If you’re a cat owner, chances are you have seen your kitty vomit at least once in your time together. Although vomiting is a normal part of the digestion process for cats (after all, they eat right side up!), it could indicate a problem when it’s excessive or persistent. If you notice your cat making frequent trips to the litterbox and nothing coming out, or if there is actual food in the vomit, this might be a sign of an underlying illness or dietary issue.
The severity of the problem can vary from cat to cat, but vomiting is one symptom that should never be ignored. That being said, there are several different causes that may cause vomiting in cats – some of which vary widely depending on age or gender!
But what type of food can you feed your feline to stop vomiting? If your cat has food allergies or stomach issues, changing the diet can help prevent vomiting. You will know the best foods to stop vomiting in this article. But before that, let’s have a look at the issue of vomiting in cats.
Table of Contents
What causes vomiting in cats?
Vomiting is a symptom, not a disease. The reasons for acute or chronic vomiting can be identical except for a few exceptions. Ingestion of foreign bodies or toxins is generally a cause of acute rather than chronic vomiting. Chronic vomiting can be a symptom of many medical conditions, so it’s essential to be sure you’re checking into the right cause. Vomiting in cats is a common occurrence, and it’s important to know what could be causing it. Cats can vomit for four reasons: toxins, drugs, diet, and disease.
Toxins: Toxins are toxic substances that the cat ingests. They can be found in many different places around your home and yard. Some examples include plants, pesticides or herbicides used on your lawn or porch, household cleaning products, and poisons used to kill rats or other pests.
Drugs: Some medications can cause vomiting in cats if they are not administered correctly or if they are given at the wrong time. Drugs that should not be given to cats include aspirin and ibuprofen (Advil). If you have any questions about whether or not a drug is safe for your cat to take, ask your veterinarian before giving it to them.
Diet: Diet-related problems often result from eating spoiled food or a change in diet too quickly. Cats are sensitive creatures who may not tolerate sudden changes well at all! It’s best to stick with their regular diet for as long as possible if you want them to stay healthy and happy!
Disease: Some diseases can cause vomiting in cats as a symptom of other problems, such as cancer or kidney disease.
If toxins, drugs, or diet don’t seem to be the problem, your cat may be suffering from an underlying disease that’s causing his vomiting. Take a look at some of the ingredients most likely to trigger a dietary intolerance or sensitivity:
- Food additives (colors and flavors)
- Artificial preservatives
- High levels of carbohydrate
- Lactose (from milk)
- Certain grains (wheat, barley, corn)
- Common proteins (chicken, beef, pork, eggs)
If your cat is vomiting, you may be wondering what’s causing it. If you cannot identify the cause of your cat’s problem on your own, schedule an appointment with your veterinarian. Your vet can rule out underlying conditions and diagnose your cat’s health issues. Even if you know what’s causing your cat’s vomiting, it would still be a good idea to have your veterinarian examine your cat to assess overall health.
Best cat foods to prevent vomiting according to vets are below:
1. Purina ONE Sensitive Skin & Stomach With Real Turkey, Natural Adult Dry Cat Food
Purina ONE Sensitive Skin & Stomach With Real Turkey, Natural Adult Dry Cat Food is made with quality ingredients that are easy to digest. It contains real turkey as the first named ingredient, plus added vitamins and minerals to help support your cat’s immune system and overall health. This formula has fewer calories than other formulas, so it’s ideal if you’re looking to feed your cat less food while still meeting his nutritional needs.
Pros:
- No chicken, made with real turkey.
- High protein that is essential for little carnivores.
- Contains antioxidants and omega-3 and 6 fatty acids.
Cons:
- Contains gluten and soy.
- Contains artificial colors.
2. Purina Pro Plan Sensitive Skin and Sensitive Stomach Cat Food Wet Pate, Grain Free Chicken Entrée
Purina Pro Plan Sensitive Skin and Sensitive Stomach Cat Food Wet Pate, Grain Free Chicken Entree is a tasty wet cat food that will keep your cat coming back for more. This grain-free formula contains real chicken as the first ingredient to help maintain healthy skin and a shiny coat. The protein content of this canned cat food helps support lean muscle development. Natural prebiotic fiber sourced from chicory root supports digestive health.
Pros:
- High protein content that helps overall development.
