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My senior cat is vomiting frequently and projectile. What's wrong?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Female | spayed | 12 years and 8 months old | 5 lbs

She started vomiting approx a month ago (periodically). Over the last 2 weeks it has become a daily occurance sometimes 2-3 times a day. Its a LOT at once and its projectile. I'm not exaggerating, she vomits so hard & so much its scary in itself, the distance it goes is unbelieveable.

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

C. Rathjens, DVM

Answered By C. Rathjens, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on November 7th, 2017

Poor Toby. It sounds like you're wondering what could be going on and what you can do next. Vomiting in older kitties can be caused by issues with the intestines (such as inflammatory bowel disease or lymphoma), issues with internal organs (kidneys, liver, thyroid, pancreas), or less commonly by intestinal parasites or something being stuck in the intestines. There are other even less common issues, but these are the ones I worry about first.

Your first step is a trip to the vet's office for an exam and likely blood work and x-rays of her abdomen and chest. From there, they may be able to determine exactly what is wrong, or there may still be a question. There are some treatments that can be tried if you can't afford the testing or if the testing doesn't show a clear answer (which is frustratingly common in this sort of issue), or you may choose to go forward with more advanced diagnostics such as an abdominal ultrasound.

While you're waiting for your vet visit (which will hopefully be within 24 hours), make sure Toby has access to fresh water at all times and don't attempt any diet changes.

Best of luck to you and beautiful Toby!
Vote Icon1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

  • Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

    Veterinarian

    Published on March 7th, 2019

    Poor kitties! It could be one of them has a GI illness or this vomiting could be related to a medical disease such as kidney failure, diabetes, or hyperthyroidism. I can give you a home remedy to see if that helps. I recommend withholding food for 12 hours, then feed 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 their normal diet. If the vomiting continues in the absence of food, they vomits the bland diet, develops diarrhea, stops drinking water, starts vomiting water, or becomes very lethargic, they will need to see a vet right away. I hope this helps!

    Vote Icon

    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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