Vomiting is a nonspecific symptom associated with an array of health concerns. If your cat vomits undigested food, it may be caused by minor issues such as eating too fast or more serious problems like intestinal obstructions or pancreatitis. It's essential to know the specific reason why your feline is throwing up food and ways you can treat it before seeking veterinary help. Here are some possible reasons why your cat is throwing up food and what you can do about it.

What Is the Difference Between Vomiting and Regurgitation?

Vomiting is not always vomiting; sometimes it is actually regurgitation, and knowing the difference can be helpful information for your veterinarian to help diagnose the cause. Regurgitation is often mistaken for vomiting, but unlike vomited food, regurgitated food has not yet been digested by stomach acids.

Regurgitation, on the other hand, involves only the contents of the mouth or esophagus. Food and/or water or other ingested items do not make it to the stomach before they come back up, and there is no abdominal effort. Regurgitation is a passive process in which there is no vocalizing or retching: the cat just lowers its head and food, or other materials, fall out. Regurgitation often happens within 30 minutes to two hours after eating.

Common Causes of Your Cat Vomiting or Regurgitating

Your Cat Is Eating Too Fast

Some cats may eat too quickly and this can cause them to regurgitate undigested food. You can try feeding your cat smaller and more frequent meals to prevent this. In addition, feeding your cat out of a food puzzle toy can help to slow them down. Food puzzles are a great source of play and enrichment for your cat. In addition to slowing down eating, they stimulate your cat's predatory and foraging instincts. If your cat routinely eats out of puzzle feeders and is still vomiting up its food, talk to your veterinarian.

Food Allergies and Sensitive Stomachs

Some cats may throw up food due to a food allergy or intolerance. These cats may be allergic or sensitive to certain ingredients in their food, most often a protein source. Your veterinarian may recommend testing your cat for allergies and other conditions to determine the underlying cause. Additionally, your vet may recommend a diet change to cat food with limited ingredients or hydrolyzed protein. A hydrolyzed diet is a food that has gone through a process where the protein is broken down into amino acid components. This prevents your cat's immune system from identifying the food as containing an allergen.

Food and Dietary Changes 

Changing to a new cat food formula can cause vomiting or regurgitation. While it's possible that the new food does not agree with your cat's stomach, it may also be that the diet change was made too quickly. When changing your cat to a new diet, it is recommended to do it gradually over a one to two-week period gradually decreasing the amount of current cat food while increasing the amount of new cat food.

Hairballs

Hairballs can contribute to or cause a cat to vomit up undigested food. Although most of the hair your cat swallows during grooming will pass through the gastrointestinal tract, sometimes it can remain in the stomach and form a hairball. Occasional hairballs are normal for some cats, but they should not be frequent, painful, or difficult to pass. To help prevent hairballs in your cat, there are over-the-counter dietary supplements and hairball remedies. in either chew or gel forms. Regular brushing of the coat can also help remove loose fur in your cat's coat that they may otherwise ingest when grooming.

Gastroenteritis  

Gastroenteritis, the inflammation of the stomach and intestines, is often caused by eating something irritating. If your cat ingests something toxic or harmful, such as plants, medications, chemicals, and even some human foods, you may see them throw up undigested food in addition to vomiting blood and/or bile. Your cat may also lose their appetite and experience lethargy and dehydration.

Gastrointestinal Obstruction

Some cats will eat non-edible items, such as toys or string. Unfortunately, these objects can become stuck in the GI tract and prevent normal digestion. These cats may eat normally at first, but they will eventually begin vomiting the food because it cannot pass through the body. Contact a veterinarian immediately if you think your cat ate something they shouldn't have. Your cat might need surgery.

Some other reasons why cats throw up food include:

• Pancreatitis
  
• Parasites
• Constipation
• Motility disorders
• Esophageal irritation

What Should You Do If Your Cat Is Vomiting Undigested Food?

If your cat throws up food once, remove the food for six to 12 hours and monitor your cat for continued vomiting or other signs of illness. You can try feeding smaller amounts at the next mealtime or use a food puzzle toy. If your cat continues to vomit or shows other signs, such as lack of appetite, weight loss, lethargy, or diarrhea, contact your veterinarian.

Some cat owners report occasional or even regular vomiting and think it might be a typical "cat thing," but frequent vomiting is never normal for a cat. Vomiting more than once a week is a sign of a problem and warrants a vet visit.

Your vet will start with a physical exam, checking your cat's vital signs, and palpating your cat's abdomen. They may also want to run some diagnostic tests to get more information. A fecal sample can be screened for microscopic signs of intestinal parasites. Blood work will check your cat's organ function and blood cell levels. An X-ray will check for abnormalities such as fluid in the abdomen and intestinal gas patterns that could indicate a blockage.

Treatment for Vomiting in Cats

Treatment recommendations will depend on what your veterinarian finds. Some cats will require hospitalization for fluid therapy and supportive care. Cats with minor illnesses may simply receive outpatient treatments and go home with oral medications. However, If your vet suspects an intestinal blockage, surgery might be necessary to remove the obstruction.

How to Prevent Vomiting in Cats

Depending on why your cat is vomiting, there are a few things you can do to prevent it. If your cat is eating too quickly, feed smaller meals more often. Talk to your veterinarian to ensure your cat is not fed too much but is still getting the necessary nutrition. If your cat is prone to hairballs, start a regular brushing schedule and consider a hairball prevention supplement. If you suspect food allergies or sensitivity, talk with your vet about a special diet.