It's gross and it's scary. It's cat puke!
But don't worry, it's very common. I have two cats (Tini and Cheddar) and both have had puking spells before. But eventually it passes, once the reason has been found out. All cats at one point or another will throw up. But let's make sure it's nothing serious first.
But if you see blood in your cat's stool, a fever, or diarrhea, it may be time to go see a vet.
1. Stuck Hairball
Hairballs are a common occurrence. Most of the time they'll pass without much notice but when the hairball is too big and much too matted, your cat will bring it up the only way he can: by throwing up. This can happen right after eating because as they're trying to get the food past that hair blockage, it's just not working so instead the poor cat hurls up everything. Check the vomit for hair to double check that this is indeed a hairball issue. If it is, then spend more time grooming your cat.
2. Eating Grass or Plants
Cats often ingest copious amounts of plants. To be on the safe side, keep your cat indoors and make sure all your plants and flowers out of your cat's reach.
3. Change In Diet
If you change your cat's diet too quickly, your cat's stomach won't be ready for it. Since cats are slaves to routine, the enzymes and bacteria within your cat's digestive track may not be ready for the drastic switch. If you have changed your cat's diet, switch back to the old food and gradually introduce the new food a little bit at a time.
4. Overeating
Cat sick after eating? Then take the time to monitor your cat's eating habits. At least for a few weeks.
You've felt this before. You're at a hotel buffet and before you know it, you're passed out on your bed nursing a stomach ache. This happens to cats too and on some occasions, they'll throw up. Regulate your cat's mealtimes as well as how much they eat. Some cats eat much too fast for their own good and don't realize they're full till it's too late.
5. Poisons
Cats are relatively independent creatures and as such we feel comfortable leaving them alone at home. But we forget that they can be incredibly curious. Your cat may have gotten into your cleaning closet and ingested some cleaning detergent, soap, or oil. Even alcohol can make your cat puke. Double check your cleaning agents and make sure there was no way your cat could have gotten into it.
6. Cheap Cat Food
Cheap cat food is filled with filler, food dye, and unknown "meat". This kind of cardboard cat food isn't good and probably has low protein content. Stuff like food dye and filler can be hard on your cat's digestive track and is much harder to digest. Switch from cheap, generic cat food to one made specifically for your cat's age group and type. Ensure it's AAFCO (Association Of American Feed Control Officials) approved or at least by another government agency. I know you'll want to save money but having a cat sick after eating is no fun for anyone.
7. Gastrointestinal Issues
There are a variety of digestive issues: gastritis, colitis, worms, or pancreatitis. The only way to be sure is to go see a vet and get your cat completely checked out.
When you see your vet, report on your cat's bowel movements, eating habits, and any change in behaviour.
Hope this helps you figure out your cat's puking spell. It can be scary but in many cases it's harmless or treatable.
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