Why Your Cat Keeps Throwing Up (And When to Worry)

When Vomiting Isn’t Just a Hairball

If you live with a cat, you’ve probably cleaned up your share of vomit. Many cat owners assume it’s just hairballs — a normal part of feline life. But here’s what our veterinarians at Community Animal Hospitals want you to know: frequent vomiting in cats is not normal, and it often signals an underlying health problem that needs attention.

Dr. Leslie Block, Dr. Craig Mullenax, and Dr. Mark Williamson regularly see St. Petersburg cat owners who’ve been tolerating their cat’s vomiting for months or even years, assuming it was harmless. In many cases, early intervention could have prevented more serious complications.

Hairballs vs. Something More Serious

True hairballs — tubular wads of fur — happen occasionally, especially in long-haired breeds. A hairball once every few weeks isn’t usually cause for concern. But there’s a big difference between an occasional hairball and regular vomiting of food, liquid, or bile.

Signs it’s more than hairballs:

• Vomiting undigested or partially digested food
• Throwing up clear liquid or yellow bile
• Vomiting more than once a week
• Weight loss alongside vomiting
• Changes in appetite or energy level
• Diarrhea accompanying the vomiting

Common Causes of Chronic Cat Vomiting

Eating too fast: Some cats practically inhale their food, which triggers immediate regurgitation. You’ll usually see undigested kibble that looks almost the same as when it went in. A slow-feeder bowl or spreading food on a flat plate can help tremendously.

Food sensitivities: Just like humans, cats can develop sensitivities to specific proteins or ingredients in their diet. Common culprits include chicken, fish, dairy, and certain grains. A food sensitivity doesn’t always cause dramatic symptoms — sometimes chronic, low-grade vomiting is the only sign. Your vet may recommend an elimination diet to identify the trigger.

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD): This is one of the most common causes of chronic vomiting in middle-aged and older cats. IBD occurs when inflammatory cells infiltrate the walls of the gastrointestinal tract, interfering with normal digestion and absorption. Cats with IBD may vomit frequently, lose weight gradually, and develop intermittent diarrhea.

Other medical causes: Chronic vomiting can also signal hyperthyroidism (extremely common in older cats), kidney disease, pancreatitis, or even intestinal lymphoma. These conditions are treatable, especially when caught early — which is why ignoring chronic vomiting is never a good idea.

The Florida Factor

Here in St. Petersburg and South Pinellas, our cats face some unique challenges. Indoor-outdoor cats may eat lizards, geckos, or insects that upset their stomachs. Certain tropical plants common in Florida landscaping are toxic to cats. And our warm climate means parasites like roundworms and hookworms are active year-round, which can cause vomiting in infected cats.

What Your Vet Will Look For

When you bring your vomiting cat to Community Animal Hospitals, our team will start with a thorough physical exam and detailed history. Depending on findings, we may recommend:

• Bloodwork — to check organ function, thyroid levels, and inflammatory markers
• Fecal testing — to rule out parasites
• Imaging — X-rays or ultrasound to look for obstructions, masses, or organ changes
• Diet trial — a carefully controlled elimination diet to test for food sensitivities

When to Call Us Right Away

Some vomiting situations require immediate veterinary attention. Call Community Animal Hospitals at (727) 592-1816 if your cat:

• Vomits repeatedly within a few hours
• Has blood in the vomit
• Seems painful, hunched, or won’t move
• Hasn’t eaten in more than 24 hours
• Is also having diarrhea and becoming lethargic

The bottom line: if your cat is throwing up more than once a week, don’t write it off as “just being a cat.” Schedule an exam and let our team find out what’s really going on. Your cat will feel better — and so will your carpets.