- No artificial colors or flavors.
- Natural probiotic for digestive health.
Cons:
- None!
3. Hill’s Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Chicken & Rice Recipe Dry Cat Food
Hill’s Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Chicken & Rice Recipe Dry Cat Food is a specially formulated, hypoallergenic formula that’s designed to help improve your cat’s sensitive stomach and skin. Made with real chicken, this Hill’s Science Diet cat food provides your pet with the protein it needs to stay healthy and active. The kibble is also great for providing oral care, thanks to its unique toothbrush shape.
Pros:
- Highly digestible and gentle on the stomach.
- Contains vitamin E and omega-6 fatty acids.
- Contains added vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.
Cons:
- Not suitable for kittens.
4. ZIWI Peak Canned Wet Cat Food Mackerel and Lamb recipe
ZIWI Peak Canned Wet Cat Food mackerel and Lamb recipe is an excellent choice for both cats and kittens. This tasty formula is made with high-quality ingredients that are easy to digest. ZIWI Peak Canned Wet Cat Food mackerel and Lamb recipe contains nutritious ingredients like a lamb, and mackerel, which are all rich in essential vitamins and minerals. This canned wet cat food is also formulated without artificial flavors or colors to ensure a healthy diet for your precious pet.
This food contains an exclusive blend of antioxidants that help support overall health by improving the immune system. The balanced formula also contains omega-3 fatty acids to promote healthy skin and coat while helping maintain healthy joints.
Pros:
- Real meat contains high protein for overall growth.
- Grain-free, low-carb recipe ensures a healthy diet.
- Chondroitin, glucosamine and omega-3 improve joint health and enhance skin and coat.
- Formulated for older and young cats and kittens.
Cons:
- If your cat is allergic to seafood, then it will be good to choose another cat food.
5. Blue Buffalo Sensitive Stomach Natural Adult Dry Cat Food
Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Dry Cat Food is made with real chicken as the first ingredient, plus wholesome grains. This recipe features an optimal blend of proteins to help maintain strong muscles and a healthy weight. Highly digestible carbohydrates help support energy metabolism, and natural sources of vitamins and minerals help support immune health.
Chicken is the first ingredient in this recipe because it’s the best protein source for your cat. The ingredients in this recipe are carefully selected so that every morsel meets our high standards for quality protein sources, wholesome carbohydrates, and added vitamins and minerals that are essential for good health.
Pros:
- Real meat ensures strong muscles.
- Contains wholesome whole grains, garden veggies, and fruits.
- Omega 3 & 6 fatty acids promote a shiny coat and healthy skin.
- A precise blend of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals.
- No artificial colors or flavors.
Cons:
- Not suitable for kittens.
6. Halo Sensitive Stomach Dry Cat Food
Halo has been making pet foods since 1995 when owner and founder Dr. Debra Zoran created their first product to help her own cats overcome various health issues. Today, they produce a wide variety of foods and treats that are made to meet the needs of all different kinds of pets. The Sensitive Stomach formula uses only high-quality ingredients that work together to provide your cat with everything they need to thrive without causing digestive upset or discomfort.
The main ingredient is a chicken meal, with chicken as the first ingredient on the list, followed by added vitamins and minerals like Vitamin E and zinc oxide, which help support overall wellness in cats with sensitive stomachs.
Pros:
- Suitable for cats of all ages.
- Taurine ensures eye and heart health.
- Protein from whole meat ensures healthy muscle.
- Free from additives.
Cons:
- It can be expensive for some people.
- Contains only chicken and no other meat.
7. Instinct Original Grain Free Real Chicken Recipe Natural Wet Canned Cat Food
Instinct Original Grain-free cat food is a perfect choice for those focusing on wholesome ingredients. This high-protein food features 81% real chicken as its first ingredient, and it comes with probiotics to help with digestion. The freeze-dried raw food coating adds a delicious flavor that your cat will love. Plus, the ingredients are loaded with antioxidants and vitamins.
This grain-free kibble is also easy to digest and has a low glycemic index, making it safe for all cats. Plus, it’s free from common allergens like corn, wheat, soy, and dairy products.
Pros:
- Improves a cat’s whole digestive system.
- Total grain-free formula with freeze-dried raw food makes your mouth water.
- Wholesome high-protein with probiotics ensures overall health.
