Cats Diarrhoea and Vomiting – Causes, Treatment & When to See a Vet
Diarrhoea and vomiting in cats are common problems and can be worrying for any pet owner. You may notice your cat has loose or runny stools, is throwing up food, or seems sick after eating. Many owners search for cat vomiting when to worry, my cat keeps getting sick, or my cat has diarrhoea — and while some cases are mild and short-lived, ongoing feline diarrhoea or repeated vomiting in cats can signal an underlying health issue that needs veterinary attention.
Cats and diarrhoea often go together, particularly during stomach upsets, food changes, or illness. Vomiting in cats may also occur alone or alongside diarrhoea, leading many owners to worry when their cat keeps throwing up or appears lethargic.
What Are Diarrhoea and Vomiting in Cats?
Diarrhoea in cats (also called feline diarrhoea) refers to loose, soft, watery or frequent stools — sometimes described as your cat “having the runs”. Vomiting in cats (feline vomiting) is the active bringing up of stomach contents and is different from regurgitation, which often happens shortly after eating.
Cats may vomit hairballs, food, yellow fluid, white frothy liquid or watery vomit. Some cats throw up after eating, while others may vomit daily or keep puking over several days. Owners often notice:
Cat throwing up food
Cat vomiting yellow or foamy vomit
Cat loose stool or runny poop
Cat puking and diarrhoea
Cat not eating and vomiting
When vomiting and diarrhoea occur together, this can quickly lead to dehydration and discomfort, particularly in kittens, senior cats, and elderly cats.
Common Causes of Diarrhoea and Vomiting in Cats
There are many reasons why a cat may develop diarrhoea, vomiting, or both. Common causes include:
Sudden changes in diet or food intolerance
Eating too quickly or eating spoiled food
Hairballs or furballs
Parasites such as worms (especially in kittens)
Bacterial or viral infections (sometimes called a cat stomach bug or stomach flu)
Inflammatory bowel disease
Kidney disease, liver disease, or thyroid problems in older cats
Some cats have diarrhoea but a good appetite, while others may be lethargic, not eating, and throwing up. You might notice yellow vomit, foamy vomit, watery diarrhoea, or even bloody diarrhoea in cats.
If your cat keeps vomiting, keeps getting sick every day, has chronic diarrhoea, or your cat has runny poop all the time, this should not be ignored.
Diarrhoea and Vomiting in Kittens
Kittens are particularly vulnerable to diarrhoea and vomiting. If your kitten has runny poop, loose stool, watery diarrhoea, or is throwing up, this can quickly become serious.
Common causes of kitten diarrhoea and vomiting include parasites, dietary changes, and infections. Bloody diarrhoea in kittens, kitten vomiting and diarrhoea, or kittens having diarrhoea for more than a day requires urgent veterinary care, as dehydration can develop rapidly.
If your kitten keeps puking, has soft stools, or your kitten has diarrhoea and vomiting, prompt assessment is important.
When Should I Be Concerned?
You should contact a vet if you notice any of the following:
Bloody diarrhoea or bloody vomit
Vomiting repeatedly or constantly
Diarrhoea lasting more than 24–48 hours
Your cat is not eating and vomiting
Lethargy, weight loss, or signs of pain
Vomiting or diarrhoea in kittens or elderly cats
If your cat keeps throwing up after eating, is vomiting daily, has projectile vomiting, or has diarrhoea alongside vomiting, a veterinary examination is strongly advised.
Many owners search vomiting in cats when to worry — ongoing or worsening symptoms should always be checked.
Treatment for Cats with Diarrhoea and Vomiting
Treatment for cat diarrhoea and vomiting depends on the underlying cause. At FAB Vets, we may recommend:
Dietary changes or prescription food for sensitive stomachs
Parasite treatment
Fluid therapy for dehydration
Probiotics
Anti-nausea medication for cats
In cases of chronic diarrhoea in cats or frequent vomiting, further tests may be required. Special diets can help manage loose stools, ongoing digestive upset, and recurrent vomiting.
Never give human anti-sickness or diarrhoea medication to your cat, as this can be dangerous
How FAB Vets Can Help
Our experienced veterinary team will assess your cat thoroughly to determine the cause of their diarrhoea or vomiting and create an appropriate treatment plan. Whether your cat is sick after eating, vomiting frequently, throwing up food, has watery diarrhoea, or your kitten has diarrhoea, we are here to help.
If your cat or kitten is experiencing ongoing diarrhoea, vomiting, or appears unwell, please contact FAB Vets to book an appointment.
