Reviewed by Dr Katie DavisonBVMS MRCVS - RCVS Recognised Advanced Veterinarian
Cats vomit more readily than dogs, and the odd hairball can be normal. But regular vomiting is not something to shrug off - cats are experts at hiding illness, and repeated vomiting is often the first clue that something's wrong.
This guide covers the usual causes, when a hairball is really a hairball, and the signs that mean a check-up is due.
Common causes in cats
- Hairballs - though frequent ones can point to over-grooming or gut issues
- Eating too fast, or a change of food
- Intestinal worms
- Eating something toxic (lilies, human medicines, antifreeze - all emergencies)
- Kidney disease, hyperthyroidism, diabetes and other conditions common in older cats
- Inflammatory bowel disease or, less commonly, a blockage
Contact us straight away if your cat…
- Is vomiting repeatedly, or can't keep water down
- Is off their food, hiding, or much quieter than usual
- Has blood in the vomit
- May have eaten a lily, human medication or another toxin
- Is losing weight, drinking more, or is an older cat
Why regular vomiting is worth a check
It's a myth that cats 'just vomit sometimes'. Bringing up food or bile more than the very occasional time is a reason to have them looked at - particularly in older cats, where it's often linked to a treatable underlying condition.
A simple examination, and sometimes a blood or urine test, usually gets to the bottom of it. Catching these conditions early makes them far easier to manage, so please don't wait it out - call us on 07 870 2696.