Cat Throwing Up White Foam: Causes & What to Do

Cat Throwing Up White Foam: What It Means

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

Usually mild

White, foamy vomit in cats is usually stomach fluid mixed with air, often when the stomach is empty or irritated, or while trying to bring up a hairball.

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

Empty stomach
Hairballs
Gastritis or eating plants
Chronic conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease, kidney disease or hyperthyroidism

What to do

Offer a small meal and watch.
If your cat vomits foam more than once a week, book a vet visit.

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Frequently asked questions

Is it normal for a cat to throw up white foam?

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.