As a cat owner, it can be concerning and frustrating to find your cat puking. There are many reasons why cats vomit, some of which are harmless and others that require veterinary attention. In this article, we’ll explore some of the common reasons why cats vomit and what you can do to help prevent it.
Main Cause of Cat Puking
One of the most common reasons why cats vomit is due to hairballs. The official name for a hairball is a trichobezoar.
When cats groom themselves, they inevitably swallow some of their fur, which can accumulate in their stomachs and cause irritation. To expel this fur, cats will often vomit up a hairball. While this is a normal behavior, frequent hairballs can be uncomfortable for your cat and may indicate that they need help with grooming.
5 Causes of Cats Puking
- Diet: A reason why cats vomit is a sudden change in diet. Cats have sensitive stomachs and may have difficulty digesting new foods or treats. If you’ve recently introduced a new food or treat to your cat’s diet, it’s possible that they’re experiencing an upset stomach as a result.
- Eating quickly: Cats may also vomit if they eat too quickly. If your cat is a fast eater, they may swallow air along with their food, which can cause them to vomit. To prevent this, try feeding your cat smaller meals throughout the day, or using a slow feeder bowl to help them eat at a more leisurely pace.
- Health issue: In some cases, vomiting may be a sign of a more serious underlying health issue. For example, cats with kidney disease, liver disease, or hyperthyroidism may experience vomiting as a symptom of their condition. If your cat is vomiting frequently and you suspect that they may have a health issue, it’s important to take them to the vet as soon as possible.
- Foreign object: Another potential cause of vomiting is hair or foreign objects in the stomach. Cats are curious creatures and may occasionally ingest non-food items such as string, rubber bands, or even small toys. If your cat is vomiting and you suspect that they may have ingested a foreign object, it’s important to take them to the vet right away. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to remove the object from your cat’s stomach.
- Stress: Stress can also play a role in your cat’s vomiting behavior. Cats are sensitive animals and may become stressed by changes in their environment or routine. For example, if you’ve recently moved, added a new pet to the household, or changed your cat’s litter box, they may experience stress and start vomiting. If you suspect that stress may be a factor, it’s important to identify the source of the stress and take steps to alleviate it.
Here’s another kitty article you’ll like: Can Stress Make a Cat Sick: 5 Ways to a Stress-Free Cat
If your cat is vomiting frequently, it’s important to take steps to prevent it from happening. One of the most important things you can do is to make sure your cat is well-groomed. Brushing your cat regularly can help to remove excess fur and reduce the likelihood of hairballs. You may also want to consider feeding your cat a high-quality, easily digestible food that’s designed for their specific life stage.
In addition to addressing grooming and diet, it’s also important to provide your cat with a clean, stress-free environment. Make sure that their litter box is clean and easily accessible and consider adding additional litter boxes if you have multiple cats in your household. Providing your cat with plenty of toys and activities can also help to alleviate stress and prevent vomiting.
If your cat is vomiting frequently and you’ve ruled out any underlying health issues, you may want to consider trying a natural remedy such as probiotics or herbal supplements. Probiotics can help to support your cat’s digestive system and reduce the likelihood of vomiting. Herbal supplements such as ginger can help to soothe an upset stomach. I had a veterinarian recommend laxatone.
Keep an eye on your kitty. If you notice your cat’s vomiting increasing, have a vet check her out.