For new cat owners, vomiting can be a cause for concern. Be aware, however, that it is normal to see your feline throw up and there is generally nothing to worry about! Indeed, it turns out that cats have fragile stomachs and the causes of vomiting are often benign.
Hairballs
This is the most classic vomiting encountered in felines. Also called “trichobezoars”, hairballs are clumps of hair swallowed by cats that collect in their stomachs. Every day, the animal spends long hours grooming itself by carefully licking its coat. And it happens that it swallows a large amount of fur and needs to reject it. The solution to reduce trichobezoars? Frequent brushing of your big cat!
Meals that are too fast
Some cats eat so quickly that they swallow their food without chewing it, which makes them nauseous and can cause vomiting. It is called regurgitation when you see pieces of food intact in the vomit. You can reduce this phenomenon by feeding your kitty small amounts several times a day. Raising your bowl a few centimeters can also promote better digestion.
Food intolerance
Apart from these cases which should not alarm you, your cat’s vomiting can have more serious causes. If your feline vomits regularly, it could be intolerant, even allergic, to the ingredients of its kibbles or pâtés. In the worst case, it can be parasites or inflammation of the stomach.
Foreign body consumption
The feline is by nature hunter and player. Thus, the smallest object (string, ball of paper) lying around can become prey that it will tend to swallow. Namely, the cat may vomit sporadically over a long period of time if the foreign body gets stuck in the stomach. Occasionally, the animal may also eat plants it cannot digest, such as grass, causing it to regurgitate.
