Why Is My Cat Throwing Up Its Food — Causes, Symptoms & How to Help

Vomiting is one of the most common reasons cat owners call their veterinarian, but frequent vomiting is never normal, even if some cats seem “prone” to it. Understanding why your cat is throwing up food whether it’s true vomiting or simple regurgitation helps you respond quickly and get your cat the right care.

This guide explains the medical reasons cats vomit food, how to recognize emergency signs, what you can do at home, what veterinary diagnosis looks like, and long-term prevention backed by veterinary experts.

Vomiting vs. Regurgitation in Cats

Before identifying the cause, it helps to know which one your cat is experiencing, because each points to different medical issues.

Vomiting (Active Process)

Vomiting is an active, forceful process. It often involves:

• Retching or heaving
• Abdominal contractions
• Nausea signs (drooling, licking lips, restlessness)
• Food that may be mixed with bile or foam
• Happening minutes to hours after eating

Vomiting originates from the stomach or intestines, often linked to inflammation, toxins, infections, or systemic illnesses.

Regurgitation (Passive Process)

Regurgitation is passive the food simply falls or flows back out of the mouth.

• No abdominal heaving
• Often cylindrical in shape
• Contains undigested kibble
• Usually occurs right after eating
• Often due to esophageal issues or eating too quickly

Why it matters:
According to Cornell Feline Health Center, distinguishing the two helps vets determine if the issue is esophageal, stomach-based, or systemic, which changes the entire diagnostic approach.

Common Reasons Cats Throw Up Food

Below are the most common clinical causes, based on veterinary guidelines (AAHA, AAFP, VCA Hospitals, UC Davis Vet Medicine).

1. Eating Too Fast

Some cats gulp food quickly, causing undigested kibble to come back up.

Signs:

• Vomits immediately after meals
• Food appears whole
• Competitive eating in multi-cat homes

Risks:
May lead to regurgitation and occasional vomiting.

2. Food Allergies or Sensitivities

Cats can develop allergies to proteins such as chicken, beef, or fish.

Signs:

• Chronic vomiting
• Itchy skin, face rubbing
• Soft stools or diarrhea

3. Hairballs

Loose fur swallowed during grooming accumulates in the stomach.

Signs:

• Gagging, hacking
• Long-haired breeds at higher risk
• Excessive grooming due to stress or skin disease

4. Sudden Diet Changes

Switching foods too quickly can irritate the GI tract.

Signs:

• Vomiting 1–3 days after diet change
• Loose stool
• Decreased appetite

5. Gastroenteritis (Stomach Inflammation)

Often caused by infections, spoiled food, or toxins.

Signs:

• Vomiting multiple times
• Lethargy
• Dehydration
• Diarrhea

When it’s an emergency:
If vomiting is continuous or paired with blood.

6. Gastrointestinal Obstruction

A life-threatening emergency usually caused by toys, strings, hair ties, foreign objects.

Signs:

• Repeated vomiting
• Painful abdomen
• No stool
• Drooling, inability to keep food down
• Sudden rapid decline

Emergency:
Immediate veterinary attention is required.

7. Parasites

Roundworms, hookworms, and Giardia can trigger vomiting.

Signs:

• Weight loss
• Pot-bellied appearance
• Diarrhea
• Worms seen in stool or vomit

8. Motility Disorders

When food doesn’t move normally through the GI tract.

Causes:

• Megaesophagus
• Nerve disorders
• Structural abnormalities

Signs:

• Frequent regurgitation
• Undigested food
• Difficulty swallowing

9. Pancreatitis

Inflammation of the pancreas disrupts digestion.

Signs:

• Vomiting
• Lethargy
• Dehydration
• Pain when belly is touched
• Poor appetite

10. Constipation

A backed-up colon can push against the stomach, causing vomiting.

Signs:

• Straining in the litter box
• Hard, dry stools
• Weight loss
• Occasional vomiting after meals

11. Esophageal Irritation or Disease

Caused by acid reflux, foreign body injury, or chronic inflammation.

Signs:

• Regurgitation
• Difficulty swallowing
• Excess drooling
• Gagging

What to Do Immediately If Your Cat Is Vomiting Food

Here’s what veterinarians recommend based on AAFP and AAHA clinical guidance:

1. Temporarily Withhold Food (6–8 Hours)

This gives the stomach a chance to settle.

But do NOT withhold water.

