Why Is My Cat Throwing Up Water

 

 

 

Nils Jacobi / Getty Images

Cats can vomit for a multitude of reasons and what they vomit can be just as varied. Water or clear liquid, though, can be a sign of a serious illness. Vomiting itself is what is considered to be a nonspecific symptom. It could be associated with an array of health concerns. Some of these can include things like allergic reactions, internal obstructions, pancreatitis, heatstroke/hyperthermia, hypothermia, parasitic infections, liver disease, poisoning, stress, depression, or even anxiety.1 But what could be causing your cat to vomit water or clear liquid specifically?

It can be difficult to tell the difference between water and clear liquid. Clear liquid vomit is a sign that the cat is bringing up fluid from the digestive tract. Occasionally, if your cat is vomiting right after drinking a large amount of water, they will also vomit clear liquid, the water they just drank. When a cat drinks too much water too fast, the stomach becomes filled up with water, will be stretched and enlarged causing the cat to throw up water. Conditions that can cause increased thirst and consequently increased water consumption include kidney disease, hyperthyroidism and diabetes mellitus.2 Other causes of a cat throwing up water is motion sickness, hairballs, gastritis, and more. 

Possible Causes for Your Cat Vomiting Clear Liquid

Hairballs 

Cats are naturally meticulously clean animals and groom themselves for a large part of their day. As your cat grooms themselves, tiny hook-like structures on their tongue catch loose and dead hair, which is then swallowed. The majority of the hair passes all the way through the digestive tract with no problems, but sometimes the hair stays in the stomach and forms a hairball.3

 Commonly, cats will vomit up clear liquid prior to a hairball. Although, a cat vomiting up clear liquid with a hairball occasionally can be normal and not a concern, it is important to note that hairballs should not be frequent, painful, or difficult for your cat to pass. To help prevent hairballs in your cat, there are over the counter dietary supplements, in either chew or gel forms. Adopting a regular brushing schedule and getting your cat comfortable with brushing can also help get rid of any loose fur in your cat's coat that they may otherwise ingest when grooming themselves.

Food and Dietary Changes 

When there is a change in your cats feeding schedule, if your cat misses a meal or eats later than normal, your cat may vomit up clear liquid. 

 In addition, you may have switched your cat’s food too quickly. When changing your cat to a new diet, it is recommended to do it gradually over a five to seven-day period gradually decreasing the amount of current cat food while increasing the amount of new cat food.4

 Your cat may eat too quickly, and this can cause clear vomit or clear vomit with food present. If you cat is a habitual 'scarf and barf' cat or if they have intestinal sensitivities, that may be causing them to vomit up partially digested or undigested food. If your vet has ruled out other medical issues and thinks that what your cat is vomiting up is actually food, they may want you to try a commercial, sensitive systems food with your cat. If your cat is still struggling with vomiting food on this special diet, they may then want to put your cat on a strict, hydrolyzed protein diet.

Your vet may also suggest food puzzles for your cat. Food puzzles are a great source of both play and enrichment for your cat. There are more and more manufactured food puzzles available on the market that stimulate both your cat's predatory and foraging instincts. The added benefit of food puzzles for a cat that chronically vomits their food, though, is that it slows down the chow time so that a cat cannot eat too quickly and then get sick from it.

Indigestion  

Just like in people, a cat's stomach produces various gastric juices as well as hydrochloric acid to digest their food. If, however, a cat skips a meal for some reason, or if they are not fed on time, that buildup of juice and acid can irritate the stomach and cause your cat to vomit. Cats with indigestion may vomit clear liquid, yellow foam, and white foam.5 If you and your vet suspect your cat's vomiting is from indigestion, your vet may suggest feeding small, frequent meals at the same time throughout the day so as to alleviate any buildup of stomach acid.

Gastritis  

If your cat is one to get into things they shouldn't, it is possible that they have irritated their stomach with something that they have eaten. When this happens, you may see vomiting clear liquid in addition to vomiting blood and/or bile.6 Your cat may also be exhibiting a decrease in appetite, a depressed attitude, lethargy, or dehydration. Your vet will know just what to do if your cat is vomiting because of gastritis.

Other Causes  

• Parasites
• Constipation 
• An obstruction of foreign material in the intestinal tract
• Ingesting a toxin 
• Metabolic disorders such as diabetes, kidney disease, and hyperthyroidism

What Should I Do if My Cat Is Vomiting Water? 

