Cat Throwing Up Undigested Food: Causes & What to Do

Cat Throwing Up Undigested Food: What It Means

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

Usually mild

Cats that eat quickly often vomit undigested food minutes later ("scarf and barf"). Repeated vomiting of food can also signal food sensitivity, hairballs or gut disease.

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

Eating too fast or too much
Food intolerance or a new food
Hairballs
Inflammatory bowel disease, intestinal lymphoma or hyperthyroidism

What to do

Use a slow-feeder or puzzle feeder, or spread kibble on a flat tray.
Feed smaller, more frequent meals.
In multi-cat homes, feed cats apart to reduce competition.

Related guides

Frequently asked questions

Is it normal for a cat to throw up undigested food?

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.