Why Is My Cat Throwing Up So Often? Is It Just Hairballs?

Complete Guide: Understanding the Causes of Cat Vomiting, When Hairballs Are Normal, and When It’s a Medical Issue

It’s not uncommon for cat parents to see their feline omega replica cough up a hairball from time to time. But if your cat is vomiting frequently, it’s a red flag you shouldn’t ignore.

While occasional hairballs are normal, frequent or persistent vomiting can indicate a deeper health problem. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the common causes of vomiting in cats, how to tell if it’s a hairball or something else, and when it’s time to call the vet.

1. Common Reasons Why Cats Vomit Frequently

Cats can vomit for many reasons. Here are the most replica watches uk common culprits:

Hairballs (Trichobezoars)

Cats groom themselves often, and when they swallow hair, some of it can accumulate in the stomach and form a hairball.

Signs it’s a hairball:

Vomit contains hair, often cylindrical
Happens after dry heaving or retching
Often occurs early in the morning or on an empty stomach
Cat seems normal before and after
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Eating Too Fast

Some cats gulp down food quickly, causing them to regurgitate soon after eating.

Signs:

Undigested food in vomit
Happens 10–30 minutes after eating
Cat is otherwise active and wants more food

Food Intolerance or Sudden Diet Change

Cats can have sensitive stomachs. Changing food brands or feeding expired/wrong foods may trigger vomiting.

Signs:

Diarrhea or smelly soft stool
Lethargy or lack of appetite
Vomiting not long after meals

Intestinal Parasites

Worms like roundworms or hookworms can cause vomiting, especially in kittens or un-dewormed cats.

Signs:

Weight loss despite eating
Worms visible in stool or vomit
Dull coat, decreased energy

Gastritis or Gastroenteritis

Chronic irritation of the stomach lining can cause recurrent vomiting.

Signs:

Yellow or foamy vomit
Signs of stomach pain, curling up, or avoiding food
May include fever or diarrhea

Chronic Conditions (Kidney Disease, Hyperthyroidism, Pancreatitis)

Older cats vomiting frequently may have an underlying chronic illness.

Signs:

Increased thirst and urination
Weight loss, bad breath
General lethargy and weakness

Foreign Body Ingestion

Cats are curious, and swallowing string, plastic, or other non-digestible items can block the digestive tract.

Signs:

Repeated vomiting with no relief
No bowel movements, or signs of pain
Extreme fatigue, hiding behavior

2. Is It Really a Hairball?

Not all vomiting is caused by hairballs. Here’s a quick comparison to help you figure it out:

Symptom	Hairball Vomiting	Vomiting from Illness
Frequency	Occasionally (every 1–2 weeks)	Frequent (multiple times per day or over days)
Appearance	Hair, usually long and tubular	Yellow bile, undigested food, foam, or blood
Timing	Morning or after grooming	Any time, often after eating
Appetite	Normal before and after	Often reduced or absent
Behavior	Alert and playful	Lethargic, hiding, or uncomfortable

If your cat is vomiting multiple times per day or shows changes in behavior or appetite, it’s likely not just a hairball.

3. How to Treat Hairball Problems in Cats

If you’ve ruled out illness and believe hairballs are the issue, here’s how to help:

✅ Hairball Remedies

Hairball pastes or gels (like TOMLYN, Laxatone, or Vet’s Best) contain lubricants to help pass hair through the digestive tract.

How to use:

2–3 times per week
Apply a pea-sized amount to the paw or let your cat lick it from a spoon

✅ Hairball Control Cat Food

Many reputable cat food brands offer formulas with extra fiber designed to reduce hairball formation.

✅ Regular Brushing

Frequent grooming helps remove loose hair before your cat swallows it. Long-haired cats may need daily brushing.

✅ Dietary Fiber

Add pumpkin purée or psyllium husk (in small, cat-safe amounts) to support healthy digestion and hairball elimination.

4. Home Care Tips for Vomiting Cats

Even if the issue seems minor, frequent vomiting should be addressed with supportive care at home:

Split meals into smaller portions to prevent overeating
Soften kibble with warm water for easier digestion
Minimize stress and provide quiet resting spaces
Monitor playthings to avoid accidental ingestion of strings or plastic

5. When to Take Your Cat to the Vet Immediately

Call your vet right away if your cat shows any of these symptoms:

Vomiting blood or dark brown liquid
Severe diarrhea
Vomiting more than 2–3 times a day
Weakness, hiding, or sudden behavioral changes
Bloated stomach or signs of pain
Dehydration (sunken eyes, sticky gums, skin doesn’t bounce back)

6. Common Myths and Mistakes

❌ “It’s normal for cats to vomit often.”
✅ Truth: Occasional hairballs are normal. Frequent vomiting is not.

❌ “If my cat skips meals, she’ll be fine later.”
✅ Truth: Cats who stop eating for 24+ hours are at risk of fatty liver disease, especially overweight cats.

❌ “Changing food brands shouldn’t matter.”
✅ Truth: Always transition to new food gradually over 7–10 days to avoid GI upset.

7. Final Thoughts: Don’t Ignore Frequent Vomiting

Frequent vomiting in cats is more than just a nuisance—it’s often your cat’s way of saying something’s wrong. Whether it’s hairballs or something more serious, early intervention is key.

By understanding the causes, observing your cat’s behavior closely, and knowing when to seek help, you can keep your feline friend healthy and happy.