If you’ve ever seen your cat throw up, you know it can be a little scary, especially if it happens often or if they’re throwing up something unusual, like yellow or brown liquid. While occasional vomiting in cats is not always a cause for worry, frequent or strange-colored vomit might signal something more serious.
In this article, we’ll explain some common reasons your cat might be throwing up, what it means when they vomit yellow or brown liquid, and how to help your pet feel better.
Common Reasons Cats Throw Up
There are several reasons why a cat might vomit. Some are fairly harmless, while others could mean there’s an issue that needs attention. Here are some of the most common causes:
1. Hairballs
Cats love to groom themselves, and when they do, they swallow a lot of loose hair. Sometimes, this hair collects in their stomach and forms a hairball. When a hairball gets too large or irritates their stomach, your cat will throw it up. This is normal for many cats, though it can be unpleasant to see. If your cat has long fur or grooms themselves often, hairballs may be more common.
2. Eating Too Quickly
Some cats tend to eat their food too fast, which can lead to vomiting. When a cat gulps down food, they might swallow air along with it, causing stomach discomfort. As a result, they may throw up soon after eating. If you think this is the problem, try feeding your cat smaller portions more frequently or using a special food bowl designed to slow down their eating.
3. Diet Changes or Food Sensitivities
If your cat’s diet changes suddenly, or if they develop a sensitivity to their food, they might start vomiting. Cats can be sensitive to certain ingredients in their food, such as grains or certain types of protein. If your cat frequently vomits after meals, it could be a sign that their food isn’t agreeing with them.
Why is My Cat Throwing Up Yellow Liquid?
Yellow liquid is usually bile, a digestive fluid that helps break down food in the stomach. Cats may throw up bile for a few different reasons:
1. An Empty Stomach
When a cat’s stomach is empty for too long, the bile can irritate the stomach lining, causing them to throw up. If your cat vomits yellow liquid first thing in the morning or late at night, it might be because they’re hungry. Try giving your cat smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day to prevent their stomach from being empty for too long.
2. Gastritis or Stomach Inflammation
If your cat has an inflamed stomach, they might vomit bile more often. This condition, called gastritis, can be caused by eating something irritating or toxic. It can also happen if your cat eats too much or too fast. If your cat continues to throw up yellow liquid, it’s a good idea to have your vet check them out.
3. Liver or Pancreas Problems
In some cases, vomiting yellow bile could be linked to issues with the liver or pancreas. These problems are more serious and usually come with other symptoms like weight loss, lack of energy, or diarrhea. If you see these signs, contact your vet right away.
Why is My Cat Throwing Up Brown Liquid?
Brown liquid in your cat’s vomit is less common and could be a sign of something more serious.
1. Blood in Vomit
If the brown liquid looks like it could be blood, this could be a sign of bleeding in your cat’s digestive system. This might happen because of ulcers, an injury, or something they’ve eaten. If your cat is vomiting what looks like blood, call your vet immediately.
2. Food in Vomit
Sometimes brown vomit is simply food mixed with stomach bile. If your cat vomits after eating, and the food is partially digested, it might look brown. This can happen if your cat eats something that doesn’t agree with their stomach or eats too much too fast.
3. Swallowed Foreign Objects
Cats are curious creatures, and sometimes they swallow things they shouldn’t, like string, small toys, or plants. If these objects get stuck in their digestive system, they can cause vomiting. In some cases, the vomit may appear brown. If you think your cat might have swallowed something dangerous, don’t wait—take them to the vet as soon as possible.
When Should You Be Concerned?
Although cats may vomit occasionally, there are some warning signs that you should look out for. If you notice any of the following, it’s time to take your cat to the vet:
- Frequent vomiting: If your cat is vomiting multiple times a day or several times a week, something could be wrong.
- Blood in vomit: Whether it’s bright red or dark brown, blood in vomit is always a concern and requires immediate vet attention.
- Other symptoms: Vomiting along with diarrhea, lack of appetite, weight loss, or fatigue could mean your cat has a more serious condition.
- Ingestion of something harmful: If your cat has swallowed a toxic substance or foreign object, they may need urgent care to prevent further harm.
How to Help a Cat That Is Vomiting
If your cat is vomiting, here are a few steps you can take to help them:
1. Adjust Their Diet
Try giving your cat smaller meals throughout the day instead of one or two large ones. This can help prevent an empty stomach and reduce the chances of vomiting. If you think your cat is sensitive to their food, consider switching to a gentler, high-quality cat food. Just be sure to change their diet gradually over a week or so to avoid upsetting their stomach.
2. Keep Your Cat Hydrated
Vomiting can lead to dehydration, so make sure your cat is drinking plenty of water. If they aren’t drinking on their own, you can try offering ice cubes or wet food, which has a higher water content.
3. Consult Your Vet
If the vomiting continues, it’s best to contact your vet. They can run tests to find out what’s causing your cat to throw up and recommend the right treatment. This might include medications, dietary changes, or in more serious cases, surgery.
Conclusion
If your cat is throwing up, it can be worrisome, but understanding the possible causes can help you take the right steps to help them. Occasional vomiting, especially from hairballs or overeating, is normal. However, if your cat is throwing up yellow or brown liquid, it could be a sign of something more serious. Keep an eye on your cat’s symptoms and don’t hesitate to reach out to your vet if you’re concerned.
For more tips on how to care for your cat, visit CattopTips, where you’ll find helpful information on keeping your furry friend healthy and happy.