Some cat owners may describe their cat as 'puke-y' but it should be noted that frequent vomiting is never normal for a cat. Vomiting more than once a week is definitely a sign of problem. If your cat is vomiting clear liquid or water several times and/or in conjunction with other symptoms such as lack of appetite, weight loss, lethargy, or diarrhea, you should make an appointment with your vet right away. Your vet will want to start with a physical exam, checking your cat's vital signs and palpating your cat's abdomen. After a thorough examination, your vet may also want to run some tests, including blood work and x-rays. Blood work will check your cat's organ function, making sure that there are no signs of liver disease or kidney disease, as well as your cat's red blood cell and platelet levels. An x-ray study will check for any fluid in the abdomen that could potentially be blood and it may also show intestinal gas patterns that could be indicative of a blockage. 

Depending on what your doctor finds, your cat may require hospitalization for fluid therapy and supportive care, or they may just need outpatient treatments and oral medications to go home on. If your vet suspects your cat has an intestinal blockage your cat may require surgery to remove whatever the blockage is.

Learn why cats and dogs shouldn't split a meal and how to prevent it.

 

Can Cats Eat Dog Food?

Learn why cats and dogs shouldn't split a meal and how to prevent it.

 humonia / Getty Images

Is it safe for cats to eat dog food? In short, no. While small amounts of dog food will usually not harm a cat, long-term feeding of dog food to cats can cause complications. Cats may eat a dog's food for a variety of reasons, including hunger, trying to establish dominance, or being enticed by the smell. Although cat food and dog food seem similar, there are some important differences. Learn about the differences between cat and dog food and how to prevent your cat from taking a bite from your dog's plate.

 Can Dogs Eat Cat Food?

Why Shouldn’t Cats Eat Dog Food Long-Term?

Cats have different nutritional needs than dogs. They are obligate carnivores, meaning they require animal protein to thrive. Dog food does not contain the proper amounts of protein, taurine, and other vitamins and minerals needed to support cat health. In addition, the content of calories, fat, and water in dog food may be inappropriate for cats.

What Are the Differences Between Cat Food and Dog Food?

Cat food is higher in protein, fat, and certain vitamins and minerals, all of which are essential nutrients for cats. Cat food contains taurine, which is minimal or lacking altogether in dog food. Cat food is higher in arachidonic acid, niacin, and vitamin A, which you won't find in the right quantity for cats in dog food. Finally, cat food is both smaller (making it easier for cats to eat) and higher in calories than dog food.

What To Do If Your Cat Eats Dog Food

If your cat eats a few bites of dog food every once in a while, you probably have nothing to worry about. Eating dog food may be more problematic if your cat has an allergy, a sensitive stomach, or a health problem with diet restrictions. If your cat seems sick after eating dog food, make a note of the type of food your cat ate and talk to your vet about potential complications.

If you find that your cat has been eating large amounts of dog food on a regular basis, then you should contact your vet for advice. Your cat may need an examination and lab tests to evaluate overall health and check for evidence of malnutrition.

How to Prevent Your Cat From Eating Dog Food

Take steps to prevent your cat from finding dog food by keeping the food out of reach. Avoid free-feeding of all pets in the home and pick up bowls of leftover food. You can also try using automated feeders and keeping your pets separate during meal times.

Synchronizing meal times and feeding your pets in different rooms during their set meal times can help prevent your cat from getting access to a dog's food. Many times, cats will rush to their designated feeding spots instead of lingering near the dog’s bowl. 

 What You Need to Know About Homemade Cat Food

What Food Can Cats Eat?

There are several different types of commercial cat food available for purchase, including dry food, canned food, and raw food.

Wet Food

Many experts now recommend feeding some or all wet cat food to help maintain hydration, minimize carbohydrate intake, and promote a healthy urinary tract. Cats do not need carbohydrates to thrive and cat food is generally considerably lower in this macronutrient than dog food.

In fact, a high carbohydrate intake in cats is associated with diabetes and obesity. In addition, cats don't tend to drink enough water to stay well-hydrated. This can lead to problems with the urinary tract and kidneys.

Dry Food

Despite the reported benefits of wet food, some cats prefer dry food and will not eat enough wet food to stay healthy. Some cats even become addicted to dry food and need to be gradually transitioned to wet food for health benefits. Your veterinarian can help you decide if your cat needs to begin eating wet food rather than dry kibble—or find a good balance between premium dry cat food and wet food options.

