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My senior cat is vomiting, quiet, and peeing outside. Should I worry?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Domestic Longhair | Male | neutered | 13 years and 7 months old | 13 lbs

I know vomiting in cats is normal, but my Mallomar rarely does it. Last night he ate his usual food (Royal Canin Urinary SO) and threw up a lot. This morning we ran out if the urinary SO so my boyfriend fed him a couple of spoons full of friskies. By the time I woke up Mallomar had thrown up twice. He's a very vocal cat but hasn't said anything to me at all today. He's not hiding- he follows me but he's not meowing, just purring. He also peed in the living room last night. Should I be worried?

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Rodrigo Roca, DVM

Answered By Rodrigo Roca, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on January 16th, 2020

Hello, sorry to hear about Mallomar. I would be concerned that he could have an upset GI tract. Causes for these signs in a cat his age could include inflammation of the GI tract, a dietary indiscretion (getting into something he wasn't supposed to), or even ingesting a foreign object. You can fast him for the rest of the morning and afternoon, then offer a small amount of food tonight, a bland diet of plain white rice, skinless and boneless chicken, and low fat cottage cheese would work.

If his vomiting persists, if he gets lethargic, or if he loses appetite, then I would recommend having him evaluated by his primary care veterinarian. He would likely need bloodwork and some x-rays of his abdomen to confirm he does not have a foreign object or any other underlying systemic diseases (kidney diseased, liver diseases, pancreatitis, etc) which can also present with vomiting signs.

Hope this helps and best of luck.
Vote Icon1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

  • Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

    Veterinarian

    Published on February 6th, 2017

    Poor Rascal! I see he's a senior cat, and in cat his age, this vomiting could be due to kidney disease, diabetes, hyperthyroidism, or even cancer. I would have him seen by a vet tonight to have a physical exam, geriatric blood panel, and urinalysis done. Whenever a cat has been vomiting for more than 24 hours, especially a senior cat, it's very important to have them checked out by a vet right away. Using the tests I mentioned above, the vet can diagnose the cause of his vomiting, and can discuss treatment options with you. I would take Rascal into an ER vet now, or find a vet on call to see him right away.

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    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

  • Answered By Ricardo Fernandez, DVM

    Veterinarian, Veterinary Oncology Resident

    Published on August 29th, 2018

    Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Vomiting can be caused by many conditions primarily gastrointestinal in nature such gastroenteritis and gastrointestinal foreign body ingestion and obstruction or other conditions such as pancreatitis or kidney disease. If it does not appear to be due to the hairballs at this time, it can be due to something else at this time. I recommend that you have him evaluated by your veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. Likely diagnostics to be performed include abdominal imaging and general bloodwork. Treatment would be based on findings. Good luck and have a good night!

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    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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