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My cat keeps throwing up and losing hair. Should I worry?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Male | unneutered | 7 months and 11 days old

Hi my cat throwed up twice this week for no reason and his hair is losing a bit in bunch but no patch in his body.. He is active, playful and no diet has been change.. Should i worry?

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Mariya Gugel, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on December 12th, 2017

Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Vomiting in cats can be caused by hair balls, intestinal parasites, toxin ingestion, or even foreign body obstructions of the intestines. These signs can be unrelated to the hair loss, which may be caused by certain infections and hormonal or behavioral abnormalities. I recommend having Zimba seen by a vet if he continues to vomit or develops diarrhea or has a loss of appetite/energy. His area of hair loss should also be evaluated, as it may be caused by a fungal infection that can even be transmitted to humans. I hope this helps and that all is well with Zimba!

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Emily, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on June 3rd, 2017
Hello
This could be related to the previous flea issue as cats can have allergies to fleas as well as food and the environment. However vomiting and rarely hair loss can also be caused by kidney disease, pancreatitis, liver disease and intestinal issues like IBD. If she doesn't improve over the next few days Lucky should get checked out by her veterinarian.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By David Darvishian
Veterinarian
Published on October 16th, 2017
Hi and thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Sorry to hear about Hootie. Despite what everyone thinks, vomiting up hairballs is NOT normal for cats. There is always an underlying cause which involves overgrooming or a problem with the motility of the gut. The causes are many and include external parasites (fleas, ticks, mites, etc), stress, any itchy skin condition, and many many problems that can affect the movement of the gut such as intestinal worms, pancreatitis, inflammation, infection, foreign body ingestion, etc. Her voice change is probably related to everything else that is going on and could be a result of inflammation of the vocal folds secondary to the hairball problem and what is causing that. If any abnormal clinical sign (vomiting hairballs, can't meow, etc) persists, worsens, or other signs develop, your roommate should take her to the veterinarian. The vet can gather a detailed history, perform a physical exam, and then discuss a diagnostic/treatment plan with them. Possible tests include skin tests (skin scrape, fungal culture, skin cytology), fecal/blood tests, and even some x-rays might be required. Again vomiting hairballs, once considered normal for cats, IS NOT NORMAL and needs to be investigated. Good luck with Hootie and your roommate.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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