In this guide
Your cat shouldn’t throw up every day. While occasional vomiting happens to most cats, chronic vomiting in cats signals something deeper. If your cat keeps throwing up for weeks, it’s time to act. This guide breaks down what causes it, what to watch for, and how to fix it.
What Makes Vomiting “Chronic”?
Most cats vomit once in a while. That’s normal. But when does my cat vomit every day become a red flag?
Chronic vomiting means your cat throws up daily or several times per week for more than two weeks. This differs from acute vomiting, which stops quickly. Pay attention to vomiting frequency. If your cat vomits once a week but seems healthy, monitor it. If your cat throws up daily or the cat throws up bile for 3 days straight, see your vet now.
Symptoms of Chronic Vomiting in Cats
Watch for these warning signs:
Before vomiting happens:
- Drooling before vomiting
- Excessive swallowing
- Retching
- Signs of nausea in cats like lip-licking
Common symptoms:
- Loss of appetite or decreased appetite
- Dehydration (check by gently pulling skin—it should snap back)
- Lethargy and hiding
- Weight loss over weeks
- Foul breath
- Fever
- Increased thirst and increased urination
- Unkempt hair coat
Red flags that need urgent care:
- Vomit contains blood (red or coffee-ground color)
- Gastrointestinal bleeding or diarrhea (bloody, tarry)
- Painful abdomen when touched
- Behavioral changes like aggression
Your vet may find palpable thickened intestines or palpable abdominal masses during an exam.
Causes of Frequent Vomiting in Cats
Understanding the main causes of frequent vomiting in cats helps you identify why your pet is uncomfortable and what steps to take next.
Hairballs and Grooming Issues
Hairball buildup ranks as the top reason cats vomit. Normal grooming behavior leads to swallowed fur. Long-haired cats and vomiting go hand in hand because they swallow more hair. Most cats hack up hairballs monthly. But if your cat barfs every day, hairballs aren’t the only problem.
Foreign Body Ingestion
Cats eat strange things. String, hair ties, rubber bands, and trash appeal to curious cats. Foreign body ingestion can cause gastrointestinal obstruction. This intestinal obstruction blocks food from moving through. It’s a medical emergency.
Infections
Bacterial infections, viral infections, and parasitic infections all trigger vomiting. Young cats especially get parasites. Stool culture and PCR panels for infectious agents help identify the culprit.
Endocrine Disorders
Diabetes mellitus in cats and hyperthyroidism in cats cause cat vomiting chronic problems. These hormonal issues mess with digestion and appetite. Treatment of hyperthyroidism involves meds, diet, radiation, or surgery.
Organ Disease
Liver disease, kidney disease, and pancreatitis commonly cause cat puking every day. These organs control digestion and waste removal. When they fail, toxins build up. Electrolyte disturbances follow.
Digestive Problems
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) ranks high among gastrointestinal disorders. The gut becomes inflamed and irritated. Food allergy and food intolerance also trigger vomiting. Some cats develop psychogenic vomiting or stress-related vomiting from anxiety.
Cancer and Masses
Cancer causing vomiting happens, especially in older cats. Tumors block the intestines or release toxins.
Toxins and Medications
Medication-induced vomiting and toxin-induced vomiting occur when cats eat poisonous plants, chemicals, or wrong doses of medicine. Household hazards like cleaning products pose risks.
How Vets Diagnose the Problem
Your vet follows a diagnostic pathway for chronic vomiting:
Basic Tests:
- Stool testing for parasites
- Urinalysis to check kidney function
- Bloodwork for vomiting reveals many issues
What Blood Tests Show:
- Increased liver enzymes (ALT, ALP)
- Increased kidney values (creatinine, BUN, phosphorus)
- Low proteins (albumin, cholesterol)
- Anemia from chronic blood loss
- Erythrocytosis from dehydration
- Markers of pancreatic inflammation through PLI/TLI tests
- Folate and cobalamin levels (B vitamins)
Imaging:
- X-ray imaging finds foreign objects and masses
- Abdominal ultrasound shows thickened intestinal walls and changes in intestinal function
Advanced Tests:
- Cat endoscopy lets vets look inside the stomach and intestines
- Biopsy of GI tract identifies IBD or cancer
- Laparoscopy or exploratory surgery for unclear cases
- Diagnostic food trial using novel protein diet or hydrolyzed diet
Treatment of Chronic Vomiting in Cats
Treatment depends on the cause.
Supportive Care:
- IV fluid therapy fixes dehydration fast
- Supportive care for vomiting includes rest and monitoring
Medications:
- Antiemetic medications stop nausea
- Maropitant (Cerenia) works best for most cats
- Metoclopramide and ondansetron offer alternatives
- Prokinetic agents increase GI motility
- Appetite stimulants like mirtazapine or capromorelin restart eating
- Vitamin B12 injections help cats with IBD
- Deworming agents kill parasites
Diet Changes:
- Dietary management for vomiting often involves special food
- Novel protein diets use unusual proteins (duck, venison)
- Hydrolyzed diets break proteins into tiny pieces
Specific Treatments:
- Surgical treatment for obstruction removes foreign objects
- Treatment of hyperthyroidism through various methods
- Combination therapy for chronic vomiting tackles multiple issues
What to Expect: Prognosis and Recovery
Outcomes vary. Simple causes like hairballs or parasites clear up quickly. Complex diseases carry a guarded prognosis. Recovery and long-term management may take months. Quality of life considerations matter. Work with your vet to keep your cat comfortable.
When to See a Veterinarian
Don’t wait if you see medical emergency signs:
- Blood in vomit
- Vomiting with systemic disease like fever, weight loss, or severe dehydration
- Pain when touching the belly
- Cat vomiting for weeks
- Cat vomiting more than usual with other symptoms
Prevention Tips
Stop Foreign Objects:
- Preventing foreign body ingestion starts at home
- Secure trash cans
- Hide hair ties, rubber bands, and string
- Remove household hazards
- Watch what your cat chews
Reduce Hairballs:
- Brush long-haired cats daily
- Try hairball prevention treats
- Add fiber to the diet
Lower Stress:
- Keep routines stable
- Provide hiding spots
- Use calming aids during changes
Bottom Line
Chronic vomiting in cats isn’t normal. Your cat throwing up daily signals a real problem. From hairballs to serious disease, many causes exist. Quick action and proper diagnosis make all the difference. Watch for red flags. Get help early. Your cat depends on you to notice when cat vomiting becomes more than just an occasional problem.
