Help! My Cats Vomit A lot! (Vet Answered)
This question has been answered by a vet
Veterinarian & Animal Behaviorist
With nearly two decades in veterinary medicine, Dr. Paola brings hands-on experience across multiple species. A graduate of the University of Guadalajara, she specializes in preventive care, animal welfare, and positive reinforcement training.
The Question
“Dear Dr. Paola,
I have 2 male littermates that turn 12 this year. They have always vomited a lot. Even after trying different foods. We took one (Jake) to the vet for observation and they found no issues. Now Jake shows no real appetite and projectile vomits a ton of liquid every day. Any idea what might be going on with him? The brother vomits some but has a huge appetite. What should we do next?” – Donna
Quick Info about Jake and Brother
📹 Vet's Video Reply (scroll down to see text answer)
Hi Donna,
Thank you for reaching out about Jake and his brother. Vomiting is concerning, especially when it becomes frequent or is accompanied by changes in appetite, as you’re seeing with Jake’s brother. Chronic vomiting in cats can be caused by many issues ranging from mild food intolerances to more serious conditions like inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), food allergies, pancreatitis, or even gastrointestinal lymphoma, particularly as they age.
Since Jake is now projectile vomiting daily and has lost his appetite, this is dangerous and could be indicating an emergency such as a blockage. While the previous vet visit didn’t reveal issues, the escalation of signs means Jake likely needs further diagnostic testing. I would recommend a recheck with your veterinarian as soon as possible. Bloodwork, abdominal imaging (like X-rays or ultrasound), and possibly endoscopy or biopsies may be necessary to identify the problem. In the meantime, trying to keep Jake hydrated is important, as excessive vomiting can lead to dehydration.
His brother’s continued appetite but occasional vomiting may indicate a milder or related issue, so it’s worth mentioning both cats’ histories when you visit the vet. I understand this can be frustrating, and stressful, but with timely intervention, many conditions can be managed effectively. Don’t wait.
Best wishes!
Dr. Paola