Why kittens need extra caution
Kittens are small and can become dehydrated and weak more quickly than adult cats when they vomit. A single mild episode in an otherwise lively, eating kitten may turn out to be minor, but repeated vomiting is a reason to contact your veterinarian rather than wait. When in doubt, call.
Regurgitation or vomiting?
Undigested food coming back up can be either:
- Regurgitation: passive, often soon after eating, with little effort. The food may look tube-shaped and undigested.
- Vomiting: active, with drooling, retching or belly heaving, and the material can include fluid or bile.
Tell your vet which you think it was, and share a photo if you can. For more on the difference in adult cats, see why your cat threw up food.
Possible causes
- Eating too fast. Kittens that are excited or competing with littermates may gulp food.
- Too much at once. A large meal can come straight back up. See cat overeating and vomiting.
- Sudden food changes. A rapid switch of food can upset a young stomach.
- Swallowed hair or objects. Kittens explore with their mouths and may swallow things they should not.
- Parasites. Intestinal worms and other parasites can cause vomiting in young cats.
- Infections or other illness. These require a vet to diagnose.
- A structural or swallowing problem. If a kitten regurgitates repeatedly, your vet may want to look for one.
Signs of worms and parasites
Signs that can go with parasites (see signs a cat has worms) include a pot-bellied look, poor growth, dull coat, diarrhoea, and sometimes worms visible in vomit or stool. Many kittens show few obvious signs, so a vet check and faecal test are the reliable way to find out. Do not give over-the-counter dewormers without veterinary guidance.
What to do now
- Remove food that might have caused trouble and check the area for anything your kitten could have swallowed.
- Provide fresh water.
- Watch energy, appetite, drinking and litter box habits closely.
- Note when it happened, and take a photo of the vomit.
- Call your vet for advice, especially if it happens more than once.
Avoid home remedies and human medicines unless your vet specifically recommends them.
When to call the vet
Seek veterinary advice promptly if your kitten:
- Vomits more than once, or cannot keep water down
- Is lethargic, floppy or unusually quiet
- Refuses food
- Has diarrhoea, a swollen belly, or looks painful
- Has blood in vomit or stool
- Could have eaten something toxic or a foreign object
- Has not had vaccines or deworming
Kittens can decline quickly, so err on the side of calling.
Feeding tips
If your vet confirms that fast eating is the likely cause:
- Offer small, frequent meals suited to the kitten’s age
- Separate kittens at mealtime so they do not compete
- Use a shallow dish or a slow-feeding option
- Introduce any food change gradually
Yellowish fluid is another common sight in young cats; see kitten throwing up yellow liquid.
Frequently asked questions
What causes throwing up undigested food?
Eating too fast is common, but hairballs, diet changes, parasites and illness are also possible.
What should I do if my kitten is regurgitating undigested food?
Note how often it happens and call your vet, since regurgitation can sometimes point to a problem with swallowing or the oesophagus.
What soothes a kitten’s stomach after vomiting?
Rather than trying remedies at home, ask your vet what is suitable for your kitten’s age and condition.