Why Is My Cat Vomiting and Not Eating?

When a cat is vomiting and suddenly refuses food, it can be concerning for any cat owner. Occasional vomiting may happen for relatively minor reasons, such as eating too quickly or bringing up a hairball. However, vomiting combined with a loss of appetite can also occur with illnesses or conditions that need veterinary attention.

The importance of the situation depends on how often your cat is vomiting, how long they have refused food, whether they are drinking water, and whether other symptoms are present. A cat that vomits once and returns to normal may need simple observation, while repeated vomiting or prolonged refusal to eat warrants prompt veterinary evaluation.

Common Reasons a Cat May Vomit and Stop Eating

Several different problems can cause both vomiting and reduced appetite. These include digestive problems, dietary changes, infections, pain, and illnesses affecting other organs.

Stomach Upset

A mild stomach upset can cause temporary vomiting and loss of appetite. Cats may react to eating something unusual, getting into food intended for people, eating spoiled food, or suddenly changing their regular diet.

If the stomach irritation is mild, a cat may begin eating normally again once the problem passes. Continued vomiting, however, should not simply be assumed to be a minor stomach upset.

Hairballs

Hairballs are a familiar cause of vomiting in cats, particularly in cats that groom themselves frequently. A cat may vomit a hairball and temporarily have less interest in food afterward.

However, repeated vomiting without producing a hairball should not automatically be blamed on hairballs. Frequent vomiting can have other causes and may require an examination.

Eating Something They Shouldn’t

Cats can sometimes swallow objects such as pieces of string, ribbon, plastic, rubber bands, or small toys. A foreign object can irritate or obstruct the digestive tract.

Vomiting combined with refusing food can be an important warning sign of a possible obstruction. If you know or suspect that your cat swallowed an object, contact a veterinarian promptly rather than waiting for it to pass.

Dietary Changes or Food Intolerance

A sudden change in food can upset a cat’s digestive system. Some cats may also react poorly to particular ingredients.

When changing foods, transitioning gradually can help reduce digestive upset. If vomiting and appetite loss continue despite returning to the usual diet, veterinary advice is appropriate.

Infections

Viral, bacterial, or parasitic infections can cause vomiting and appetite loss. Depending on the illness, a cat may also develop diarrhea, lethargy, fever, dehydration, or other symptoms.

Because many different conditions can produce similar signs, vomiting and appetite loss alone cannot identify the underlying cause.

More Serious Conditions That Can Cause Vomiting and Appetite Loss

Vomiting and refusing food can sometimes occur with more significant medical problems.

Conditions involving the digestive tract, kidneys, liver, pancreas, or other organs may cause these symptoms. Dental or oral pain can also make a cat reluctant to eat, while pain elsewhere in the body may cause appetite changes.

Some cats with pancreatitis, kidney disease, liver problems, gastrointestinal disease, or other illnesses may vomit and stop eating. These conditions cannot be diagnosed reliably at home.

This is particularly important because cats can become unwell when they go without food for an extended period. Cats that are overweight are especially vulnerable to developing fatty liver disease, also called hepatic lipidosis, when they stop eating.

What Other Symptoms Should You Watch For?

Pay attention to your cat’s overall condition rather than looking at vomiting alone.

Contact a veterinarian promptly if vomiting and appetite loss occur with symptoms such as:

• Repeated vomiting
• Severe or unusual lethargy
• Weakness or difficulty standing
• Diarrhea, especially if severe or bloody
• Blood in vomit
• A painful, swollen, or tense abdomen
• Excessive drooling
• Difficulty breathing
• Signs of dehydration
• Straining to urinate or inability to urinate
• Pale, yellow, or bluish gums
• Collapse or severe weakness
• Suspected poisoning
• Suspected ingestion of a foreign object

A cat that appears very sick should receive veterinary care rather than being monitored at home.

How Long Can a Cat Go Without Eating?

Cats should not be intentionally left without food for prolonged periods. If your cat has stopped eating, the reason matters as much as the amount of time.

A cat that refuses food after vomiting should be monitored closely. If the cat continues refusing food, particularly while also vomiting, contact your veterinarian for guidance instead of waiting several days.

This is especially important for kittens, senior cats, cats with existing medical conditions, and overweight cats. They may be more vulnerable to complications from illness or inadequate food intake.

What Can You Do at Home?

If your cat vomited once but otherwise appears alert and comfortable, you can monitor them closely and make sure fresh water is available.

Do not force food into a vomiting cat. Forced feeding can increase stress and may potentially cause aspiration if food enters the airway.

You can offer your cat their normal food once they appear interested in eating again, unless your veterinarian has recommended a different diet. Avoid giving table scraps, rich foods, or unfamiliar treats while your cat’s stomach is unsettled.

Do not give human medications unless a veterinarian specifically tells you to do so. Many medications that are safe for people can be dangerous for cats.

Keep track of important details, including when the vomiting started, how frequently it occurs, what the vomit looks like, when your cat last ate and drank, and whether they are urinating and passing stool. This information can help your veterinarian determine what may be happening.

When Should You Call the Veterinarian?

Call your veterinarian if your cat continues vomiting, refuses food, seems painful, becomes unusually quiet or weak, or develops additional symptoms.

Veterinary attention is particularly important when a cat is vomiting repeatedly or has stopped eating for a significant period. Don’t wait for severe symptoms to appear if your cat’s condition is getting worse.

If poisoning or ingestion of a potentially dangerous substance is suspected, seek veterinary help immediately. Do not induce vomiting unless a veterinary professional specifically instructs you to do so.

Your veterinarian may perform a physical examination and, depending on the symptoms, recommend blood tests, X-rays, ultrasound, fecal testing, or other diagnostic procedures. Treatment depends on the underlying cause.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my cat vomiting and refusing food?

Vomiting and refusing food can happen with stomach upset, hairballs, dietary problems, infections, foreign objects, pain, and various medical conditions. The combination does not identify one specific cause, so persistent or severe symptoms should be evaluated by a veterinarian.

Should I worry if my cat vomits once and does not eat immediately?

One episode of vomiting does not always indicate a serious problem. Some cats may temporarily lose interest in food afterward. However, monitor your cat closely and contact a veterinarian if vomiting continues, appetite does not return, or other concerning symptoms develop.

Can a cat become sick from not eating?

Yes. Cats can develop serious complications when they do not eat, particularly when food refusal continues. Overweight cats are at particular risk of hepatic lipidosis, so prolonged appetite loss should not be ignored.

What should I give my cat after vomiting?

If your cat is otherwise well and begins showing interest in food, offering their normal food in an appropriate amount may be reasonable. Avoid rich human foods and unfamiliar treats. If vomiting continues or your cat refuses food, ask a veterinarian for specific feeding instructions.

When is vomiting an emergency for a cat?

Repeated vomiting accompanied by severe lethargy, weakness, collapse, breathing problems, significant abdominal pain, blood, suspected poisoning, or suspected foreign-object ingestion can require urgent veterinary care. A veterinarian should also be contacted when a cat continues refusing food or deteriorates.

Conclusion

A cat that is vomiting and not eating may have anything from temporary digestive upset to a condition requiring veterinary treatment. The number of vomiting episodes, duration of appetite loss, hydration, behavior, and other symptoms all help determine how concerning the situation is.

If your cat quickly returns to normal after a single vomiting episode, careful observation may be appropriate. But repeated vomiting, continued refusal to eat, significant weakness, pain, dehydration, or other unusual symptoms should prompt veterinary attention. When you’re unsure, contacting your veterinarian is the safest way to determine what your cat needs.