Raw Food

Raw food has become increasingly popular among some cat owners. Those who support raw food for cats claim that the diet mimics the way cats eat in the wild. However, there are always safety risks when feeding raw meat. Many cats will be digest raw food, but food-borne pathogens and cross-contamination can cause cats and humans in the home to become ill.

If you want to learn more about feeding raw food to cats, talk to your veterinarian for advice. Also, be aware that pre-prepared raw food diets for cats are lower in plant-based ingredients and higher in amino acids than their doggy counterparts.

Cat Food Regulations

Only cat food with the Association of American Feed Control Officials seal should be fed to cats. Look closely at the food label for information about life stage recommendations. If you have a kitten, pregnant cat, or nursing cat, you should choose a food labeled "for growth" or "for all life stages."

 

Why Is My Cat Not Eating?

 

The Spruce / Ana Cadena

IN THIS ARTICLE

• Why Do Cats Stop Eating?
• What to Do
• Treatment
• Prevention
• Frequently Asked Questions

A cat that suddenly stops eating is often a sign of a more serious problem. Although cats are known to be picky eaters, refusing to eat is not normal. If your cat won't eat and has skipped several meals or gone a day or two without food, you should take action. Not eating can cause additional problems for your cat. While there may be things you can do at home to help your cat regain their appetite, veterinary intervention may be necessary. Here's why your cat is not eating and what you should do about it.

 The 10 Best Healthy Cat Treats of 2023

Why Do Cats Stop Eating?

While your cat might not like the food you're offering, a lack of appetite is often a symptom of an underlying issue. Cats may stop eating if there's something stuck in their stomach or intestines or if they aren't feeling well because of an underlying disease or infection. Your cat's lack of eating can also be a sign of pain or discomfort. Even stress can affect a cat's appetite. Regardless of the cause, it's a significant concern if your cat stops eating.

Respiratory Diseases

Respiratory problems can affect your cat's sense of smell or ability to breathe leading to a loss of appetite.1 Upper respiratory diseases may clog your cat's nose and eyes with discharge resulting in a temporary loss or restriction of sight and smell. Lower respiratory tract diseases may affect your cat's lungs causing them to have difficulty breathing. These respiratory issues may be caused by bacterial or viral infections that require basic care, but they might be as complicated as cancer. Regardless of the severity of the respiratory issue, if the disease keeps your cat from being able to breathe easily or smell food, your cat may decide they don't want to eat.

Digestive System Issues

Problems with the stomach, intestines, pancreas, or other parts of the digestive system may cause a cat to stop eating. Your cat may vomit, have gas, diarrhea, or abdominal pain alongside digestive issues. But usually, a decrease in appetite will be one of the first signs of a digestive system problem. Conditions include gastroenteritis, acid reflux, tumors, an imbalance of intestinal bacteria, parasites, inflammatory bowel disease, and other problems.

The 6 Best Probiotics for Cats of 2023

Foreign Bodies

Some cats like to eat things that they shouldn't or may swallow hair that develops into hairballs, all of which may become stuck in the stomach or intestines.2 A foreign body stuck in your cat's gastrointestinal tract is referred to as a gastrointestinal obstruction, or GI obstruction. A GI obstruction won't let food pass through the digestive tract and therefore your cat may vomit and most likely stop eating. Some foreign bodies can pass through your cat's system and may cause temporary GI upset or lack of appetite, but others may require surgery to be removed.

Dental Disease

Diseased or painful teeth and gums can cause a cat to stop eating.3 Cats can fracture their teeth, develop resorptive lesions on their teeth, develop inflammation of their gums, form dental abscesses, and experience other dental issues that cause oral pain. Just like people, your cat may not want to eat if their mouth hurts. However, dental issues may be difficult to diagnose in a cat, and your veterinarian may need to sedate or anesthetize your pet in order to evaluate the problem.

Stress

Stress and anxiety can cause a cat to lose their appetite, just like in people. There are several reasons why cats become stressed. A change to the home environment is often the culprit, such as moving house, conflicts with other pets, or even having a baby. In addition, certain noises may scare your cat, such as construction, fireworks, and thunderstorms.

