As a cat parent, few things are more unsettling than seeing your feline friend throw up. While an occasional incident might not be cause for concern, frequent vomiting can signal an underlying issue. Understanding why your cat is vomiting—and when it’s time to call the vet—can help you take the right steps to keep them healthy and happy. Let’s dive into the top reasons why cats vomit, how to tell if it’s serious, and what you can do to help.
Quick Overview
Vomiting vs. Regurgitation: What’s the Difference?
Before we talk about the causes, it’s important to know that vomiting and regurgitation are not the same thing:
Vomiting is an active process where the stomach forcefully expels food or liquid. It’s often preceded by retching, gagging, or heaving.
Regurgitation is passive and happens when food or liquid comes back up without warning—usually shortly after eating or drinking.
Cats can also cough in a way that looks like vomiting, so if your cat frequently expels mucus or has a hacking sound, take a video to show your vet for a better diagnosis.
When to Worry: Signs Your Cat’s Vomiting Is Serious
If your cat vomits occasionally but seems fine afterward, it may not be a big deal. But if they:
Vomit frequently (multiple times per week)
Appear lethargic or weak
Refuse food or water
Have diarrhea or constipation
Lose weight unexpectedly
Vomit blood or bile
…then it’s time to call your raw-friendly vet and get a proper diagnosis.
6 Common Reasons Your Cat Might Be Vomiting
Hairballs: More Than Just a Nuisance
Hairballs are often seen as a normal part of feline life—but frequent hairballs aren’t healthy. They can signal an issue with digestion, dehydration, or excessive shedding.
Solution: A high-moisture diet like Red Dog Blue Kat’s raw cat food helps hair pass through the digestive tract smoothly, preventing blockages. You can also add natural fiber sources, like pumpkin or psyllium husk, to support digestion.
Eating Too Quickly (aka “Scarf and Barf”)
If your cat wolfs down their food and throws up right after, they might be eating too fast. This often happens in multi-cat households where food competition is high.
Solution: Try a slow-feeding bowl or spread their meals into smaller portions throughout the day. If your cat is constantly ravenous, it could also be a sign of hyperthyroidism—so check with your vet if you notice weight loss alongside excessive hunger.
Food Sensitivities or Allergies
Cats can be sensitive to highly processed foods, artificial additives, or low-quality protein sources. If vomiting happens shortly after meals, it could be linked to an intolerance.
Solution: Switching to a species-appropriate, raw diet can help. Red Dog Blue Kat’s Foundations Raw food for cats is free from artificial preservatives, grains, and unnecessary fillers—making it easier on sensitive stomachs.
Gastrointestinal Disorders & Chronic Illnesses
If your cat vomits several times a week, they may have an underlying condition like:
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
Pancreatitis
Kidney or Liver Disease
Gastroenteritis (stomach inflammation)
Solution: If vomiting is persistent, a vet visit is essential. In the meantime, gut support supplements (like probiotics) may help balance your cat’s microbiome. 📌 Read more: Gut Health: Probiotic Sources for Dogs and Cats
Drinking Too Much (or Too Little) Water
If your cat vomits right after drinking, it could mean:
They’re drinking too fast due to dehydration
They have an underlying illness, like kidney disease or diabetes
Solution: Cats naturally get most of their hydration from food. Switching to a raw diet, which is naturally moisture-rich, can help prevent dehydration-related vomiting. If vomiting continues for more than 24 hours, see your vet. 📌 Read more: Free Feeding? 4 Reasons Why Grazing Is Harming Your Cat
Grass & Dietary Indiscretion
Some cats eat grass to help induce vomiting—often as a way to cleanse their digestive system. However, eating too much could indicate nausea or an upset stomach.
Solution: If your cat regularly vomits after eating grass, consider adding a natural prebiotic supplement to support gut health. You can also provide organic cat grass as a safer alternative. 📌 Read more: Prebiotics - What Are They & How To Nourish Your Pets' Gut Bacteria
The Role of Diet in Preventing Vomiting
A high-quality raw diet supports digestive health and helps to reduce vomiting caused by food sensitivities, inflammation, and dehydration.
Easier to digest → Less stress on the stomach
Moisture-rich → Supports hydration & kidney health
No artificial additives → Reduces risk of allergies & intolerance
If you’re feeding kibble or low-quality wet food, switching to Red Dog Blue Kat’s raw cat food can make a world of difference in your cat’s digestion.
Final Thoughts: Don’t Panic, But Stay Alert
Vomiting isn’t always a sign of something serious, but frequent or chronic episodes shouldn’t be ignored. By understanding the underlying causes and making dietary adjustments, you can help your cat feel their best.
Monitor vomiting frequency & symptoms.
Adjust their diet for better digestion - Ready to support your cat’s digestive health? Get started with our Free Feeding Guide and give your kitty the raw nutrition they were born to eat!
Find a vet who supports raw feeding - If you don’t already have one, check out our Find A Vet page for expert-recommended vets in your area!
Still have questions? Contact us to learn more about raw feeding and how it can improve your cat’s health.
Note: This article is intended for informational purposes and should not replace professional veterinary advice.
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