Amelia Taylor – Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine
My cat keeps throwing up after eating is one of the more common worries cat owners search for, and in most cases the reason is simple to fix. Here is what usually causes it and what tends to help.
Eating Too Fast Is The Most Common Cause
- Cats that gulp their food often swallow air along with it, which comes back up minutes later
- This is more common in multi cat homes, where cats compete for food and rush to finish first
- The food usually looks whole or barely chewed when this happens, rather than fully digested
Hairballs Can Show Up Around Mealtime
- Cats swallow loose fur while grooming themselves, and it can build up in the stomach over time
- A meal can trigger the stomach to contract, which sometimes brings up a hairball along with it
- Long haired cats tend to deal with this more often than short haired cats
A New Food Can Upset Their Stomach
- Switching cat food too quickly is a common trigger for vomiting after meals
- The issue is usually the speed of the switch, not that your cat dislikes the new food
- Mixing a small amount of new food into the old food over one to two weeks helps the stomach adjust
Simple Changes That Can Help
- Feed smaller portions more often instead of one large meal
- Try a slow feeder bowl or a puzzle feeder to slow down fast eaters
- Brush your cat regularly, especially if they have a longer coat, to cut down on swallowed fur
- Keep food changes gradual rather than sudden
What To Keep An Eye On
- Occasional vomiting, like once every few weeks, is common and usually not a big deal
- Vomiting after every meal or several times a week is worth paying closer attention to
- Signs like tiredness, loss of appetite, or repeated vomiting alongside other changes are worth mentioning to your vet
According to Purina, eating too fast and switching foods too quickly are two of the most common reasons cats vomit shortly after meals. CityVet also notes that occasional vomiting is different from frequent vomiting, and that the pattern itself is often more telling than a single episode.
If your cat has also seemed less active than usual, our guide on why your cat is pooping outside the litter box covers other everyday changes worth checking too.