Cons:
- The portion can be small for some cats.
8. Blue Buffalo Basics Limited Ingredient Dry Cat Food
Blue Buffalo Basics Adult Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe Dry Cat Food is formulated to help maintain healthy skin and coats in cats of all ages. This grain-free limited ingredient diet includes high-quality chicken as the first ingredient for optimal protein levels. The wholesome brown rice provides carbohydrates for energy, while omega fatty acids help support healthy skin and coat.
Pros:
- Natural grain-free formula.
- The perfect mixture of vitamins, antioxidants, and minerals ensures healthy skin and a shiny coat.
- Natural fiber promotes good digestion.
Cons:
- Strong smells can be unacceptable to some felines.
Difference between vomiting and regurgitation:
Vomiting and regurgitation are two separate processes, although they can happen at the same time. Vomiting is the process of simply evacuating food from the stomach. It doesn’t have to be a sign of a specific underlying problem, but if you notice your cat vomiting regularly, it’s usually a good idea to get them checked out. While vomiting is generally associated with issues in the stomach, regurgitation is more likely to be connected with problems in your cat’s esophagus.
Cats have a much shorter digestive tract than humans, which means that food is processed more quickly by their bodies. This is why cats often vomit after eating a meal and why you may see food in their vomit.
If you notice your cat throwing up food that hasn’t been digested and they don’t have any abdominal contractions, this could be a sign of regurgitation. It’s essential to have this issue checked out, as it could indicate a significant problem with your cat’s digestive process.
How to treat vomiting in cats
- If your cat vomits frequently, or if they are vomiting up bile and have other symptoms, it’s important to take them to the vet. The vet will be able to assess your feline friend and determine what the cause of the problem is.
- If your kitty doesn’t throw up very often, and they usually just have hair in their vomit, this is normal. This can be a sign that they were grooming themselves when they vomited. It can also be a sign that they ate something that didn’t agree with them and are trying to get rid of it by vomiting.
- If you notice your cat gagging or coughing before vomiting, there could be an obstruction in their throat or esophagus (the tube connecting the mouth and stomach). Vomiting could also be caused by food allergies or digestive issues like pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas). If you notice any blood in their vomit or diarrhea, this could indicate internal bleeding or another serious illness. If your cat is throwing up after eating treats or food that you know they shouldn’t have, don’t give them anything else until you get them checked out by the vet.
If you suspect your cat is vomiting because of stress, try some good quality cat vitamins or herbs for cats for the best results. Or if your cat is not eating due to stress (after a trip to the vet), you might need to try canned food instead. Finally, if your cat is throwing up after being fed, then be sure you are using a high-quality pet food brand that should eliminate these issues in your cat.
We want our little carnivores to stay healthy and happy always…………….!
FAQs
Why is my cat vomiting?
If your cat is vomiting, it doesn’t necessarily mean that something is terribly wrong. Sometimes, it can just be a sign of stuck hair in their stomach or a similar issue. If your cat has been vomiting for more than a day, you should take them to the vet.
Should cats eat after vomiting?
The best thing to do when your cat vomits is to remove access to their food for a few hours. If you give them food right away, they might vomit again. This is because their stomach may be sensitive after vomiting, which means it might be a good idea to remove access to their food for a few hours so that they have time to rest.
If your cat vomits a few times in a row, you can introduce a balanced meal of cooked chicken. This will help them recover from the stress of being sick and get the nutrients they need to feel better again.
What to feed a cat for vomiting?
The best way to settle your cat’s stomach if they’re vomiting regularly is to use unseasoned, cooked chicken breast. Bland foods can help to get their digestion back on track. If your cat is vomiting more than once a day, try mixing the chicken breast with some rice. This will help fill their stomachs and give them something more substantial to keep down.
When do I take my vomiting cat to the vet?
If your cat is vomiting, they might need to visit the vet. If your cat is vomiting and you have any concerns about their health, or if they are throwing up regularly, take them to the vet as soon as possible.
Your cat may need veterinary care in other situations too. For example, if you notice blood in your cat’s vomit or lethargy in your cat along with vomiting, it could be a sign of something serious like pancreatitis or kidney disease. Another situation where you should take your cat to the vet is if they’re over-vocalizing (e.g., meowing) or excessively drinking water.
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