Several Causes of Retching in Cats

1 Common Causes of Retching in Cats

1. Hairballs

Cats groom with barbed tongues, swallowing loose fur their gut cannot digest. Over time fur builds up and causes hairball syndrome. Owners should give hairball paste, tablets, or cat grass to help pass the fur.

2. Swallowing foreign objects

If a cat swallows a large object stuck in the esophagus, it can trigger retching. Take it to a vet promptly so the object is removed by the safest, least harmful method.

3. Dehydration

Cats dislike drinking, and dry food adds no moisture, so they get too little water and may retch. Adjust the diet and encourage drinking to improve it.

4. Intestinal parasites

Repeated retching may signal parasites such as tapeworms, roundworms, or giardia. Heavy infection causes vomiting, diarrhea, blood in stool, and weight loss. Get a fecal test and use the right dewormer.

Tip: a cat’s stomach is delicate, so take it to a vet when retching starts, to avoid serious gut damage. If you have more questions about vomiting, ask a vet.