Cats Throwing Up Undigested Food and Expert Opinion on How to Avoid it.

Your cat throwing up the undigested food is a situation that every cat parent has faced at some point and sometimes it is difficult to decide if you should be concerned about it or should just clean it up and move on. Your response to this issue can be dependent on various factors and reasons for your cat puking the undigested food can vary.

May be your cat ate the food too quickly, food allergies is something you could look into. Hairballs could be the culprit. A major change in the diet could cause this problem or more worryingly it could be caused by Gastritis or parasites that needs to be addressed.

Another consideration that we should never overlook is that there is a difference between vomiting and regurgitation. While vomiting involves ejection of the food, water or bile from the stomach, regurgitation involves the contents that never made to the stomach. Vomiting may require considerable amount of time while regurgitation usually happens immediately. Let’s look into the reasons in detail that why our beloved feline finds it difficult to digest the food sometimes and how can this be prevented.

Why Do Cats Throw Up Undigested Food After Eating?

Cats may throw up undigested food for various reasons, and it’s not uncommon for them to experience occasional bouts of vomiting. Here are some common explanations:

Eating Too Quickly:

Some cats habitually devour their meals rapidly, leading to indigestion and subsequent vomiting.

Cause: Rapid ingestion doesn’t allow proper chewing, hindering digestion and causing stomach discomfort.

Solution: Use puzzle feeders or divide meals into smaller portions to encourage slower eating and better digestion. Ensure your cat’s well-being with these tips on preventing rapid eating in cats.

Food Allergies:

Allergic reactions to specific ingredients in your cat’s food can trigger vomiting.

Cause: Consuming allergens leads to an immune response, resulting in digestive issues.

Solution: Identify and eliminate allergens from your cat’s diet, consulting your vet if needed. Discover how to manage cat food allergies effectively.

Parasites:

Internal parasites, such as worms, can irritate the digestive tract, causing vomiting.

Cause: Parasites disrupt the normal functioning of the digestive system.

Solution: Regular deworming treatments and veterinary check-ups can help control parasites. Learn more about preventing and treating parasites in cats.

Bowel Obstruction:

Foreign objects or hairballs can obstruct the bowel, leading to vomiting.

Cause: Ingested items block the normal flow of food through the digestive system.

Solution: Monitor your cat’s environment to minimize access to potential hazards and provide hairball prevention remedies. Discover practical ways to prevent hairball-related issues in cats.

Change in Diet:

Abrupt changes in your cat’s diet can result in digestive upset.

Cause: Sudden transitions can be challenging for the digestive system to handle.

Solution: Gradually introduce new foods over several days to allow for a smoother adjustment. Explore tips for successfully switching your cat’s diet.

Gastroenteritis:

Inflammation of the stomach and intestines, often due to infection or dietary indiscretion.

Cause: Bacterial or viral infections and consuming spoiled food can lead to gastroenteritis.

Solution: Consult your vet for diagnosis and appropriate treatment, including a modified diet or medications. Learn more about managing gastroenteritis in cats.

Poisoning:

Ingesting toxic substances can cause immediate vomiting as a protective mechanism.

Cause: Exposure to harmful chemicals, plants, or certain human foods can be poisonous.

Solution: Seek emergency veterinary care if you suspect poisoning and provide details of the ingested substance. Familiarize yourself with common cat poisons to keep your feline friend safe.

Gut Inflammation:

Inflammation of the digestive tract can result from various underlying issues.

Cause: Infections, inflammatory diseases, or autoimmune conditions may contribute.

Solution: Consult your vet for a thorough examination and determine the appropriate treatment. Discover ways to manage inflammatory bowel disease in cats.

Stress:

Cats may vomit in response to stress, anxiety, or environmental changes.

Cause: Emotional distress can affect a cat’s digestive system.

Solution: Provide a comfortable and consistent environment, and consider stress-reducing strategies. Explore practical techniques for managing stress in cats.

Foreign Body:

Ingesting non-food items can lead to vomiting, especially if the object is indigestible.

Cause: Swallowing items like hair ties or plastic can cause irritation and blockages.

Solution: Keep hazardous objects out of reach and monitor your cat’s behaviour. Learn about preventing ingestion of foreign objects in cats.

Kidney Disease:

Kidney issues can lead to various symptoms, including vomiting.

Cause: Reduced kidney function affects the balance of fluids and electrolytes.

Solution: Regular veterinary check-ups and monitoring can help manage kidney disease. Understand more about kidney disease in cats and its management.

Allergies (Again):

Allergic reactions can manifest as chronic conditions, impacting overall health.

Cause: Exposure to allergens triggers an immune response.

