What nausea looks like in cats
Nausea is the queasy feeling that often comes before vomiting. Cats can’t tell us they feel sick, so owners have to read the signs. Commonly reported signs include:
- Licking the lips or swallowing repeatedly
- Drooling
- Turning away from food, or dropping food while eating
- Hiding or seeming unusually quiet and tired
- Vomiting or dry heaving
No single sign proves a cat is nauseous. Each of these can have other causes, so look at the whole picture and at how long it lasts.
Can a cat be nauseous without vomiting?
Yes. Nausea and vomiting are related but not the same thing. A cat may feel unwell, drool, refuse food, or hide without ever bringing anything up. A reduced appetite (see how to get a cat to eat) is one of the more common clues, and cats that stop eating can become seriously ill, so a cat that is clearly off its food deserves attention even if the litter box and floor look normal.
Common causes of nausea in cats
Many different problems can make a cat feel sick. Broadly, they fall into a few groups.
Diet-related causes
Eating too fast, a sudden food change, spoiled food, or human foods that don’t agree with a cat can all upset the stomach. Changing foods gradually over several days is usually gentler than switching all at once.
Hairballs
Fur swallowed during grooming can collect in the digestive tract and cause gagging, retching, and queasiness until it passes or is brought up.
Parasites and infections
Intestinal parasites and some infections can cause stomach upset. If you suspect worms, see our guide on how to tell when a cat has worms.
Toxins and foreign objects
Some house plants, medications, and chemicals are poisonous to cats, and swallowed objects such as string or small toys can irritate or block the digestive tract. Both can be emergencies.
Underlying illness
Nausea can be a symptom of conditions elsewhere in the body, including kidney disease, liver disease, diabetes, pancreatitis, and inflammatory bowel disease. A cat with ongoing nausea, especially with weight loss, increased thirst, or a poor coat, should be examined rather than watched for weeks.
Early signs that may point to kidney disease
Kidney disease is a frequent concern when older cats feel sick (see old cat throwing up a lot). Signs that are sometimes mentioned include drinking and urinating more than usual, weight loss, reduced appetite, vomiting, and a dull coat. These signs overlap with many other conditions, so only blood and urine tests from a vet can tell what is going on.
What you can do at home
For a mild, short-lived bout in an otherwise bright cat, you can:
- Make sure fresh water is available.
- Keep the environment calm and watch how often your cat eats, drinks, and uses the litter box.
- Remove access to anything your cat could be getting into, such as plants or spoiled food.
- Note when it started and any recent food changes, so you can share this with your vet.
Avoid giving human anti-nausea medications or other drugs unless your vet tells you to. Some are dangerous for cats.
When to call the vet
Contact your vet promptly if your cat:
- Has not eaten for about 24 hours
- Is vomiting repeatedly, or there is blood in the vomit
- Seems weak, very sleepy, or in pain
- Has a swollen or tender belly
- Has diarrhea or cannot pass stool
- May have eaten a toxin or a foreign object
- Is a kitten, senior, or already has a health condition
If your cat has trouble breathing or you think it swallowed something poisonous, seek emergency care right away.
How vets find the cause and treat it
A vet will usually start with a history and physical exam. Depending on what they find, they may suggest blood and urine tests, a stool test, X-rays, or ultrasound. Treatment depends on the cause. It may include anti-nausea medication, fluids, diet changes, parasite treatment, or treatment of an underlying disease.
Reducing the risk
- Change foods gradually.
- Slow down fast eaters with smaller, more frequent meals or a slow-feeder bowl.
- Keep toxic plants, medications, and string-like items out of reach.
- Keep up with parasite prevention as your vet advises.
- Groom long-haired cats regularly to cut down on swallowed fur.
Related digestive topics
Nausea often shows up alongside other digestive signs. You may also want to read about cat dry heaving, how to tell if a cat is constipated, and how to tell if a cat is bloated.