What To Do If Your Cat Throws Up After Eating?
All cats vomit occasionally, but if your cat is vomiting regularly, it may indicate an underlying medical issue that needs attention.
Learn more about the differences between vomiting and regurgitation, the potential causes of your cat's vomiting, and when to seek veterinary care.
1. The Difference Between Vomiting And Regurgitating
Vomiting: This occurs when your cat expels partially digested food from the stomach.
Regurgitation: This happens when your cat brings up undigested food shortly after eating, typically from the oesophagus.
In cats, regurgitation can indicate several issues, including:
- Eating too quickly
- Stress from the presence of other animals during mealtime
If regurgitation occurs frequently, it’s advisable to consult a veterinarian for further evaluation.
2. Why Is My Cat Vomiting After Eating?
There are several reasons your cat might vomit after eating:
- Adjusting to new food
- Food tolerance or allergies
- Blockages or other medical issues
a) Adjusting To New Food
If your cat is vomiting after switching to a new food, it doesn’t necessarily mean they dislike it. This could indicate that the transition happened too quickly.
To help them adjust, slow down the transition over 7-10 days. Mix their usual food with the new one, gradually increasing the amount of the new food.
For more detailed information, check out our Feeding Guide on how to gradually transition your cat to a new diet.
b) Food Tolerance Or Allergies
Vomiting can also be a sign of food intolerance or allergies, which may be accompanied by symptoms like diarrhoea, itchy skin, or bald patches.
If you suspect this, consult your veterinarian about switching to a different diet.
c) Blockages Or Other Medical Issues
If vomiting persists despite dietary adjustments, there may be a blockage or other serious medical conditions. In such cases, seeking veterinary advice is crucial.
3. When To Visit The Vet?
You should contact your veterinarian if your cat:
- Vomits frequently in a single day or multiple times over several days.
- Stops eating or tries to eat but vomits food and water, which can lead to dehydration.
- Shows additional symptoms such as lethargy, diarrhoea, or pale gums.
- Vomits blood or exhibits signs of pain.
4. Takeaway
While occasional vomiting can be normal, frequent vomiting (more than once a week) may indicate a more serious issue.
Possible causes of occasional vomiting could be due to:
- Rapid adjustment to new food
- Food intolerance or allergies
- Blockages or other medical problems
However, if your cat is experiencing frequent vomiting and exhibiting any concerning symptoms, do not hesitate to contact your veterinarian for further evaluation and care.