When a cat starts to have digestive issues, it’s natural for a pet parent to worry. Is the cat puke on the kitchen floor a sign of something seriously wrong, or just a sign that the cat ate something dead or a small piece of plastic that he found in a corner?

Cat nausea usually isn’t serious, as long as it happens only once in a while. Cats get into things, and if it’s not a good thing, they’ll often just puke it back up. Plus, cats have sensitive tummies. If a new food or illicit table scrap gives a cat a bellyache, their body is likely to just send that food back from whence it came.

The good news is that the better a cat parent gets at preserving their pet’s digestive health, the better the cat will feel—and the cleaner the carpet will stay. Sometimes, it’s as simple as providing the right probiotics for cats. 

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Why Do Cats Vomit?

Vomiting is one of the most common ways a cat will show stomach upset. It’s not pleasant, but they can’t exactly use their words. If a cat vomits, there are a few possible causes:

• They ate something that their system can’t tolerate—unfamiliar foods, foreign objects, toxins from the environment, etc.

• They have an infection or illness that affects their digestive system.

• They have worms or other parasites.

Most of the time, if vomiting comes on suddenly and is the cat’s only symptom, the situation isn’t too serious and will resolve with some simple changes to the cat’s diet or supplement regimen. 

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What Dietary Changes Can Improve Cat Digestive Health?

Most cat digestive issues get better when a cat starts eating the right food. Cats tend to do best with high-quality canned foods that have all the ingredients a cat needs to be healthy. When in doubt, look for a food that meets the Association of American Feed Control Officials’ recommendations for nutritional adequacy.

If a cat’s diet has to change, it needs to be gradual. Dietary novelty is fun for humans, but it’s a common cause of cat nausea. Some cat nausea medicine can clear that up in the short term, but the best long-term solution is a food that makes the kitty’s tummy happy.

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How Can Supplements and Probiotics for Cats Help?

Some cats need a bit of extra help to balance their digestive system. Probiotics encourage the growth of healthy gut bacteria and may include other nutrients that keep your cat’s tummy healthy.

A vet can tell you which probiotic formulation to try and if any other supplements might help. 

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When Should You Contact a Vet?

If a cat has been throwing up, it’s important to keep an eye on them and look for anything else that might be amiss. Seek veterinary support if the cat:

• Can’t keep food down.

• Doesn’t want to eat.

• Has vomited more than three times in quick succession.

• Has unexplained weight changes.

• Seems weak or extremely uncomfortable.

Worried about a cat’s digestive health? Become a Fuzzy member today and use 24/7 Live Vet Chat to learn in real-time about gut health, dietary choices, and the personalized recommendations for the best probiotics for cats’ needs.