Solution: Identify and manage allergens, potentially through dietary adjustments or medications. Discover practical ways to alleviate allergies in cats.

Hyperthyroidism:

Overactive thyroid glands can result in increased metabolic rate and vomiting.

Cause: Hyperthyroidism disrupts normal bodily functions.

Solution: Consult with your vet for proper diagnosis and management of hyperthyroidism. Learn more about managing hyperthyroidism in cats.

New Food (Again):

Cats might vomit when introduced to a new type of food.

Cause: Sudden dietary changes can be challenging for sensitive stomachs.

Solution: Gradual transitions allow the digestive system to adapt. Explore helpful tips for introducing new foods to your cat.

Pancreatitis:

Inflammation of the pancreas can cause digestive issues, including vomiting.

Cause: Pancreatitis may be triggered by infections, dietary factors, or other diseases.

Solution: Consult your vet for diagnosis and management, including dietary changes. Learn more about pancreatitis in cats.

Cancer:

Certain cancers can lead to vomiting as part of a broader set of symptoms.

Cause: Cancerous growths interfere with normal bodily functions.

Solution: Early detection and veterinary care are crucial for managing cat cancer. Understand more about cancer in cats and potential treatments.

Constipation:

Difficulty in passing stools can cause discomfort and lead to vomiting.

Cause: Insufficient water intake, low-fiber diets, or underlying health issues can contribute.

Solution: Ensure a balanced diet and proper hydration. Learn more about preventing and managing constipation in cats.

Liver Disease:

Liver disorders can impact digestive functions and result in vomiting.

Cause: Liver disease may be caused by infections, toxins, or underlying conditions.

Solution: Veterinary assessment is necessary for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan. Explore more about liver disease in cats and its management.

Medical Conditions (Again):

Various medical conditions, not limited to those mentioned, can contribute to vomiting.

Cause: Underlying health issues can manifest in digestive symptoms.

Solution: Regular veterinary check-ups and prompt attention to unusual symptoms are essential. Learn more about the importance of routine vet visits for your cat’s well-being.

Serious Disease:

Persistent or severe vomiting may indicate serious underlying diseases.

Cause: Chronic or severe conditions may require immediate attention.

Solution: Timely veterinary intervention is crucial to diagnose and address serious diseases. Understand the signs of serious illness in cats and the importance of prompt care.

Remember, if your cat vomits frequently or exhibits other concerning symptoms, seeking professional veterinary advice is crucial for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Why Is A Cat Throwing Up Yellow, Undigested Food?

When a cat is throwing up yellow undigested food, it could indicate several potential reasons. Here are some possible explanations:

1. Bile: The yellow colour in the vomit may be due to the presence of bile. Bile is a digestive fluid produced by the liver and stored in the gallbladder. Bile may be expelled when a cat vomits on an empty stomach, leading to yellow vomit.
2. Hairballs: If your cat grooms itself frequently and swallows hair, it could form hairballs. These can cause vomiting, and the presence of bile may give the vomit a yellow colour.
3. Gastrointestinal Issues: Conditions such as gastritis or inflammatory bowel disease may lead to yellow vomit. These conditions can cause irritation and inflammation in the stomach or intestines.
4. Dietary Changes: Abrupt changes in the cat’s diet can sometimes lead to digestive upset, resulting in vomiting of undigested food.
5. Bacterial Infections: Infections in the gastrointestinal tract, such as bacterial or viral infections, may cause vomiting and changes in the colour of the vomit.
6. Liver or Pancreatic Issues: Problems with the liver or pancreas can affect digestion and lead to yellow vomit.
7. Foreign Object Ingestion: If the cat has ingested a non-food item, causing a blockage or irritation, it may result in vomiting.

If your cat is consistently vomiting yellow, undigested food or is accompanied by other concerning symptoms such as lethargy, changes in appetite, or diarrhoea, it’s crucial to consult a veterinarian. A vet can conduct a thorough examination, perform diagnostic tests if needed, and determine the underlying cause of the vomiting to provide appropriate treatment.

Conclusion

We now know that there could be a list of reasons why your cat is throwing up the undigested food. Should you be concerned about it is something dependent on your own observation? If your cat throws up only once or twice and appears to behave normally then chances are that it is not that serious.

However, if your cat keeps throwing up and appear unsteady afterwards, then it’s probably time that you should check with your veterinarian and get your cat checked for any underlying issues. What you must understand is that whether your cat is regurgitating or vomiting, it is treatable as long as you take smart decisions for you cat and take it to the veterinarian at the right time.

You can always visit our website and find valuable information about your cat’s health, habits, behaviour, eating habits or food choices.