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Why is my kitten vomiting after eating and not gaining weight?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Domestic Shorthair | Female | unspayed | 3 months and 10 days old | 2.5 lbs

14 week old kitten. Female. Was the runt of the litter, gets fed every 2 hours except at night because she seems to be a little underweight but I’m not 100% sure. Even though she gets fed every 2 hours, she acts like she’s starving every single time and refuses to chew her food and vomits shortly after. Absolutely nothing has helped change her ways and I’ve run out of options. I was looking for a professional opinion. I just want her to gain weight and no longer vomit after every meal.

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Jessica Desrosiers

Answered By Jessica Desrosiers

Veterinary Technician

Published on July 11th, 2018

If she just scarfs food, switching to wet food that doesn't need to be chewed as much or moistening her dry food to make it softer may help her to keep more of it down if she isn't wanting to chew it.

If she doesn't want to chew, there is also a possibility that there is something wrong with her teeth or jaw which is making chewing painful. If she is vomiting after every meal I would be concerned that there is a functional problem going on (such as megaesophagus), parasites, or other illness. I would highly recommend bringing Rue into the vet for a complete exam, bloodwork and even a possible X-ray to try and rule out any underlying health issues that are causing this, as this is not normal for a kitten to be vomiting after eating, and it sounds like if she is underweight and acting hungry she isn't getting the nutrition she needs.
Vote Icon1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

  • Answered By Emily Fukuzato, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on October 9th, 2017

    Thank you for reaching out to Pet Coach about your Kitty. It sounds like the event that just happened with the vomit was from too much food. I presume your Kitty had a little food bloat - too much food for the stomach to handle. I would recommend to feed her half of the amount that you did. Small, frequent meals are more easily handled and digested with little kittens. Best of luck with your Kitty.

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    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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