At Creature Comforts Veterinary Service, one of the most common things we hear from cat owners is:

“Oh, he vomits now and then—but that’s just something cats do, right?”

Unfortunately, that assumption can delay care. While vomiting might seem routine for cats, especially those prone to hairballs, the truth is this:

Vomiting—whether occasional or frequent—is almost always a symptom of something else going on.

And in many cases, it’s your cat’s only way of letting you know there’s a problem.

Why Does My Cat Vomit?

Cats are very good at hiding illness. After vomiting, they often return to normal behavior—playing, eating, and purring like nothing happened. But just because they seem fine doesn’t mean they are fine.

According to the Cornell Feline Health Center, vomiting in cats should never be considered “normal.” It’s a clinical sign that could be tied to everything from diet sensitivities to chronic illness—or something urgent, like a foreign object stuck in the gut.

Even hairballs, which are often brushed off as benign, can point to underlying gastrointestinal issues or excessive grooming caused by pain or stress.

Common Causes of Vomiting in Cats

Gastrointestinal Issues

  • Food sensitivities or allergies
  • Dietary indiscretion (eating something they shouldn’t)
  • Foreign objects like string or toys (ACVS overview)
  • Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
  • Lymphoma of the GI tract (Cornell’s info)

Systemic Illnesses

Other Causes

  • Exposure to toxic plants, human medications, or household cleaners
  • Parasites or bacterial infections
  • Adverse reactions to new medications or supplements

What Your Cat’s Vomit Might Be Telling You

According to Purina’s guide to cat vomit, the appearance of vomit offers helpful diagnostic clues:

  • Clear liquid or foam: Often from an empty stomach or acid reflux
  • Undigested food: Could indicate eating too fast or a regurgitation issue
  • Grainy, coffee-ground-like: May signal internal bleeding
  • Red-tinged or bloody: A medical emergency—call us immediately
  • Hairballs: Occasionally okay, but frequent ones may signal a deeper issue

How We Diagnose Vomiting at Creature Comforts

There is no “one size fits all” for vomiting in cats. Diagnosis requires a thoughtful, step-by-step evaluation:

Physical Exam

We assess hydration, abdominal pain, weight loss, and other subtle clues your cat may not show at home.

Bloodwork

A full panel can reveal kidney disease, liver dysfunction, thyroid imbalances, anemia, or infection.

Fecal Testing

We check for intestinal parasites and other infections.

Imaging

  • X-rays can detect obstructions, tumors, or foreign objects
  • Ultrasound offers more detail on organ structure
  • In some cases, endoscopy or even exploratory surgery is needed for a definitive answer

Treatment Options for Vomiting in Cats

Depending on what we find, treatments may include:

  • Anti-nausea medications to stop vomiting
  • Appetite stimulants to support recovery
  • Fluid therapy for dehydration
  • Prescription diets or food trials
  • Antibiotics or dewormers if infection or parasites are found
  • Steroids or immunosuppressants for IBD or inflammation
  • Surgery to remove obstructions or tumors
  • Supportive supplements for long-term digestive health

When Should You Call the Vet?

Don’t wait for vomiting to become “severe” before seeking help. Call us if:

  • Your cat vomits more than once in a month
  • Vomiting is accompanied by lethargy, weight loss, or loss of appetite
  • Vomit contains blood or looks like coffee grounds
  • Your cat has vomiting and no bowel movements
  • You know they ate something they shouldn’t have

Vomiting May Be Common—But It’s Never Just Normal

At Creature Comforts Veterinary Service, our goal is simple: find the cause and help your cat feel better—fast.

We take feline wellness seriously, and vomiting is never just a “normal quirk” of being a cat. With the right diagnostic tools, dietary strategies, and treatments, we can not only stop the vomiting, but help your cat thrive.

Let’s work together to uncover the reason—and put your mind at ease.

Need Answers? We’re Here to Help.

Contact Creature Comforts Veterinary Service today to schedule an exam or talk through your cat’s symptoms.
Your cat deserves comfort. We’ll help you get there.