What to do if your cat vomits after eating cat food

Cat vomiting after eating cat food can be caused by various reasons such as eating too fast, inappropriate cat food, functional indigestion, gastroenteritis, hairball syndrome, parasite infection, and feline distemper. If the vomiting is caused by eating too fast or inappropriate cat food, it is a normal phenomenon and generally does not require medication. However, if there are other symptoms such as nausea, diarrhea, and lethargy, it is an abnormal situation and it is recommended to consult a veterinarian promptly.

Eating too fast

If a cat eats cat food too fast, it can stimulate the mucous membrane of the throat, causing vomiting. The cat needs to slow down its eating speed and avoid overeating.

Inappropriate cat food

If cat food is suddenly changed, it may irritate the digestive tract, causing functional disorders and affecting the normal digestion and absorption of food. This is a normal reflex and it is necessary to choose suitable cat food.

Functional indigestion

This is a common disease usually caused by unhealthy eating habits and abnormal immune mechanisms. It can lead to disorders of the stomach and duodenum, affecting the normal digestion and absorption of food. Since cat food is not easily digestible, vomiting is likely to occur during the illness. Medical advice should be sought and digestive enzymes taken according to the doctor's instructions.

Gastroenteritis

If a cat has gastroenteritis, it can cause inflammatory reactions of the gastrointestinal mucosa, such as diarrhea, abdominal pain, and nausea. Eating after illness can exacerbate the burden on the gastrointestinal tract and affect food digestion, leading to vomiting. Medical advice should be sought and medications taken to protect the gastric mucosa and promote digestion.

Hairball syndrome

Cats are clean-freaks and will clean themselves by swallowing hair. During the shedding period, hair can enter the stomach and form a ball, occupying stomach space and affecting food intake. When eating cat food, the cat may vomit. Hairball remover can be given to the cat to improve the situation.

Parasite infection

If the intestine is infected with parasites such as roundworms, hookworms, tapeworms, and other parasites, it can affect the speed of gastrointestinal peristalsis. After eating cat food, the intestine is stimulated, causing vomiting and abdominal discomfort. Medical advice should be sought and parasite-killing medications taken according to the doctor's instructions.

Feline distemper

Also known as feline panleukopenia and feline infectious enteritis, it is an acute, highly contagious disease in cats. Clinical manifestations mainly include high fever, persistent vomiting, diarrhea, and dehydration. After infection, the body's white blood cell count decreases, and vomiting occurs after eating. The cat cannot eat normally and medical advice should be sought. Antibody serum injection can be considered as a treatment option.

During treatment, the cat's physical condition should be monitored at all times. If the condition worsens, consult a veterinarian promptly to avoid delaying treatment and affecting disease control.