Why Is My Cat Vomiting? 

Understanding Hairballs, Disease, and When Vomiting Is Not Normal 

By Dr. Dina Bascharon, DVM Oak Park Animal Hospital - Oak Park, IL

Serving our community since 1972. Where compassion, prevention, and Pawsitive Longevity® come together.

Vomiting is often dismissed as "normal" for cats, especially when hairballs are involved. However, frequent vomiting is never normal and is one of the most commonly overlooked signs of illness in cats.Cats are experts at hiding disease. What may appear to be a minor issue can be an early indicator of significant underlying health concerns.

Common Causes of Vomiting in Cats

Hairballs: Occasional hairballs can occur due to grooming. However, frequent hairballs often signal gastrointestinal motility issues or underlying disease.

Dietary Intolerance: Food sensitivities or sudden diet changes can irritate the gastrointestinal tract.

Gastrointestinal Disease: Inflammatory bowel disease, intestinal lymphoma, and chronic enteropathies commonly cause vomiting in cats.

Systemic Illness: Kidney disease, hyperthyroidism, pancreatitis, and liver disease may all present initially with vomiting.

Parasites: Intestinal parasites can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and weight loss, especially in younger cats.

When Vomiting Is a Concern

Contact your veterinarian if vomiting: 

• Occurs more than once a month 
• Is accompanied by weight loss or appetite changes 
• Includes blood or bile 
• Is paired with lethargy or hiding 
• Persists despite diet changes

Vomiting and Pawsitive Longevity®

From a Pawsitive Longevity® perspective, chronic vomiting accelerates dehydration, nutrient loss, inflammation, and organ stress. Early evaluation allows us to diagnose disease sooner, when treatment is more effective and outcomes are better.

Our Approach at Oak Park Animal Hospital

Dr. Dina Bascharon evaluates vomiting through a thorough assessment including: 

• Diet history 
• Physical examination 
• Bloodwork 
• Fecal testing 
• Imaging when indicated

This proactive approach supports longer, healthier lives for cats.

Oak Park Animal Hospital 708-383-5542

From our family to yours since 1972... personal care you can trust.