Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!
Become a member today!
Members-only pricing and offers, personalized care notifications, Vital Care points back on every purchase and more!
Already a member? Sign in
Become a credit card member today!
Earn 2X Pals Rewards points at Petco
when you use Petco Pay!
APPLY NOW
Learn More About Petco Pay Benefits

Why is my cat stinky and throwing up a lot? Could it be hairballs?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Male | neutered | 2 years and 2 months old | 9 lbs

My cat has been very stinky for awhile. I've given him to baths but they have no affect. He grooms himself an average amount and seems clean but smells. He also vomits quite a bit at least once or twice every two weeks. It can be grass, his food but really mushy, or what I have in the picture. He hasn't lost any weight yet it looks like he throws up quite a bit of food at times. He still acts sweet and like nothing is bothering him but this has been going on for a while. His waste seems normal.

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Dr. Davis

Veterinarian

Published on August 2nd, 2017

Cats vomit more often than other animals. Often it can be from eating too fast or they throw up balls of hair that accumulate in the stomach. The picture looks like a hair ball. As long as Socks is acting normally it is an annoyance but nothing to be concerned about. You can give cat laxative weekly as this will help prevent hair balls. The product you buy in the pet store is flavored so they usually like it. Also there is cat food formulated for hair ball prevention. As far as the odor I'd try to find where it's coming from. Dental problems, ear infections and other things can cause an odor. Ask your veterinarian to check if there is an abnormal odor next time you take him in for an exam. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for Socks.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Smart Picks for Smart Questions

Related Questions

Health & Wellness

My 6-year-old cat throws up often. Is something wrong? How to help?

Many cats routinely vomit from eating too fast, hairballs, or for no specific reason. Since Mikie is long haired he may have hairballs causing him to vomit. Often the hairballs are forming in the stomach and are not always vomited up, even though they are present. I recommend daily brushing to remove the dead fur, and giving cat laxative, about an inch once a week for prevention. There is also specific food for hairball prevention. If he’s healthy this is annoying and messy but usually nothing to be overly concerned about. If he should start to lose weight or appear sick then please bring him in right away for and exam and treatment. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for Mikie.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Food & Nutrition

Why does my cat keep throwing up food and hairballs so often?

Brushing Meezer daily to remove excess hair will help reduce the hair balls and therefore the vomiting. You can also give cat laxative twice weekly to reduce the hair balls. Feeding several small meals will help too as cats who eat large amounts quickly tend to vomit more frequently. In general healthy cats tend to vomit off an on regardless. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for Meezer.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Why does my cat's vomit smell like poop? Is it an emergency?

He could have an infection, parasites, metabolic disease (liver, kidney), endocrine disease (thyroid, diabetes), or an obstruction. The best thing would be to have him examined by veterinarian to determine the exact cause and best treatment. You're vet can run lab work and take x-rays, if needed, to help diagnose and treat the problem. If he is dehydrated your vet can give fluids and medications to help control the vomiting.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My kitten is throwing up undigested food and has pink diarrhea. Why?

I am sorry Sock is not feeling well. This much vomiting is not normal. I would be concerned about a foreign body causing obstruction, infection or even possible coccidia. I would recommend taking Socks to the vet for additional testing like an x-ray of the abdomen and even possible blood work. the concern is dehydration and weight loss with the vomiting. I hope that helps

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My long-haired cat is throwing up hairballs and food. Is it normal?

While vomiting hair occasionally is normal for some cats the increased frequency you have described is concerning. It is possible at Midnight is grooming more due to a seasonal coat shedding or she may have some underlying intestinal irritation contributing to the vomiting. Cats that hunt are at higher risk for parasites and this can also contribute to vomiting. If the increased frequency of vomiting continues or if you notice any other signs such as decreased appetite, lethargy or weight loss, I would recommend that you have her seen by your veterinarian. They may recommend checking a stool sample for parasites and possibly blood work to rule out other potential causes for vomiting such as kidney disease or thyroid problems.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

My cat throws up daily. Is it hairballs or a foreign object?

It is ot possible to identify the source from the photo but your vet may be able to examine to confirm if it is indeed cat hair or synthetic yarn. I would recommend feeding a diet formulated for hair ball reduction for 3-4weeks. A full health check and abdominal xrays would be recommended to rule out any partial obstruction or sooner if there is any weight loss

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

My older cat is vomiting clear liquid often. What can I give him?

No, I wouldn't give him any OTC medications because human ones are not appropriate or safe for cats. Because Socks is throwing up often, he should see a vet as this is not normal. In an older cat vomiting combined with still having an appetite can be caused by medical diseases such as diabetes, hyperthyroidism, or kidney disease to name a few. He should see a vet in the next day or two for a physical exam, geriatric blood panel, and urinalysis. Should a medical cause be found for his vomiting, the vet can discuss treatment options with you. I hope this helps, best of luck!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Share