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Adopted Petco kitten vomiting, won't eat. What's wrong with him?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Domestic Mediumhair | Male

I adopted a 2.5 Month old tabby kitten from Petco yesterday. He uses the litter, he drinks water, but would not eat. He threw up once yesterday, and tonight I bought him a small can of wet food so he would eat (nothing fishy) he threw up before he ate and after. Is it nerves? Should I take him back? He's also very vocal. I expected lots of meows though. He did eat though.

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Laura Johnson VMD

Veterinarian

Published on October 14th, 2017

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

Offer small amounts of food and water every 4-6 hours during the day. If he continues to vomit I recommend having a Veterinarian examine him. You can also call and see what food he was eating at Petco.

Causes of vomiting: food allergy or intolerance, vaccine reaction, intestinal parasites, viral or bacterial infections or a foreign body (ate something that is stuck).

I hope this helps and I hope he has stopped vomiting! I wish you and Freddie the best!

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Jessica Desrosiers
Veterinary Technician
Published on July 19th, 2019
It could be that Snowball is having some minor tummy upset. Picking up his food and offering a little boiled chicken that is easy on the stomach may help. You can then offer his food again later. If he continues to refuse to eat for more than a day, or starts to show signs of illness such as vomiting or diarrhea, seeking veterinary care in person is best.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Laura Johnson VMD
Veterinarian
Published on September 8th, 2018
Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Maanu is adorable!

I would deworm him and change his food. The most common cause of chronic vomiting is a food allergy. I would aim to change the meat protein (not the grain) in his food. Be sure it is a high quality commercial kitten food. It may take a few brands to find one that causes less vomiting. If you have tried 2-3 then I would contact your Vet for a prescription diet.

Good luck!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Jenna Beyer, DVM, MBA, cVMA
Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist
Published on October 29th, 2018
I would continue with the normal kitten food for a little longer. If the vomiting continues, Rascal should be examined by a vet. Common causes of vomiting in a kitten include intestinal parasites, GI blockage, gastroenteritis, and bacterial or viral infection. Food allergies are not very common in young cats.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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