2. Provide Small, Frequent Meals

After fasting, offer:

• 1–2 teaspoons of bland food (e.g., prescription GI diet)
• Gradually increase over 24 hours

3. Keep Your Cat Hydrated

Try:

• Fresh water
• Water fountain
• Low-sodium cat broth or oral rehydration solutions (vet-approved)

4. Monitor Closely for Warning Signs

Seek immediate care if your cat:

• Vomits more than twice in 24 hours
• Can’t keep water down
• Shows blood in vomit
• Becomes lethargic
• Shows abdominal pain
• Vomits string or foreign object
• Has pale gums or collapse

5. Avoid Home Remedies

Do NOT give:

• Pepto-Bismol
• Human anti-nausea meds
• Oils
• Over-the-counter remedies

These can be toxic to cats.

6. Call a Veterinarian for Persistent or Severe Signs

Cats can deteriorate quickly from dehydration and electrolyte imbalances.

Veterinary Diagnosis — What to Expect

A vet will determine the underlying cause using:

1. Physical Examination

They’ll check hydration, abdominal pain, temperature, and signs of obstruction.

2. Bloodwork (CBC, chemistry panel)

Used to evaluate:

• Electrolytes
• Kidney/liver disease
• Pancreatitis
• Infection
• Inflammation

3. X-rays (Radiographs)

Detects:

• Foreign bodies
• Constipation
• Megaesophagus
• Abnormal gas patterns

4. Abdominal Ultrasound

Provides detailed imaging of:

• Intestinal walls
• Stomach lining
• Pancreas
• Lymph nodes

5. Parasite Screening (Fecal Test)

Checks for roundworms, hookworms, coccidia, or Giardia.

6. Endoscopy or Exploratory Surgery

Used when:

• Foreign object suspected
• Biopsies needed
• Chronic vomiting persists without clear diagnosis

Treatment Options for Vomiting Cats

Treatment depends on the underlying cause and may include:

1. Anti-Nausea Medications

Common veterinary options:

• Cerenia (maropitant)
• Ondansetron
• Metoclopramide (for motility)

2. Gastrointestinal Protectants

Such as:

• Famotidine
• Omeprazole
• Sucralfate (protects ulcers)

3. Fluids

IV or subcutaneous fluids help restore hydration and electrolytes.

4. Prescription Diet Trials

Used for:

• Food allergies
• Sensitive stomachs
• Chronic vomiting

Diets may include hydrolyzed proteins or limited ingredients.

5. Treatment for Obstruction

If something is stuck:

• Emergency surgery
• Endoscopic removal (if possible)

6. Parasite Medication

Broad-spectrum dewormers:

• Fenbendazole
• Praziquantel
• Revolution Plus (for roundworms/hookworms)

7. Hairball Management

Includes:

• Grooming
• Hairball gels
• High-fiber diets

How to Prevent Vomiting in Cats

1. Use Slow-Feed Bowls or Puzzle Feeders

These reduce speed-eating and regurgitation.

2. Regular Grooming to Reduce Hairballs

Especially for long-haired breeds.

3. Transition Foods Gradually (7–10 days)

Use a slow switch:

• 25% new food on days 1–2
• 50% on days 3–4
• 75% on days 5–6
• 100% on day 7+

4. Portion Control

Overeating can trigger vomiting.

5. Keep Strings, Rubber Bands & Hair Ties Away

These are top causes of GI obstruction.

6. Stress Reduction

Stress affects GI motility.
Try:

• Predictable routines
• Feeding stations in multi-cat homes
• More playtime
• Vertical spaces for security

7. Ask Your Vet About a GI-Support Diet

Veterinary diets can improve digestion and reduce vomiting episodes.

FAQs

Why does my cat vomit undigested food hours later?

This typically indicates delayed stomach emptying, gastritis, obstruction, or motility disorders. Cats should digest food within several hours; if food remains undigested, a vet evaluation is recommended.

Should I feed my cat after vomiting?

After 6–8 hours of rest for the stomach, you can offer a small amount of bland food. If vomiting continues after eating, seek veterinary help.

Is it normal for cats to throw up daily?

No. According to veterinary guidelines, frequent vomiting weekly or daily is not normal and usually indicates an underlying GI issue that requires diagnosis.

Can stress cause vomiting in cats?

Yes. Stress triggers hormones that can slow digestion or increase acid production, leading to nausea, vomiting, or hair over-grooming.

What color vomit is an emergency?

Red (blood), black (digested blood), or yellow-green (bile with severe illness) require immediate veterinary care.

Conclusion

Vomiting may be common in cats, but it is not normal when it happens frequently or involves undigested food. Understanding the difference between vomiting and regurgitation, recognizing causes, and knowing when to seek veterinary care can protect your cat from serious complications.

If your cat’s vomiting persists, worsens, or appears with other symptoms like lethargy or pain, always consult a veterinarian. Early intervention leads to better outcomes and greater comfort for your cat.