Cat Throwing Up Clear Liquid: Causes & What to Do

Cat Throwing Up Clear Liquid: What It Means

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

Usually mild

Clear liquid vomit is usually water, saliva or stomach fluid. It can follow drinking too fast, hairball attempts or nausea.

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

Drinking too quickly
Hairballs
Nausea from illness, such as kidney disease
Eating plants or grass

What to do

Offer water in small amounts.
Watch for repeat vomiting, lethargy or not eating.
Older cats that vomit regularly should have blood tests.

Related guides

Frequently asked questions

Is it normal for a cat to throw up clear liquid?

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.