Cat vomiting can have different colors depending on the cause. It depends primarily on what the cat ate and with what coloring. Often it is not the food you gave that is being vomited. You often can’t tell exactly what the cat is missing based on the color of the vomit. However, there are some possible causes of cat vomiting. Some are not a cause for concern. Other causes of cat vomiting, however, very much are.
The cat vomits a clear liquid
If the cat vomits a clear liquid once, it is possible that it drank too much water. It is also conceivable that the cat is vomiting digestive fluid because it has swallowed a hairball or fur. However, it may also be something more serious. Just frequent vomiting should always be a cause for concern.
So, clear cat vomiting may simply be water or digestive juice from the cat’s stomach. First, consider whether your cat is drinking too much water. Cats that drink too much water may have a medical condition such as diabetes or kidney disease that causes them to feel too thirsty. If you are planning a visit to the veterinarian, take the time beforehand to log your cat’s water intake.
Puking white foam or gastric juice can also be caused by a hairball or a parasite. Some tumors can also cause this type of vomiting, so a visit to the veterinarian is important.
When should I be concerned about my cat’s vomiting?
If your cat is vomiting, you should first observe her current behavior. How often does she vomit? How does she behave at other times?
If your cat vomits more than once a day or for several days in a row, you should make an appointment with your veterinarian immediately. Chronic vomiting is a serious sign of illness.
Examine your cat’s vomit for clues to its health. If the vomit is clear, it may just be water. If it contains yellow bile, red blood, mucus or undigested food, this is important information to share with your veterinarian.
Even if your cat’s health is deteriorating, urge an appointment with your veterinarian soon. This is often indicated by weight loss, excessive thirst, or more fatigue than usual.
What does the color of cat vomit mean?
The color of your cat’s vomit can be affected by what he ate. However, the color can also be a sign of what may be wrong with your cat.
Cat vomiting: Red or pink
Cat vomit that is red or pink may contain fresh blood. If your cat is vomiting blood, it should be considered a medical concern. Ultimately, however, it may just be a minor injury. However, only a veterinarian can determine this beyond a doubt.
Some cat food can also cause red or pink vomit.
Cat vomiting: Brown or yellow
Cat vomiting that is yellow or brown may indicate the presence of bile. Bile may indicate an empty stomach if your cat has already emptied its stomach or if it has not been eating.
Cat vomiting: Clear
Clear cat vomiting may be gastric juices or just water. First, observe your cat’s eating and drinking habits. If your cat is drinking more than usual or not eating much, you should seek medical attention.
Cat vomiting: black
Black vomit, especially with lumps, can be a serious sign of blood from the stomach. Often this blood is dry or lumpy because it is older blood, not fresh blood that might be caused by a small injury in the throat or mouth. Seek veterinary attention immediately.
Cat vomiting: Green
Green vomiting can be caused by the presence of bile (see Brown or Yellow), but is more often a sign that your cat has eaten grass or other plant material. In some cases, grass may be laced with chemicals that can be harmful to cats.
Can cats throw up when stressed?
Stress can cause a cat to vomit. Usually vomiting is not the only sign that a cat is feeling stressed or anxious. Other signs of cat stress include increased combing, which can cause the fur to fall out. If the cat hides more often, this may also be a sign of stress.
Cats may also have diarrhea, stop eating or stop using their litter box. Another sign of stress in cats is increasing aggression from the cat. If your cat starts snapping or hissing more often, he may be feeling stressed and anxious.
How can I tell if my cat has been poisoned?
A cat that has been poisoned is likely to vomit at least once. However, poison can quickly cause a cat’s condition to deteriorate and become unresponsive. Because cats are small, they can be severely harmed by even a small amount of a poison. Free-roaming cats can come into contact with many different things during their forays.
Signs of poisoning include twitching and unusual muscle movements, breathing problems, vomiting and diarrhea. Eventually, cats may collapse if they have been exposed to large amounts of poison. Rat poison is a common cause of concern for cat owners. Putting out rat poison is only allowed in special containers here, so the poison is out of reach only to cats.
But cats can also get exposed to many other things when they are out exploring. These include pesticides and weed killers, antifreeze, cleaning products and paints. Some plants and flowers are harmful to cats, including daffodils, tulips and lilies. Essential oils can also poison your cat.
Okay for humans – deadly for cats
Some items that are harmless to humans can be deadly to cats even in small amounts. So if you notice signs of poisoning, it’s helpful to know where your cat has been and what it may have eaten. Watch for common household items that may be harmful to your pet.
How do cats behave when they are sick?
A sick cat will usually tell you that it is not in its best condition. Look for vomiting or increased salivation, as these are signs that something is wrong in your cat’s body. Other signs may include unusual muscle movements or twitching, loss of fur, or discharge from your cat’s eyes or nose.
A sick cat may show signs of difficulty breathing or change its appetite. She may eat or drink much less (or more) than usual, especially if she has food poisoning. Watch not only for physical signs, but also for changes in behavior. If your cat is hiding more, not using her litter box, or seems more aggressive than usual, these are other signs that your cat is not well.
Cat is vomiting – what should I do?
As for the colors of vomit, clear liquid is often considered one of the more harmless vomits. However, this does not mean that cat vomiting can be dismissed lightly.
When your cat vomits for the first time and you don’t feel you need to take your cat to the emergency vet right away, keep a close eye on the animal over the next few hours. Check how much your cat is drinking and eating. If your cat continues to vomit, drink a lot more, or shows no interest in food, you should see your veterinarian quickly.