Does your cat throw up white foam?
If you see your cats throwing up white foam, you may be concerned. After all, humans tend to vomit due to an illness — sometimes a severe illness. However, the action and causes for a cat throwing up white foam is actually quite common. If you notice your cat exhibiting such behavior, it’s important to know the possible causes of the vomiting. Then you can decide whether you should take your feline fur baby to the vet.
1. Hairballs
One of the most common causes of a cat throwing up white foam is a hairball. Hairballs occur because when cats groom themselves, they end up swallowing some of their hair. This turns into a hairball in the cats’ digestive systems. Cats should be able to digest this fur — after all, they eat critters with fur and are constant groomers. When hairballs become a problem, it is usually a sign of a lack of digestive enzymes, a problem that is particularly prevalent in older cats.
2. Dietary Changes
Another factor that can cause your cat to throw up white foam is dietary change. Cats sometimes protest changes to their diet by rejecting a meal or eating later than normal. Whether a cat eats or not, her body will produce the digestive juices necessary to break down food. The result is often vomiting.
For the same reason, a change to your cat’s feeding schedule can lead to vomiting white foam.
3. Stomach Inflammation
When stomach inflammation (called gastritis) is the cause of your cat throwing up white foam, it may be accompanied by a lack of appetite. Your cat may vomit bile or blood in addition to the white foam.
Causes for Concern When Your Cats Are Throwing Up White Foam
If your cat is just responding to a change in feeding or has the occasional a hairball, you can relax. However, if your cat’s vomiting is due to gastritis, a visit to the vet may be in order. Other symptoms of gastritis may include sluggishness, dehydration, depression, and stomach discomfort.
Cats eat hair; that’s a fact.
However, they should be able to digest that hair. Sometimes cats need a little help with their digestion. For hairballs, stomach inflammation, and dietary changes, try a combination of Vitality Science’s Pet Flora, Luxolite and Super Pet Enzymes.
“Consistant Results!
I have been using this product [Pet Flora] since 2005. Kittens and adult cats sometimes have issues regarding their regularity. It works overnight! A ‘can’t miss’ product. I’m never without it…” -Catherine C., Vitality Science Customer
Hello about three weeks ago we switched our two Persian mixes food from science diet dry food to Trader Joe’s dry food. The last three days I have noticed one of our Persian mixes who is 8 years old has been throwing up very tiny bits of slimy liquid and then today it was just white foam. I have not observed him eating and he seems sluggish, his coat looks lack luster and he has a sad look in his eyes. We are going to switch back to science diet this morning as soon as the pet store opens but I’m wondering how long to give the change before going to the vet.
You have got many more problems than the food, which is junk. GMO soy and corn is just a part of the food issues. I will send you more information to your email.
My one year old cat is super lethargic, not eating but drinking when he can make it to the bowl. He is throwing up white foam and is in super discomfort. I am taking him into vet today. He is an indoor outdoor kitty. Wondering if he may have eaten something really bad outside. It has not been over 24hours. I’m worried he looks like he is dying.
Hard to know so soon. The vet is the right course. Let me know.
Jill,
Your cat sounds like my cats symptoms. I took him to the vet today but waiting for lab results. Did you get any help from your vet? Please reply to mrshekelly41@hotmail.com. Thanks
Last night (12/18/18) my male cat (largely Maine Coon) started sneezing, then coughing. He is a rescue and I don’t know his age. We took him in about 3 years ago and while he’s overweight by most standards, since he’s a “Coon” I don’t think he’s that ad. He is normally a good eater and drinks normal amounts. He has not eaten or drank all day. He vomited a fist sized ball of kibbles once today, but the rest is mostly white foam. Some of the liquid is brownish but not much. I syringe fed him some water and some anti biotic prescribed the last time he had cystitis. He lies with his mouth open and tongue partially protruding. Occasionally trying to regurgitate. I have a very limited income and the emergency costs are prohibitive. Please help as soon as possible. I’m desperate.
Only an emergency room can determine what is going on. It could be many things, including poison. Try fasting for 48 hours on just water.
you can get charcoal pills at wal mart if the cat has ingested something poisonous to his system. Break them open and mix with water , put in a feeding or medicine syringe and give some. I don’t know a dose, but if you think they are dyeing you will try anything. The charcoal will absorb poison. My friend gave her cat a bath in some dog shampoo that said to not wash cats in. It didn’t say why not to wash them so she thought no big deal. The cat seriously almost died. He had seizures, puking…he was horrible. She gave him charcoal and in about 20 minutes you could see him getting better. I wouldn’t have believed it but I saw it with my own eyes.
Thanks for sharing. I have 8 cats, 1 is missing. That was quite a bit of very useful information. I thought I bought cat shampoo to remove fleas & ticks. I didn’t have my glasses with me that day. I bought flea & tick shampoo for dogs. After reading the label, no mention of cats anywhere, I gave it to my neighbor who has dogs. She was pleased and glad. I myself hope that more cat owners read your clip and adhere to what you wrote.
My cat I have had for 5 years, started gagging and throwing up white foam yesterday/last night. He is hacking and couching like he does when he has a hairball but he also sounds stuffed up. I’m worried mostly about him not drinking enough water right now. I got him some laxatone to help see if that would break it up about 3 hours ago. How long should I wait for any changes or go to the vet?