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My cat is vomiting, drinking more, and has pale gums. What's wrong?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | American Shorthair | Female | spayed | 11 lbs

My cat has been throwing up consistently (daily, or every other) for about 10-14 days. She's also been drinking more water than usual and has pale gums (pinkish-white, from what I can see).

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Andrea M. Brodie, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on September 18th, 2018

Oh that does not sound good. Throwing up so much warrants an urgent visit to the veterinarian and some blood tests checking kidney and thyroid parameters. Pale gums could point to a blood disease. The signs are very unspecific, therefore blood tests are necessary to help with a diagnosis. Please schedule an appointment with your veterinarian tomorrow.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Emily, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on June 20th, 2017
K needs to get checked out by her veterinarian. The color f her gums is concerning for anemia. You should monitor her closely unti she is seen by her veterinarian, keep her separated from any other pets, keep her indoors and do not give any human medication as it can be toxic to cats.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Dr. Leigh, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on March 2nd, 2017
Your kitten sounds very sick and in need of veterinary care, especially since her gums are pale. She needs to be examined by a vet to determine the cause of her problems and treat. If she has any fleas than the pale gums could be from a flea anemia. She could also have an infection or an intestinal parasite. Your vet can run some lab-work to check her red blood cell count and if it is very low than she may need a transfusion. Please call a vet and have her seen as soon as possible.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Lauren Celestin, DVM
Veterinarian, Veterinary Dentistry Resident
Published on July 27th, 2017
Great job getting Kitty to a vet immediately! Kitty sounds to be very ill and I would highly recommend that she be hospitalized for continued IV fluids, monitoring, further diagnostics, and treatment immediately. White or pale gums are a sign of shock and can be a life threatening if not treated appropriately. I would also recommend further diagnostics such as blood work and fecal tests for intestinal parasites to start. I hope Kitty gets better soon.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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