Vomiting is a common concern for cat owners and refers to the forceful expulsion of stomach contents through the mouth. It’s important to distinguish vomiting from regurgitation, a more passive process where undigested food from the esophagus is expelled without strong stomach contractions. When a cat is about to vomit, they usually exhibit signs of nausea, such as excessive drooling, lip-licking, and frequent swallowing.
Differentiating Vomiting from Regurgitation in Cats
Understanding the difference between vomiting and regurgitation is crucial. Vomiting is an active process originating from the stomach and upper small intestine, often accompanied by abdominal heaving and nausea. Regurgitation, on the other hand, is a passive process where food or liquid from the esophagus is expelled with minimal effort and no preceding nausea. Regurgitated material is typically undigested and tube-shaped, whereas vomited material is partially digested and may contain bile. Observing these distinctions can provide valuable clues about your cat’s condition.
Potential Causes of Vomiting in Cats
If your cat is frequently being sick, identifying the underlying cause is essential for effective treatment. A wide array of factors can trigger vomiting in cats. Determining the precise cause, especially in chronic cases, requires veterinary expertise to ensure your feline companion receives the most appropriate care. Common reasons for a cat being sick include:
- Hairballs: A frequent issue, especially in long-haired breeds, as cats groom themselves and ingest hair.
- Eating Too Quickly: Rapid eating can overwhelm the digestive system, leading to vomiting shortly after meals.
- Sudden Dietary Changes: Abruptly switching cat food or introducing new foods can upset their stomach. A gradual transition is always recommended.
- Ingestion of Inappropriate Items: Cats are curious and may ingest spoiled food, toxic substances, or indigestible foreign bodies.
- Food Intolerances or Allergies: Sensitivities or allergic reactions to certain food ingredients can cause gastrointestinal upset and vomiting.
- Gastrointestinal Infections: Viral, bacterial, fungal, or parasitic infections can irritate the stomach and intestines, leading to vomiting.
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): Chronic inflammation of the digestive tract can result in persistent vomiting.
- Tumors: Growths in the stomach, intestines, or related organs can obstruct or disrupt normal digestive function, causing vomiting.
- Systemic Diseases: Conditions affecting other organs like the kidneys, liver, pancreas, or thyroid gland can have secondary effects that manifest as vomiting.
Cat Vomiting Bile: What Does It Mean?
If your cat vomits bile, a yellow fluid, it often indicates an empty stomach. Bile is produced by the liver to aid in fat digestion. Vomiting bile can occur if a cat hasn’t eaten for an extended period. While occasional bile vomiting might be due to an empty stomach or minor upset, frequent occurrences warrant veterinary attention. Underlying issues ranging from endocrine problems and liver disease to simple hairballs or stomach upset can cause bile vomiting. Persistent bile vomiting should be investigated by a vet to rule out more serious conditions.
What to Do When Your Cat Is Sick
After a single vomiting episode, monitor your cat for other signs of illness like lethargy, fever, or diarrhea. If possible, identify and remove any potential triggers, such as accessible toxins or spoiled food. It’s also advisable to remove your cat’s food bowl for a few hours to allow their stomach to settle. However, if vomiting persists, is accompanied by other symptoms, or if you are concerned, it is crucial to seek veterinary advice promptly to determine the cause and ensure your cat receives appropriate treatment. Never hesitate to consult your veterinarian if you are worried about why your cat is being sick.