Food Flavor

Cats can be particular about their food. A cat may eat one flavor of the same brand but completely reject a new flavor due to preference. A sudden rejection of food may occur if food manufacturers change flavors and ingredients without any obvious signs on the packaging—your cat may take notice and rebel. On the other hand, some cats prefer a variety and will get bored with the same food flavor over time.

Food Shape or Texture

Your cat can also be sensitive to certain shapes and textures when it comes to food. Some cats like triangle shapes, others like round shapes, and others will only eat crunchy dry food or canned wet food. Some are even picky about the consistency of wet food; they may prefer chunks in gravy over pate (or the other way around).

Food Spoilage

If you give your cat expired or spoiled food, they may not want to eat it. Check the expiration date on the food and ensure it has been stored properly. At the very least, give it a sniff to see if it smells rancid.

Tip

Did you know that dry cat food can become stale or rancid? Vitamins and fats can erode if the food isn't properly stored. Keep food in its original bag for a good reason. The bag may have a special barrier to keep food fresher for longer. To ensure the food's best freshness, put the original bag in a sealed container and place it in a cool, dry environment. For best results, use opened bags of dry food within two to three months.4

What to Do If Your Cat Won't Eat

If your cat has stopped eating their normal food, check to see if there's a recall on that particular brand and formula. This is another reason to keep your cat's dry food in the original bag so you can check the bar code. Sometimes a cat can sense that something is wrong with their food and won't eat it. If you offer new food and your cat still won't eat, then it's time to contact your veterinarian.

When cats stop eating, they can quickly develop hepatic lipidosis by going without food for a few days. This disease is often referred to as fatty liver disease or fatty liver syndrome and it can be fatal if left untreated. And it occurs more often in obese cats.5 This is the main reason why it's so important to make sure your cat keeps eating, especially if they're overweight.

 What You Need to Know About Homemade Cat Food

Treatment for Loss of Appetite in Cats

Since cats may stop eating for a number of reasons, the treatment will depend on the underlying cause. Your veterinarian will do a physical examination and may recommend lab tests and imaging, such as X-rays or an ultrasound. Your cat's treatment plan will be based on these results.

Depending on the reason why your cat has stopped eating, you may be able to coax your kitty to start eating again. However, it’s not normal for a cat to stop eating if their food has not changed, so a trip to your veterinarian is essential to rule out medical reasons. 

• If an upper respiratory disease has caused your cat to be congested and unable to smell food, your vet may recommend at-home treatment to help clear your cat’s nasal passages. This may involve nebulizing your cat in a steamy bathroom or placing saline drops in the nostrils. This breaks up the nasal discharge and helps your cat breathe easily so they can once again smell food.
• Tweak your cat's wet food to entice them to eat again. Try heating up cold wet cat food or tuna for a few seconds in the microwave. Or, offer your cat canned kitten food, canned tuna, or canned chicken to whet your pet's appetite.
• Experiment by choosing a different flavor, texture, or shape of food to feed your cat.
• Make cat food from scratch. Your cat may prefer the fresher ingredients in a home-prepared recipe. Be sure to consult with your veterinarian before offering a home-cooked diet to ensure that it is properly prepared and not lacking essential nutrients. 
• Check to see if the flavor of the food your cat has always eaten has recently changed its formula or ingredients. The information may be listed on the packaging as "new and improved flavor." Or, contact the food company and ask. You may need to find a new favorite food for your cat.

Vitamin B12

Ask your veterinarian about vitamin B12. This vitamin is often depleted in cats with digestive issues. There are over-the-counter, cat-specific oral forms as well as injections that your vet may administer. It's a harmless, water-soluble vitamin that can potentially increase your cat's appetite.

How to Prevent Loss of Appetite in Cats

You may not be able to prevent the underlying conditions that cause cats to stop eating, but you can take steps to keep them interested in their food. Store cat food indoors in a cool, dry area. Avoid extreme temperatures and humidity, which can impact food quality, safety, and nutritional value. Whenever possible, keep dry food in its original bag inside a sealed container.4

Cats may lose interest in their food if they sense it's getting stale or rancid. To keep dry food fresh, try to buy bags that last no more than two to three months. After that time, the food may lose its freshness and even begin to go bad. Wet food is best when consumed within a few hours. It should be discarded once your cat loses interest, but don't leave it out for more than 24 hours.

Routine wellness visits are essential for all cats. These checkups may enable your vet to detect a health concern before it affects your cat's appetite.