My Cat Ate Vomit: Should I Worry? (Solved & Explained!)

Does your cat like to eat vomit? It may sound gross, but it’s pretty common for cats to eat things that aren’t food. My cat once ate a tissue that she found on the floor. As disgusting as it may sound, most of the time there is no need to worry if your cat eats something non-food-related.

However, there are some instances when you should be concerned, and today I’ll be telling you what they are.

So keep reading if you want to find out more about why your cat might be eating vomit and what you can do about it!

What to Do if Your Cat Threw up Then Ate Their Vomit

If your cat has thrown up and then eaten their vomit, there are a few things you should do. First, check for any blood in the vomit. If you see blood, call your vet immediately.

If there is no blood, likely, your cat has simply regurgitated a hairball or some other non-dangerous substance.

In this case, simply clean up the vomit and keep an eye on your cat for any other symptoms.

However, if your cat continues to vomit or shows any other signs of illness, it is always best to err on the side of caution and call your vet.

Why Is Your Cat Vomiting?

Here are some of the most frequent causes of cat vomiting:

1. Hairballs: One of the most common reasons for cats to vomit is hairballs. Cats groom themselves by licking their fur, and this can result in them ingesting a lot of hair.

The hair then collects in their stomach and forms a hairball. When the hairball gets too big, it can cause your cat to vomit.

2. Eating too fast: Another common reason for cats to vomit is that they simply eat too fast. Cats are known for being fast eaters, and this can sometimes lead to them vomiting up their food.

If your cat is a fast eater, try to slow them down by using a puzzle feeder or feeding them smaller meals more often.

3. Eating grass: It’s also common for cats to vomit after eating grass. This is usually nothing to worry about as it’s simply their way of dealing with an upset stomach.

4. Food intolerance: Some cats are intolerant to certain types of food, and this can cause them to vomit. If you think your cat may have a food intolerance, talk to your vet about switching to different food and checking for food allergies.

5. Infections: Infections are another common cause of vomiting in cats. If your cat is vomiting and has other symptoms such as fever, loss of appetite, or diarrhea, it’s likely they have an infection and should see a vet.

6. Kidney disease: Kidney disease is a common health problem in older cats, and one of the signs can be vomiting. If your cat is vomiting and has other symptoms such as increased thirst, weight loss, or lethargy, it’s important to take them to the vet for a check-up.

7. Pancreatitis: Pancreatitis is a condition that can cause vomiting in cats. Other symptoms include abdominal pain, loss of appetite, and weight loss. If you believe your cat has pancreatitis, it’s critical to visit the doctor.

8. Poisoning: Poisoning is another possible cause of vomiting in cats. If your cat has vomited and has other symptoms such as lethargy, seizures, or difficulty breathing, it’s important to call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center immediately.

9. Stress: Cats can also vomit due to stress. If your cat is vomiting and has other symptoms such as diarrhea, poor appetite, or excessive grooming, it’s important to try and identify the source of stress and remove it if possible.

10. Allergies: Allergies are another possible cause of vomiting in cats. If your cat is vomiting and has other symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, or itchy skin, it’s important to talk to your vet about possible allergies.

Is Your Cat Vomiting or Is It Just Regurgitation?

To determine whether your cat is vomiting or regurgitating, it is important to first understand the difference between the two.

Vomiting is an active process whereby the contents of the stomach are forcefully expelled through the mouth.

Regurgitation, on the other hand, is a passive process whereby food or fluid is brought up from the esophagus and expelled through the mouth without any effort on behalf of the cat. It’s done quickly and usually right after eating or drinking.

There are several possible causes of vomiting in cats, including ingested toxins, infections, digestive problems, and cancers.

Regurgitation in cats happens for a variety of reasons, such as eating too fast, hairballs, or gulping down air while eating. If your cat is regurgitating frequently, it is important to talk to your veterinarian to rule out any underlying health problems.

When to Seek Veterinary Care

If your cat is vomiting, it is important to seek veterinary care if any of the following are present:

• Vomiting lasts more than 24 hours
• Fever is present
• There is evidence of blood in the vomit
• Your cat is lethargic or has a decreased appetite
• Abdominal pain is present
• Weight loss is noticeable
• Watery diarrhea is also present

Why Do Cats Eat Their Vomit? (5 Reasons)

If you have ever seen your cat eating their vomit, you may be wondering why they would do such a thing.

There are a few reasons why cats may eat their vomit, including hunger, boredom, and lack of nutrients.

1. Hunger: One reason why cats may eat their vomit is that they are simply hungry. Plus, fresh vomit smells and looks like their food.

2. Boredom: Another reason why cats may eat their vomit is that they are bored. If a cat is not getting enough stimulation, they may start to engage in this behavior as a way to entertain themselves.

3. Lack of nutrients: A third reason why cats may eat their vomit is that they are lacking certain nutrients in their diet. If a cat is not getting enough of certain vitamins or minerals, it may start to crave them and look for them in its vomit.

4. Anxiety: A fourth reason why cats may eat their vomit is that they are anxious. If a cat is feeling stressed or anxious, they may start to engage in this behavior as a way to comfort themselves.

5. Illness: A fifth reason why cats may eat their vomit is that they are ill. If a cat is sick, they may start to see their vomit as a potential source of nutrients or as a way to get rid of the illness.

In most cases, this behavior is not harmful and is simply due to one of the reasons mentioned above.

What to Do if Your Cat Ate Other Cats Vomit

If you think your cat ate another cat’s vomit, it is important to watch for any signs of illness.

Symptoms to watch for include vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, and a decreased appetite. If you notice any of these symptoms, it is important to talk to your veterinarian.

What to Do if Your Cat Ate Dog Vomit

If your cat ate dog vomit, the best thing to do is to monitor them closely. Some symptoms to look for include vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy. If your cat starts showing any of these symptoms, take them to the vet immediately.

It’s also a good idea to avoid giving your cat any food or water until you’ve spoken with a vet.

What to Do if Your Cat Ate Human Vomit

If your cat ate human vomit, the best thing to do is call your veterinarian. In some cases, depending on the ingredients of the vomit, it may be necessary to take your cat in for examination and treatment.

When Vomit Isn’t a Worry if Your Cat Eats It

While there are some instances where vomit can be a cause for concern, there are also times when it’s not something you need to worry about.

For example, if your cat only occasionally eats their vomit or the vomit of another animal, it’s usually not a cause for concern. This is typically seen as normal behavior and is not indicative of any underlying health problems.

When Eating Vomit Can Be Dangerous to Your Cat

There are some instances when eating vomit can be dangerous to your cat. For example, if your cat is vomiting frequently, has a fever, or is showing signs of dehydration, it is important to seek veterinary care.

Additionally, if your cat eats the vomit of another animal that is sick or has eaten something poisonous, it can be dangerous. In these cases, it is important to seek veterinary care immediately.

Preventing Your Cat from Eating Vomit

If you are concerned about your cat eating vomit, there are a few things you can do to help prevent it.

First, make sure that your cat is getting enough stimulation. This can include playing with them, providing them with toys, and spending time with them.

Second, make sure that your cat is getting a balanced diet. This means feeding them high-quality food that contains all the nutrients they need.

Third, if your cat is prone to anxiety, consider using a calming supplement to help reduce their stress levels.

Conclusion

If your cat ate vomit, it is important to watch for any signs of illness. In most cases, this behavior is not harmful and is simply due to one of the reasons mentioned above. However, there are some instances when it can be dangerous. If you are concerned about your cat’s health, it is best to talk to your veterinarian.