Why Is My Cat Throwing Up Undigested Food?

As a cat owner, you’re likely familiar with the unexpected moments that come with sharing your home with a feline friend. One minute, your kitty is happily purring on your lap, and the next, you hear that all-too-familiar retching sound echoing through the house. Finding a mess left behind is never a pleasant surprise, especially when it happens on your favorite rug! 

While a cat throwing up undigested food can be a nuisance, it’s important to know that it can indicate something more serious about your furry companion's health. So what might be causing your kitty to bring up undigested food? And when is it time to consult your veterinarian? Let’s find out!

Understanding the Basics: Vomiting Is Different from Regurgitation

First, let’s clarify something important: vomiting is different from regurgitation. PetMD says that when cats regurgitate, they expel food from their esophagus and typically produce a “tube” of food without the heaving or abdominal movements you’d expect from vomiting. If you see them throwing up undigested food hours after eating, they’re regurgitating. The food usually comes out looking very much like it did when it went in and, sometimes, mixed with slimy saliva or water. While occasional regurgitation isn’t usually a cause for concern, frequent occurrences warrant a closer look.

Vomiting, on the other hand, involves more forceful abdominal contractions and usually indicates something else going on in the digestive system. The cat expels contents from their stomach and upper small intestine. It is often preceded by signs of nausea, like drooling or licking the floor.

Reasons Why Your Cat Is Throwing Up Undigested Food 

There are many reasons your cat might be regurgitating or vomiting undigested food, and while it can be a common issue, it’s essential to monitor it closely. Here are some of the usual suspects:

1. Eating Too Quickly

Just like us, some cats can’t resist the temptation to gobble their food down too fast. If your feline friend feels anxious—like when they’re eating near other pets—they might scarf down their meal in record time, swallowing air along with it. This can lead to regurgitation, where undigested food makes a quick reappearance

2. Overeating

Cats that consume more food than their stomach can handle might experience a backup in the esophagus, leading to vomiting. If your cat seems to have a competitive nature, such as when eating near other cats, this behavior may worsen. Keeping an eye on portion sizes can help!

3. Diet Changes

Has your cat recently switched to a new food? Sudden changes can upset their stomach, leading to vomiting. If you’ve run out of their regular food and had to grab something else from the store, your cat may not react well to the new formula. To avoid this problem, choose the right cat food with the best wet cat food ingredients from the get-go.

4. Food Sensitivities Or Allergies

Cats can have sensitivities to safe and healthy human food for cats, like proteins (beef or chicken) or grains (wheat and corn). Some might even be lactose intolerant, meaning that milk or dairy products could wreak havoc on their tummy.

5. Hairballs

We all know cats groom themselves obsessively, and in the process, they swallow hair. While a small amount of hair should pass through their system without issue, excessive grooming or shedding can lead to hairballs, which your cat may vomit. Frequent hairballs can also indicate underlying digestive problems, so it’s worth keeping an eye on!

6. Foreign Objects

Cats are curious creatures, and they often play with items like string or ribbon. Unfortunately, ingesting these can lead to severe issues like blockages in the intestines, requiring immediate veterinary attention.

7. Gastrointestinal Irritation

Sometimes, your cat’s tummy can become irritated for no apparent reason. This irritation can stem from viruses, parasites, or even food. It might lead to vomiting as their body tries to rid itself of the irritant.

8. Esophageal Problems

Certain conditions can affect the esophagus, leading to regurgitation. These can include muscular or neurologic issues that reduce motility, narrowing of the esophagus (stricture), or congenital malformations. If your cat regurgitates frequently, it’s essential to consult your veterinarian to rule out any serious conditions.

8. Serious Health Issues

More serious conditions like pancreatitis, kidney disease, liver problems, or hyperthyroidism can also manifest as vomiting. If your cat is experiencing vomiting alongside symptoms like weight loss, lethargy, or changes in appetite, it’s time to consult your veterinarian.

When To See A Veterinarian

If your cat vomits occasionally and seems otherwise healthy, the MSD Veterinary Manual assures that it might not be a cause for concern. However, if the vomiting persists for more than a day or two, or if it’s accompanied by other troubling symptoms like blood, lethargy, or weight loss, you should reach out to your veterinarian. Keep a record of the following to help your vet diagnose the issue:

• Frequency of vomiting or regurgitation
• The appearance of the vomit (is it digested or undigested, foamy, or containing hair?)
• Any additional symptoms like lethargy, diarrhea, or weight loss
• Recent changes in diet or feeding habits 

Treatment and Diagnosis of Cats Throwing Up Undigested Food

Your veterinarian may recommend several diagnostic tests to determine the underlying cause of your cat’s vomiting. This could include:

• Physical Examination - A thorough physical exam is essential to assess your cat's overall health and look for any obvious signs of illness.
• Blood Work - Blood tests can reveal important information about your cat’s organ function and overall health.
• Imaging - X-rays or ultrasounds can help visualize the gastrointestinal tract and identify any obstructions or abnormalities.
• Endoscopy -  In some cases, a veterinarian may perform an endoscopy to directly visualize the esophagus and stomach, allowing for a more accurate diagnosis.

Treatment will depend on the identified cause of the vomiting. If overeating or eating too quickly is the culprit, your vet may suggest:

• Slow Feeder Bowls - These can help encourage your cat to eat more slowly, reducing the chance of regurgitation.
• Smaller Meals - Offering smaller, more frequent meals can help your cat avoid overeating.
• Dietary Adjustments - In some cases, a special diet with more fiber or easily digestible ingredients may be recommended to support your cat's digestive health.
• Withhold Food For 24 Hours - For cats that vomit occasionally with no other issues, vets often recommend a short fast to let the digestive system rest. Make sure your cat has access to water unless otherwise instructed by your vet

For other causes, such as esophageal issues or foreign objects, your cat may require more advanced treatment, including medication or even surgery.

Managing hairballs

As mentioned earlier, hairballs are a common issue for our feline friends. While some cats may vomit them up regularly, it’s not entirely normal and can be indicative of other health concerns.

To help minimize hairballs:

• Brush Regularly - Frequent brushing can significantly reduce the amount of loose hair your cat swallows while grooming.
• Consider Specialized Diets - Some commercial cat foods are formulated to help reduce hairball formation. These typically contain higher fiber levels to help hair pass through the digestive tract more easily.
• Medication - In some cases, vets may recommend medications like mineral oil to help move hair along. However, it’s best to consult your vet before starting any new treatments.

Reach Out to Your Vet

As pet owners, we want nothing but the best for our furry companions. While throwing up undigested food occasionally might not be a cause for alarm, it’s essential to be vigilant about any changes in your cat’s behavior or health. Keeping track of their eating habits, understanding the differences between vomiting and regurgitation, and maintaining a close relationship with your veterinarian can help ensure your kitty stays happy and healthy.

If your cat is vomiting undigested food or has frequent vomiting episodes, don’t hesitate to reach out to your vet. Sometimes, simple dietary adjustments can make a world of difference. Other times, more significant medical attention may be necessary. Whatever the case, your furry friend is worth it!