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My cat throws up after eating. Could it be eating too fast or an allergy?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Why does my cat vomit after breakfast?

7 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Laura E. McRae

Veterinary Technician

Published on March 25th, 2015

It depends on how soon after eating your cat vomits. If food is consumed and then almost immediately regurgitated (still looks whole, not digested), then s/he may be eating too fast. If it is several hours later and the food is partially digested, s/he may have a food allergy or intolerance, a gastrointestinal disorder, or some other underlying medical condition.

For cats that gobble their food, it helps to feed more frequent, smaller meals throughout the day. Or you can put a couple balls or small blocks (too large to be swallowed) in the bowl so your cat has to eat around the obstacles. This will slow down his/her eating.

24Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT
Licensed Veterinary Technician
Could be from eating too fast or possibly a food allergy. Feed smaller amounts more frequently and consider a food trial.
5Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT
Licensed Veterinary Technician
Could be from eating too fast or possibly a food allergy. Feed smaller amounts more frequently and consider a food trial.
3Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT
Licensed Veterinary Technician
Could be from eating too fast or possibly a food allergy. Feed smaller amounts more frequently and consider a food trial.
3Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Laura Johnson VMD
Veterinarian
Published on January 31st, 2018
Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Poor Midnight!

Sometimes cats just vomit. They can vomit from hairballs or from eating too quickly. Normal vomiting is once every 2-3 months. Anymore than that is abnormal. If Midnight is acting fine then I would just with hold food until tonight and then feed him dinner. If he continues to vomit multiple times today then he should see your Vet. Causes for abnormal vomiting in cats are: intestinal parasites, foreign body ingestion, pancreatitis, toxin ingestion, urinary obstruction, viral or bacterial infections, inflammatory bowel disease, food allergy or intolerance.

I hope this helps and I wish Midnight the very best!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Kevin Sanada, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on August 15th, 2017
I wouldn't be too concerned yet. Cats will do this if they eat too much, too fast; or, when they have an upset stomach (many different causes of this).

As long as he is not vomiting continuously, or vomiting blood, then you can wait a while before rushing off to the vet.

It's best to give the stomach a rest for now. Feed him a little food in 3-6 hours. Give only a tablespoon of food. If he keeps that down, then feed a little more 2-4 hours later. The problem should resolve in about 24 hours.

If he's still vomiting, or not acting normal, then best to take him to the vet.

I hope that helps and Oreo feels better soon.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Steve Popish, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on August 10th, 2017
My cat had a similar problem to Oreo. Periodic vomiting is not uncommon in multiple cat households where cats compete around the food bowl. Unfortunately, vomiting causes acid from the stomach to reach the esophagus which then leads to more episodes. I like the idea of not feeding right after vomiting but there may be other solutions. First, you may want to consider feeding multiple small meals several times each day to ovoid over eating at any one feeding. Second, try feeding each cat separately to reduce competition. Finally, you may want to visit your local veterinarian for an exam and ask about a anti-vomiting drug called Cerenia. This medication will help reduce vomiting up to 24 hrs with one dose. I usually recommend giving it for 2-3 day intervals as needed to reduce regurgitation and vomiting. Inevitably cats vomit occasionally, so hopefully this will help reduce the frequency to a more normal situation. Please feel free to set up a consult for further discussion. Thank you, Dr. Steve Popish.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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