Dealing with a Cat Throwing Up Clear Liquid: Tips and Advice

Cat vomiting is a well-known scenario for pet owners. But what does it mean when a cat is throwing up clear liquid? And what should owners do?

In this article, I, Ivana Crnec, DVM, will explain the causes of clear liquid vomiting and give first aid tips.

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Content:

1. Why Is My Cat Throwing Up Clear Liquid
2. When to Worry: Identifying Serious Symptoms
3. Home Remedies and Immediate Care
4. FAQs
5. Conclusion

Why Is My Cat Throwing Up Clear Liquid

Your cat is throwing up clear liquid because of gastrointestinal issues, systemic conditions, or metabolic problems. Here are the top causes of throwing up clear liquid.

• Hairballs: Cats are notorious for their self-grooming habits and ingesting hairs that make clumps and cause vomiting.
• Diet Changes: Sudden switching from one cat food brand to another or implementing a new feeding schedule triggers vomiting.
• Gastrointestinal Irritation: Eating table scraps and parasites are possible causes of gastrointestinal irritation and vomiting.
• Intestinal Obstruction: Cats often ingest string-like foreign objects, resulting in vomiting and obstructions.
• Metabolic Disorders: Diabetes, hyperthyroidism, pancreatitis, and kidney conditions manifest in intermittent vomiting.
• Toxin Exposure: Vomiting can be caused by toxins from human foods, harmful meds, and dangerous plants.

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When to Worry: Identifying Serious Symptoms

A cat throwing up clear liquid is considered serious if the vomiting is intense or accompanied by worrisome symptoms, such as diarrhea or constipation, abdominal pain, dehydration, fever, and lethargy.

There is no consensus in terms of how many vomiting episodes are concerning, but a cat throwing up several times in a 24-hour period requires veterinary attention.

Home Remedies and Immediate Care

Home remedies are suitable for cats throwing up clear liquid but acting otherwise fine. Popular options include:

• Fasting: Withhold food for a couple of hours (max. 12h) to give the stomach time to rest and recover.
• Fresh Water: Encourage the cat to drink water from a water fountain to prevent dehydration caused by intense vomiting.
• Bland Diet: Offer small but frequent meals of boiled white chicken or a prescription diet for sensitive stomachs.
• Probiotics: Use probiotics formulated specifically for cats to support the healthy bacteria in the gut.
• Catnip: Catnip soothes the digestive tract, alleviates nausea, and reduces cramping in the gastrointestinal tract.
• Petroleum Jelly: Give the cat a little bit of petroleum jelly for licking to help her eliminate hairballs.
• Ginger Tea: Homemade ginger tea soothes the stomach lining and has an antinausea effect.

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FAQs

Why is My Cat Throwing Up Clear Liquid?

The causes of throwing up clear liquid range from mild stomach upset to serious systemic conditions. Intense vomiting requires a vet visit.

What to Do in the Case of Cat Throwing Up Clear Liquid but Acting Normal?

Monitor the cat carefully and try at-home remedies, but seek veterinary attention if the remedies do not help or the cat starts showing additional symptoms.

Conclusion

Vomiting is a common problem in cats. A cat that is acting normal but throws up, can be treated at home. Cats that do not respond to home treatments or show additional worrisome signs must be examined by a vet.