How to Stop Your Cat from Throwing Up After Eating

Introduction

It can be concerning when your cat throws up after eating. Although this behavior is usually not serious, it’s still important to take steps to prevent it from happening in the future. In this article, we’ll explore how to help stop your cat from throwing up after eating and discuss what you should do if you’re concerned about an underlying medical condition.

Feed Smaller Meals More Frequently Throughout the Day

One way to help reduce the likelihood of your cat throwing up after eating is to feed it smaller meals more frequently throughout the day. According to Dr. Jessica Vogelsang, DVM, “Feeding cats in small, frequent meals can be beneficial for cats that tend to vomit more than normal.” This strategy helps prevent your cat from overeating, which can lead to vomiting.

The amount of food you feed your cat per meal will depend on its size, age, and activity level. Generally, adult cats should receive between ¼ and ½ cup of dry kibble per meal, while kittens may require up to 1 cup of food per meal. If you’re feeding your cat wet food, it should be given 2 to 4 tablespoons per meal.

Change to a Low-Fat, Easily Digestible Diet

It’s also important to choose a low-fat, easily digestible diet for your cat. According to a study published in the journal Veterinary Medicine and Science, “High-fat diets are associated with vomiting in cats.” If your cat is prone to vomiting, switching to a food that is lower in fat content may help reduce the chances of it throwing up after eating.

You should also look for a diet that is highly digestible, as this will help ensure that your cat is able to properly absorb the nutrients in its food. High-quality, grain-free foods are often easier for cats to digest and may be a good option for cats that throw up after eating.

Avoid Giving Your Cat Table Scraps or Other Human Food

It can be tempting to give your cat table scraps or other human food, but it’s important to avoid doing so. Many human foods are too rich or greasy for cats to easily digest, which can cause them to vomit after eating. Additionally, some human foods, such as onions and garlic, can be toxic to cats.

Examples of common human foods that should not be given to cats include:

• Chocolate
• Avocado
• Grapes and raisins
• Caffeinated beverages
• Raw eggs
• Onions and garlic
• Alcohol

Monitor Your Cat’s Eating Habits and Adjust Accordingly

It’s also important to monitor your cat’s eating habits and adjust accordingly. If your cat tends to eat too quickly or eat more than it needs to, you may need to adjust its diet. Some warning signs that your cat is eating too much include:

• Eating large amounts of food in one sitting
• Constantly begging for food
• Excessive weight gain

If you notice any of these warning signs, there are some strategies you can try to adjust your cat’s eating habits. For example, you can try feeding it smaller meals throughout the day or adding toys to its food bowl to slow down its eating. You could also try using a puzzle feeder, which requires your cat to work for its food.

Take Your Cat to the Veterinarian for a Check-Up to Rule Out Any Underlying Medical Conditions

If your cat continues to throw up after eating despite making dietary changes, it may be a sign of an underlying medical condition. It’s important to take your cat to the veterinarian for a check-up if this is the case. The veterinarian may recommend certain tests, such as bloodwork or X-rays, to rule out any medical conditions.

Common symptoms that may indicate a medical condition include:

• Vomiting regularly
• Diarrhea
• Loss of appetite
• Weight loss
• Difficulty breathing

Conclusion

Cats throwing up after eating can be concerning, but it’s usually not a serious issue. To help stop your cat from throwing up after eating, try feeding it smaller meals more frequently throughout the day, switching to a low-fat, easily digestible diet, and avoiding giving it table scraps or other human foods. If your cat continues to vomit after eating, it’s important to take it to the veterinarian for a check-up to rule out any underlying medical conditions.