Vomiting is quite common among both dogs and cats for various reasons, so there’s probably no pet parent who hasn’t had to deal with this unpleasant situation.

advertisement

And of course, vomiting is not just unpleasant but also very worrying. Few things trigger more panic than a dog or cat about to throw up. And even if you manage to get them outside in time or steer them to a spot without a carpet, the stress and worry remain — mainly because you’re left wondering what might be causing your cat to vomit in the first place.

When a cat vomits, most owners instinctively offer them water to ease their discomfort — but this can actually trigger more vomiting.

When the Cat Throws Up, Most Pet Parents Do This — and It Can Make Things Worse

As a pet parent, your mind probably starts racing: could it be a virus? Did the kids give them something? Did they swallow part of their favorite toy? But if there are no other symptoms, the answer is usually simpler: in most cases, vomiting is caused by eating too quickly — along with hairballs being another common culprit.

And here’s the thing — there’s something nearly all of us do in this situation to make our pet feel better, but it often leads to yet another round of vomiting. Most owners eagerly offer their dog or cat a large bowl of fresh water. While this does wash away the acidic taste in their mouth, the sudden intake of water causes the stomach to expand, and more often than not, up comes everything again.

So after your cat vomits, try taking away their water for about 1–2 hours. You can leave just a tiny amount at the bottom of the bowl so they can freshen up a bit and avoid dehydration. As Dr. Christ Brown points out, there’s no need to worry — nothing bad will happen to your cat in that short time without water (as long as they are able to rest quietly during this period). With this simple step, you can save them from getting stuck in the vicious cycle of vomiting.

Of course, if your cat vomits repeatedly or continuously and shows other symptoms of illness, take them to the vet immediately!

How to Prevent Gulping Food

Although gulping down food may seem harmless, it can put your cat’s health at risk in several ways. It’s best to start teaching them to eat more slowly from a young age. However, the easiest solution — which works just as well for adult cats — is to get a slow-feeder bowl or a lick mat. By spreading the food out on these surfaces, your hungry cat won’t have the chance to devour their meal in just a few bites.

advertisement