Cat Throwing Up Yellow: Causes & What to Do

Cat Throwing Up Yellow: What It Means

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

Depends on signs

Yellow vomit in cats is usually bile, often from an empty stomach. Persistent yellow vomiting can also be linked to liver, pancreas or intestinal problems.

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
Pancreatitis, liver disease or inflammatory bowel disease
A blockage (with repeated vomiting)

What to do

Offer smaller, more frequent meals, including a late-night snack.
Call your vet if your cat also stops eating or seems lethargic. Cats that stop eating for more than 1-2 days risk a serious liver condition (hepatic lipidosis).

Related guides

Frequently asked questions

Is it normal for a cat to throw up yellow?

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.