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Kitten throwing up for first time: Should I be worried? What to do?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Persian | Female | unspayed | 2 months and 23 days old | 2.5 lbs

My 12 week old Persian kitten started throwing up should I be worried she's never done it before she's up-to-date on all her shots and everything

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on January 12th, 2017

Poor Bella! It's not normal for a kitten to throw up, but you can try a home remedy first before having to take her into the vet. I recommend withholding food for 12-24 hours, then feeding a bland diet of boiled white meat chicken (no bones) in small amounts several times a day for a couple of days. Then slowly add back in her normal diet. If the vomiting continues in the absence of food, she vomits the bland diet, develops diarrhea, stops drinking water, starts vomiting water, or becomes very lethargic, she will need to see a vet right away. This vomiting could be caused by a GI illness, eating something rotten, pancreatitis, or a foreign body. Should Bella need to see a vet, the vet can diagnose the cause of the vomiting and can treat her for it.
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Related Answers from Veterinarians

  • Answered By Lauren Jones VMD

    Veterinarian

    Published on December 22nd, 2017

    I'm sorry to hear that Bella isn't feeling well. Vomiting and a loss of appetite in cats can be caused by a variety of conditions, including stomach/intestinal obstruction from foreign material (tinsel and ribbons are major hazards to cats this time of year), kidney disease, a virus, an upset stomach from eating different foods or treats, among many other conditions. Cats that go several days without eating (particularly those that are overweight) are at risk of developing hepatic lipidosis (fatty liver disease). Since this has been going on for 3 days and she is likely dehydrated as a result, I recommend taking Bella to her vet for a physical exam, blood testing, and abdominal x-rays to try to get to the bottom of this situation. Once the cause of her vomiting and loss of appetite are determined, your vet will be able to determine the best course of treatment. I hope this helps and that she is feeling better soon!

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    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

  • Answered By Crystal L. Nelson

    Veterinary Technician

    Published on April 26th, 2017

    Hi! It sounds like you're doing a great job! You'll want to be sure to offer Bella plenty of fresh drinking water to prevent another bout of dehydration. Monitor her for any lethargy and if she seems to be feeling worse, you'll want to take her back in. Medication to stop the vomiting is most likely not best at this time. The body is trying to clear itself and without a diagnosis you'll want to let the body work to detox. If they haven't already, you may want to call and ask your doctor for a prescription diet of their choice. Maybe sensitive stomach or liver formula depending on how things are going with the lab work. If you like to ask more questions please feel free to request a consultation by following the link on my profile page. I'd like to know more about how Bella is progressing.

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    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

  • Answered By Laura Johnson VMD

    Veterinarian

    Published on October 7th, 2017

    Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Goodness Savannah is adorable!

    There is a lot of transition for a kitten when they arrive at a new home. They miss their siblings so there is some vocalization. Also exotic cats do "talk" more, so that may be normal for her breed. I would stop the canned salmon, that could be causing at upset stomach. Feed her only the Purina kitten food. As long as she is eating, watch her closely. If she stops eating then I do recommend you find a Vet to examine her. She will need to see one eventually to have her shots and deworming done. Some SPCA's have low cost veterinary clinics. If needed call around to see if there is one near you.

    I wish you the best!

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    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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