Is Your Cat Vomiting White Foam?

It is no secret that cats like to vomit. You could say that they are especially skilled in the art of vomiting — their favorite canvas being the carpet, a new fancy rug, or your favorite shoes. Most of the time, there is nothing to be concerned about. However, it is a good idea to know when you should be worried about cat vomit and when to take your beloved kitty to the vet. 

When cats vomit so frequently, it can be easy to dismiss the action, especially if that vomit is just a little white foamy stuff. But when should we worry that your purr-ennial vomiter is having a medical problem or they are just doing what cats do best? 

In this article, we will explore the potential reasons why cats vomit white foam. We will also discuss what cat parents can do to treat it, and answer some crucial questions related to this common issue. 

Why Is My Cat Throwing Up White Foam?

Here are six possible causes of white foamy cat vomit:

Empty stomach 

One of the most common reasons cats vomit white foam is because their stomach is empty. When the stomach is empty, digestive fluids (including hydrochloric acid) and mucus can build up and cause discomfort. You will typically see this in the morning or if you forgot to refill the food bowl. The best way to prevent this is to offer frequent, small meals or use an automatic feeder. 

Hairballs

Cats are grooming machines and sometimes that hair they digest can accumulate in the stomach. As hairballs form in the intestinal tract, we hope that they pass easily through to the feces. However, sometimes they cause enough irritation that they are vomited back up. There are many products available over the counter that can help with excessive hairballs.

Gastroenteritis

Gastroenteritis, or inflammation of the stomach and intestines, can also cause white foamy vomit. Gastroenteritis can be caused by many things, including dietary indiscretion, constipation, infections, or toxins. Chronic vomiting can also be a sign of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). If the vomiting is frequent and/or accompanied by diarrhea and lethargy, then please consult your veterinarian immediately — especially in kittens less than 6 months of age. 

I vomit, therefore I am.” —My cat, Zoey

Parasites 

Intestinal parasites, such as roundworms and hookworms, can cause gastrointestinal upset, leading to vomiting. You may even see the worm in the vomitus! Prophylactic deworming with a product like Revolution Plus or Nexgard COMBO can help prevent this condition. 

Foreign Objects 

Cats are curious creatures. Sometimes they ingest non-food items that can cause blockages or irritations in their digestive tract — the scariest of which tend to be linear foreign bodies, such as tinsel, dental floss, or thread. The body will vomit in an attempt to expel the foreign object, which could actually make things worse. If you suspect that your cat has a foreign body, consult an emergency veterinarian immediately. 

When I was in private practice, I had a cat who LOVED to chew on pacifiers. Occasionally, he would chew off the tip and swallow it whole. This would cause the pacifier to get caught in the small intestine and the cat experienced increased vomiting. The owners knew it was time to see the vet when they saw this, and we would have to go in and remove it. Thankfully for the owners, once their babies outgrew pacifiers, their cat’s vomiting stopped. 

Chronic Medical Conditions 

There are many medical conditions that can cause white foamy cat vomit, or vomit of any kind. Common conditions include kidney disease, hyperthyroidism, diabetes, cancer, pancreatitis, etc. Chronic medical conditions are typically accompanied by weight loss, lethargy, diarrhea, poor appetite, and so on. I would encourage you to weigh your cat once a month (or more). If you see a downward trend in their weight, then consult your veterinarian for additional workup, including bloodwork. 

Cat Vomiting White Foam: Is It a Cause for Concern?

While occasional vomiting of white foam might not be a cause for immediate concern, It is essential to monitor your cat for additional symptoms or changes in behavior that could indicate a bigger problem. Some factors to consider are: 

Frequency: Vomiting that occurs more than 1-2 times a week or becomes more frequent or persistent should be brought to your veterinarian’s attention. 

Vomiting with additional symptoms: Cats who are vomiting with other symptoms, including diarrhea, constipation, lethargy, poor appetite, weight loss, increased drinking or changes in urination, should be seen by a vet as soon as possible. 

Behavioral changes: Any significant change in your cat’s behavior, such as hiding, decreased grooming, or increased aggression, can be a sign that something is wrong and should be addressed by a veterinarian.   

When is white foamy cat vomit an emergency? 

If your cat is persistently vomiting, severely lethargic, not eating or drinking for more than 24 hours and/or there is blood in the vomit, then please seek veterinary attention immediately! The veterinarian may ask questions like how long has this been going on, how frequent is the vomit, is there any diarrhea, did the cat get into anything, or has there been any recent change in diet?

Cat Vomiting White Foam Treatment

If you have a cat puking white foam, here are some steps you can take to help them:

Dietary adjustments

If your cat is vomiting due to an empty stomach, consider feeding smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day. This will help prevent the buildup of those digestive fluids. You can also consider transitioning to a digestive-friendly diet.

Hairball remedies

For cats prone to hairballs, regular grooming and hairball control products can help reduce the frequency of vomiting. Special diets and supplements designed to manage hairballs can also be beneficial. 

Environmental management 

Ensure that your cat’s environment is free of small objects that they might ingest. Cat-proof your home as you would for a baby to prevent accidental ingestion of foreign objects and toxins. I always make sure to wrap up my dental floss in a closed waste basket so as to prevent my cats from ingesting a string foreign body. 

Hydration

Encourage your cat to stay hydrated, especially if they are vomiting. Provide fresh, cool water and consider using a cat water fountain to entice them to drink more. 

Veterinary care

If you suspect an underlying problem is making your cat vomit, it is essential to consult your veterinarian. They can perform diagnostic tests, provide appropriate medications, and recommend suitable dietary changes. 

My Take on White Foam Cat Vomit

For centuries, humans have been making jokes about cats vomiting. Occasional vomiting can be expected for every cat parent and should not be a cause for alarm. However, feline vomiting is not always a laughing matter. If you have any concerns, don’t hesitate to consult your veterinarian for a thorough evaluation and personalized care plan.