A cat throwing up yellow liquid may indicate several health concerns from indigestion to kidney disease, or may simply mean that your kitty needs to be fed smaller meals more often. Yellow liquid vomit is usually a combination of bile and stomach acids. Although some cats may vomit occasionally, it is not considered normal if it happens regularly. Here's what you need to know if your cat is throwing up yellow liquid or bile.
Why Do Cats Vomit Yellow Liquid?
Yellow vomit is typically made up of stomach acids and bile and may appear foamy. Stomach acids are produced in the stomach lining to aid in digestion. Bile is produced in the liver and stored in the gallbladder, but it enters the stomach to further assist digestion.
When cats vomit yellow liquid, it's often because the stomach is empty and the digestive juices have caused irritation. This explains why some cats vomit when they are especially hungry. However, yellow liquid vomit may not only be stomach acid and bile—it could mean that your cat ate something yellow in color and can't digest it.
Several health problems can cause vomiting in cats, so don't dismiss your cat's yellow vomit. Potential reasons for a cat throwing up bile include pancreatitis, gastritis, diabetes, and eating something toxic or spoiled.
Bilious Vomiting Syndrome
In some cats, going too long without eating causes an excessive buildup of stomach acids and bile, and the response is to vomit out the irritating fluids. This is especially likely if your cat tends to vomit bile before meals but appears fine after eating. Generally, you can control this frustrating syndrome by feeding your cat small meals more frequently so the stomach doesn't remain empty for long.
Pancreatitis
Pancreatitis is an inflammation of the pancreas, which is an organ that helps with digestion by producing various enzymes and hormones that help break down fats and carbohydrates in the cat's diet. Pancreatitis can cause cats to vomit bile, but it also causes lethargy, loss of appetite, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. This is a serious illness that needs prompt veterinary attention.
Gastritis
Gastritis is the medical term for an "upset stomach," and gastroenteritis refers to inflammation of the stomach and intestines. There are many reasons for GI upset, including bacterial or viral infection, eating spoiled food, eating something toxic, stress, and chronic illnesses, including diabetes. Depending on the cause of the gastritis, your cat might only vomit bile, but blood in the vomit is also possible. Cats might also have other symptoms, including diarrhea and loss of appetite. Gastritis or gastroenteritis that lasts more than 24 hours calls for a visit to the vet.
Diabetes
Just like humans, cats can develop diabetes. This endocrine disease occurs when the body does not properly respond to the hormone insulin, which helps regulate the levels of glucose in the blood. When blood glucose levels become chronically high, many organs can be damaged, including the kidneys, heart, and eyes. Diabetes is most common in senior cats but can occur at any age. Diabetic cats often vomit bile, but more common symptoms include excessive thirst and hunger, abnormally frequent urination, fatigue, and weight loss. Diabetes in cats is often treated with insulin injections and dietary changes.
Kidney Disease
Another common chronic illness of senior cats, kidney disease can cause increased stomach acids, leading to the vomiting of bile. Cats with kidney disease often urinate more than normal, lose interest in food and so lose weight, develop raggedy coats, and have diarrhea. Kidney disease is usually progressive, but your veterinarian can help keep your cat comfortable and happy for as long as possible.
Intestinal Obstruction
Curious cats often swallow things they shouldn't, including string, tinsel, fabric, and paper. These foreign objects can become wedged within the cat's intestines if they are too large to pass through the digestive system. Depending on the extent of the blockage, your cat might throw up yellow liquid. Other potential signs include diarrhea, pain, lethargy, inability to pass stool, abnormal behavior, and refusal to eat. An intestinal obstruction is an emergency and often requires surgery to remove the foreign object.
What to Do if Your Cat Is Vomiting Up Brown Liquid
What to Do if Your Cat Is Throwing Up Yellow Liquid
If your cat vomits yellow liquid one time and there are no other signs of illness, then it may not be a cause for concern. Watch your cat closely for a day or two to make sure he is eating, drinking, and behaving normally. If your cat stops eating, becomes lethargic, or continues to vomit, contact your veterinarian for advice. Your vet may recommend changing the feeding schedule, feeding a bland diet, or coming in for an exam. If vomiting becomes frequent or your cat appears to be in distress, bring him to the nearest open veterinarian as soon as possible.
Treatment for Vomiting in Cats
If your cat needs veterinary medical attention for vomiting, your vet will begin with a physical examination and discuss your cat's history. They may recommend diagnostic testing to determine the cause of the vomiting, such as blood chemistry, complete blood count, electrolytes, thyroid levels, urinalysis, radiographs (X-rays), ultrasound, and more.
Some basic treatments offer supportive care for vomiting, but additional treatment recommendations may be made depending on the test results. Supportive veterinary care for vomiting in cats typically includes:
- Anti-nausea medications
- Fluids (subcutaneous or intravenous) to restore and maintain hydration
- Bland diet to ease digestion
- Monitoring of vital signs
Some cats can be treated on an outpatient basis, meaning the vet will administer some treatments in the clinic, and then send you home with medications to give your cat. Cats with more severe illness may need to stay in the vet hospital for 24-hour care.
Some cats recover quickly while others need more time. This generally depends on the underlying cause of the vomiting and the cat's overall condition. Your vet is the best source of advice regarding your cat.
What to Do if Your Cat Is Vomiting White Foam
How to Prevent Vomiting in Cats
You may or may not be able to prevent vomiting in your cat. Sometimes illnesses occur with no known cause. However, there are a few things you can do to minimize the risks.
- Bring your cat to the veterinarian for routine wellness check-ups at least once every year (or more if recommended by your vet)
- Feed a high-quality diet that is rich in meat-based protein and has an AAFCO statement on the label verifying that it is balanced and complete
- Keep objects that may become foreign bodies out of reach of your cat. This includes strings, ribbons, hair ties, and anything else small and appealing to cats that could be ingested.
- Keep plants, chemicals, human food, and other potential toxins out of reach.
Remember to contact your veterinarian at the early signs of illness; delaying can only make it harder to treat your cat. When in doubt, head to the nearest open vet office.
Why Is My Cat Throwing Up Clear Liquid and What Can I Do About It?
If you suspect your pet is sick, call your vet immediately. For health-related questions, always consult your veterinarian, as they have examined your pet, know the pet's health history, and can make the best recommendations for your pet.
