Cat Throwing Up Blood: Causes & What to Do

Cat Throwing Up Blood: What It Means

✓ Vet-referenced✓ Sources citedUpdated 2026-10-10

See a vet now

Blood in a cat's vomit can be bright red or dark and grainy like coffee grounds. Any significant amount needs prompt veterinary care.

See a vet now if you notice:

Repeated retching or vomiting more than twice in a day
Blood or coffee-ground material
Vomiting with diarrhea, lethargy or belly pain
Not keeping water down, or not eating for 24 hours
Possible toxin, string or swallowed object
A kitten, senior cat or cat with kidney disease or diabetes

Possible causes

Stomach ulcers (including from human pain medicines)
Swallowed objects or string
Toxins
Severe gastritis, tumors or clotting problems

What to do

Call your vet now; go to an emergency vet if your cat is weak or vomiting repeatedly.
Never give your cat human medicines.

Related guides

Frequently asked questions

Is it normal for a cat to throw up blood?

An isolated episode in a cat that is otherwise eating, drinking and acting normally is often not serious. Repeated vomiting, or vomiting with other signs, needs a vet.

When should I worry about my cat vomiting?

See a vet if vomiting happens more than once or twice in a day, lasts more than 24 hours, contains blood, or comes with lethargy, diarrhea, belly pain or not eating. Cats that vomit more than about once a week should also be checked.

What should I feed my cat after vomiting?

Wait a few hours, offer small amounts of water, then a small bland meal (a teaspoon of plain cooked chicken or a bland prescription food). Return to the normal diet over 1-2 days if all goes well.

More cat vomit colors

Sources

Merck Veterinary Manual (pet owner): Digestive Disorders of Cats

General information for pet owners, not a diagnosis. If you are worried about your cat, call your vet: they know your pet's history.