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

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Male | neutered

My cat is vomiting and it smells like poop

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Dr. Leigh, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on April 22nd, 2016

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.

23Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Laura Johnson VMD
Veterinarian
Published on November 1st, 2017
Hi, Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Poor Murphy!

Smelly stools could indicate either intestinal disease (inflammatory bowel disease, food allergies) or pancreatic disease (chronic pancreatitis or pancreatic insufficiency). Waxing and waning loss of appetite and vomiting can also indicate these things. I recommend considering changing his diet. I would avoid chicken, which is the most common allergic protein, and try either venison or an all fish diet. It might be best to discuss a prescription diet with your Vet to go big guns. I also recommend that when he is sick, have full blood work and a maldigestion/malabsorption profile (B12, folate, TLI, PLI) done. Be sure you have had a recent stool sample checked for parasites. If anything comes back abnormal consider an abdominal ultrasound to confirm the suspicion of underlying intestinal or pancreatic disease.

I hope this helps and I wish you and Murphy the best!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS
Veterinarian
Published on December 11th, 2018
Poor Portifoy! If his vomit is starting to look like feces, I'd be concerned he could have something serious going on such as a GI obstruction. I'd take him into a vet immediately to be checked out. Best of luck.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Claudia Fioravanti
Veterinarian
Published on January 20th, 2019
Hi, I think he probably had diarrhoea first and consequently felt dehydrated and drank a lot of water. Leave plenty of fresh water available and you could give him some probiotics to help his feaces become more solid (i.e. Protexin Pro-kaolin 15ml size 2 syringe graduations twice a day for 3-4 days) and Hill’s GI wet food for cats. If your cat starts to vomit as well, I would recommend to have him checked over..! Hope this helps !
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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