When Vomiting in Cats Is Cause for Concern
Repeated cat vomiting should never be ignored because it can lead to dehydration. But because vomiting is common in cats, how do you know what’s normal? “A general guideline is that if the cat is vomiting one to three times a month, we consider this normal,” says Dr. Folger.
He considers it serious if the vomiting occurs twice daily for two or three days. If your cat stops eating, seems to have stomach pain or retches continuously, or if the vomit is mixed with blood, take her to a veterinarian. And as always, if you’re suspicious that a lingering problem could be harmful to your pet, call your veterinarian. A visit to the office can help relieve your cat’s discomfort and your worries as well.
Preventing Your Cat from Vomiting
Often, owners accept their pet’s vomiting as a natural part of their behavior, but just because cats seem to have more than their fair share of stomach issues doesn’t mean you don’t have options.
Help Your Cat Eat More Slowly
One simple preventative measure is to get your fast-eating cat to slow down or to simply eat less. Dr. Stephens recommends feeding smaller portions, elevating your cat’s food dish slightly or putting an object, such as a ball, into the dish. The cat will be forced to eat around the ball, thus slowing her intake. If you do this, make sure the ball isn’t small enough to swallow. And you may need to feed cats in a multiple-cat household at different times and places to reduce competitive eating.

Adjust Your Cat’s Diet
If simple solutions don’t work, watch your cat’s eating behavior and reactions. Bowen, for example, tried changing her cats’ diets. “Since switching to IAMS™, they rarely throw up,” Bowen says.
“Usually, when you change to a higher-quality diet, there is no problem,” Stephens says. Here are some tips for helping make sure your cat’s food transition is as successful and comfortable as possible:
- Go slowly. Make the transition gradually to allow your cat time to adjust. “Make sure the cat eats something every day,” Dr. Stephens advises. “A cat that quits eating suddenly can develop liver problems.”
- Add appeal. Switching from wet to dry food or vice versa should also be done gradually. Many cats find canned food more palatable. If you switch to dry food, add water and warm it slightly for more appeal. Discard uneaten food after 20 minutes to prevent spoilage.
- Measure up. How much should you feed your cat? Your cat’s age, sex, breed, activity level and overall health need to be taken into consideration. Talk with your veterinarian, and then read the manufacturer’s recommendations. Premium foods like IAMS™ cat foods are more nutrient-dense than many nonpremium diets, so don’t be surprised if the recommended amounts seem low.
- Pay attention. Beyond careful measuring, also regularly weigh your cat and adjust the feeding amount accordingly after switching to a premium food. Your cat may appear happy if you overfeed her. But over time, she may become overweight.
If your cat vomits more than three times a month or has chronic stomach issues, you can take several steps to help resolve her discomfort. With your veterinarian’s help and a little effort on your part, your cat’s stomach issues can be a thing of the past.