Why Is My Cat Vomiting?

Common causes of vomiting in cats, and the signs that mean it's time to see a vet.

Quick Answer

A single, isolated episode of vomiting is often linked to hairballs or eating too quickly.
Repeated vomiting, or vomiting alongside lethargy and loss of appetite, needs veterinary attention.
Older cats with ongoing or recurring vomiting may have an underlying condition that needs investigation.
Vomiting with suspected poisoning, blood, or an inability to keep water down is an emergency.

Common Causes of Vomiting in Cats

01 Hairballs Very common

Cats swallow loose fur while grooming, and this can build up in the stomach and come back up as a hairball. This is one of the most common, least concerning causes of occasional vomiting, especially in longer-haired cats.

02 Eating Too Quickly

Cats that eat very fast, particularly in multi-cat households where there's competition for food, can bring their meal back up shortly after eating. This usually looks like undigested food and isn't normally a cause for concern on its own.

03 Dietary Indiscretion or Sudden Diet Change

Eating something disagreeable, scavenging, or a sudden change of food can upset a cat's stomach. Introducing new food gradually over several days tends to reduce this risk.

04 Parasites

Intestinal worms can cause vomiting, particularly in kittens or cats that aren't on a regular worming routine. A vet or vet-recommended worming treatment can help rule this out.

05 Swallowed Foreign Object Needs a vet

String, small toys, or other non-food items can become stuck in a cat's digestive tract. This can cause repeated vomiting, straining, or a reluctance to eat.

If you know or suspect your cat has swallowed something it shouldn't have, contact your vet promptly rather than waiting to see if it passes.

06 Underlying Illness

In older cats, ongoing or recurring vomiting can be linked to conditions such as kidney disease, an overactive thyroid, pancreatitis, or inflammatory bowel disease. These usually come with other signs too, such as weight loss or a change in appetite, and need proper veterinary investigation rather than home management.

Contact Your Vet Immediately If

Your cat is vomiting repeatedly within a few hours
There's blood in the vomit, or it looks like coffee grounds
Your cat can't keep water down or seems weak or collapsed
You suspect they've eaten something toxic, such as lilies, certain plants, or human medication
The abdomen looks swollen or painful to touch

Repeated vomiting can lead to dangerous dehydration quickly, especially in kittens and elderly cats.

When to Contact Your Vet

Vomiting continues for more than 24 hours, or keeps recurring over several days
Your cat seems lethargic, off their food, or is losing weight
Vomiting is happening alongside diarrhoea
The vomiting affects a kitten, an elderly cat, or a cat with an existing health condition

How Pet Med Direct Can Help

Pet Med Direct stocks everyday products that support digestive health and regular worming routines, which can help reduce some of the more common causes of vomiting in cats.

If your vet identifies an underlying condition, such as kidney disease or pancreatitis, Pet Med Direct can help with prescription dispensing once your vet has issued a valid prescription.

Some treatments require a valid veterinary prescription. Pet Med Direct can only supply prescription medicines after the prescription has been checked. Always follow your vet's advice and the directions on the medicine label.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it normal for cats to vomit occasionally?

An occasional, isolated episode — particularly a hairball or undigested food shortly after eating — is common and not usually a concern. Repeated or recurring vomiting is not normal and should be checked.

How can I tell the difference between a hairball and vomiting?

A hairball is usually a small, tube-shaped mass of fur and is often brought up with relatively little effort. Vomiting tends to involve more retching and may contain food, liquid, or bile.

Should I withhold food if my cat is vomiting?

Speak to your vet for guidance based on your cat's situation, especially if the vomiting is repeated or your cat has any existing health conditions. Don't withhold food from kittens, elderly cats, or unwell cats without veterinary advice.

Can a change in food cause vomiting?

Yes. Sudden diet changes are a common trigger. Introducing new food gradually, mixed in with the old food over several days, usually helps avoid this.

When does vomiting count as an emergency?

Repeated vomiting within a short space of time, vomiting with blood, an inability to keep water down, or suspected poisoning are all reasons to contact your vet immediately rather than waiting.

← Back to Cat Health Hub

Need pet products or prescription medicines? Visit the Pet Med Direct shop.

Shop Pet Med Direct

This this article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute veterinary advice.
If you are concerned with your dog’s health, please consult a qualified veterinarian.