomiting. If this is the case, go to the vet immediately!
My cat vomits often: how can I help him? 🙀
If you notice your cat has a sensitive stomach, you can take steps to improve its quality of life . In any case, remember that no one is better placed than you to run tests and know what your cat needs!
Change their diet if they are vomiting regularly.
Of course, diet plays a key role in your cat's digestive health. If your whiskered friend has a sensitive stomach, opt for high-quality food suited to their age, lifestyle, and any food sensitivities they may have. For example, you could invest in hypoallergenic kibble designed for sensitive cats.
Moreover, diet is not the only component of a functional digestive system: good hydration is also essential.
Make sure he always has access to fresh, clean water . And if he doesn't drink enough, don't hesitate to invest in hypoallergenic wet food : wet food is a very good source of hydration for cats.
Try out dietary supplements and natural solutions
Besides diet, certain natural solutions can help soothe your cat's digestive system. These supplements, such as cat herbs, not only ensure a shiny coat but also optimal intestinal health!
With nettle, fennel, anise and peppermint, they contain everything your cat needs for easy digestion.
Create a calm environment to avoid stress
As you might suspect, stress can be a trigger for vomiting.
Make sure your cat lives in a calm and secure environment , with dedicated spaces for resting and hiding. Remember to show him affection, play with him, and leave him alone when he doesn't want attention.
Have regular medical checkups
Finally, if you notice your cat vomiting frequently or for unusual reasons, we strongly recommend scheduling an appointment with a veterinarian. Perhaps your cat is intolerant to something, or upset by a detail in its environment? In any case, be sure to schedule regular checkups to ensure your cat's well-being.
When should I consult a veterinarian if my cat vomits?
As you now know, some vomiting is perfectly normal.
However, if you observe any of these symptoms, do not wait to seek emergency veterinary care :
- Persistent vomiting : If your cat vomits continuously for several hours, it could indicate a serious problem.
- Changes in behavior , such as decreased activity, loss of appetite, or signs of pain, should be taken seriously in all circumstances.
- Vomiting white or green foam can be a sign of poisoning.
- The presence of blood : any vomit containing blood or foreign objects requires an immediate trip to the veterinarian, without delay.
Remember that your pet can't tell you when it's not feeling well. Pay attention and observe its behavior!
Why is my cat vomiting? Stay alert!
Even though most cat vomiting is benign, don't wait until the situation becomes serious before taking your pet to the vet: prevention is better than cure.
In any case, the best advice we can give you to know if your cat is healthy is to observe its daily behavior. Sometimes, small changes can reveal more serious health problems.
Stay alert and attentive to your feline friend ! 😺
