For a cat owner, seeing your furry friends vomit from time to time may be a common thing, but it’s not normal. If your cat throws up regularly, it may be a sign of gastric irritation or poor digestion. Vomiting is one of the most common signs of a sensitive stomach, and its leading cause is improper diet, food allergies, and poor digestion. In addition, your cat may vomit undigested food due to food intolerance, allergies, intestinal obstruction, and gastric irritation. Cats may occasionally spit hairballs, but it should be a concern if it becomes a regular occurrence.
Cats ingest hair when grooming, but healthy cats should pass it within their stools. Making innovative diet changes is the most sustainable way of treating vomiting in cats. The best cat food for cats that throw up should contain high fiber content to improve digestion and facilitate the natural excretion of hairballs. If you are tired of waking up in the middle of the night to clean your cat’s puke, keep reading this guide. It will cover 7 of the best cat foods for cats that throw up and a detailed buying guide to help you choose the right food for your feline friend.
Top 7 Best Foods for Cats That Throw Up
1. Blue Buffalo Indoor Hairball Control And Weight Control- Natural Adult Dry Cat Food- Best value
If your cat vomits regularly due to hairballs, the blue buffalo indoor hairball control cat food may be what you want. It’s a proprietary blend of real meat, wholesome whole grains, and fruits and vegetables. It contains high-quality protein from real chicken to build strong muscles and increase energy levels. Grains and fruits provide natural fiber to improve digestion and reduce vomiting. In addition, the natural chicken protein increases nutrient absorption to facilitate stool formation and hairball excretion.
The blue buffalo indoor hairball and weight control dry cat food contain Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids, which provide healthy fats to help facilitate a healthy metabolism. In addition, they improve skin health and boost your cat’s immunity. The food contains life source bits rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that veterinarians and nutritionists have claimed help improve digestion and boost immunity. It is made with high-quality natural ingredients, and it is free from soy, corn, wheat, artificial flavors, and preservatives.
Pros
- High in animal protein
- Rich in fiber
- It contains Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids
- No soy, corn, or wheat
- No artificial flavors
- Rich in antioxidants
Cons
- It’s expensive
- Small kibble size
2. Hill’s Science Diet Dry Cat Food, Adult Urinary & Hairball Control – Editors Choice
Hills science dry cat food for hairball control contains the right ingredients in the right quantities to prevent vomiting and promote a healthy urinary system. It contains optimal levels of magnesium to promote fluid and electrolyte balance and natural fiber to improve digestion. As a result, fiber increases the absorption of nutrients to help facilitate stool formation and subsequent hairball excretion. In addition, it contains high-quality protein from real chicken to provide energy and build strong muscles.
The food contains Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids to support a balanced metabolism and maintain a healthy weight. In addition, the fatty acids help maintain a healthy coat and boost the immune system. It’s safe to use because it’s USA-made using globally sourced high-quality ingredients. The food has passed through numerous tests to ensure its quality, potency, and safety to your cat.
Pros
- Optimum magnesium levels
- Rich in fiber
- High in animal protein
- It contains Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids
- Made in the USA
Cons
- It contains soy
- Large kibble size
3. Pets Ultimate Probiotics For Cats – Best Probiotic
The ultimate pets probiotics for cats makes a great addition to any cat food. It’s conveniently packed in a tube containing 120 servings. Unlike other probiotics with only a few colony-forming units, each serving contains five billion colony-forming units of 20 different health-supporting probiotics. Furthermore, it does not contain maltodextrins or fillers that are common in some probiotic brands.
The easy-to-use probiotic powder from Pet Ultimates guards your pet’s stomach against attacks by yeast, bacteria, and viruses and prevents opportunistic intestinal infections. It encourages proper digestion to promote stool formation. In addition, it prevents diarrhea and vomiting, reduces litter box smell, and improves appetite. The powder works for pets suffering from acute and chronic gastroenteritis and reduces allergic skin reactions, including itching, redness, and swelling.
Pros
- Non-GMO
- Boosts appetite
- Easy to use
- Improves skin
- Reduces food allergies
- Prevents vomiting
- Reduces litter box smell
Cons
- It doesn’t taste great
- It’s expensive
4. Purina Pro Plan Focus Sensitive Skin & Stomach Adult Dry Cat Food – The premium choice
Purina pro plan focus wet cat food is a grain-free recipe designed for cats that vomit. It contains real fish as the first ingredient to provide high-quality protein for strong muscles and energy. It’s wet and highly digestible, providing the right amount of moisture to ensure maximum nutrient absorption. It’s tender and easy to chew, and it’s gentle on the stomach. As a result, it makes feeding time easy and comfortable while ensuring thorough food digestion to prevent vomiting of undigested food.
The pet-friendly wet cat food from Purina contains linoleic acid to maintain a healthy coat, and it’s loaded with vitamins, fiber, and minerals to prevent vomiting and improve your cat’s overall health. In addition, it’s pleasantly flavored, making it a favorite for most cats.
Pros
- Its grain-free
- Pleasantly flavored
- Rich in animal proteins
- Loaded with vitamins and minerals
- Improves skin health
Cons
- Unresponsive customer care
- Some cats may not like the smell
5. Halo Natural Dry Cat Food- Sensitive Stomach Recipe – Best Overall
HALO holistic seafood medley ranked first among the leading national brands of salmon formula cat kibble according to the AAFCO protocol tests. Their natural dry cat food for a sensitive stomach contains real fish as the first ingredient. HALO sources their fish from Marine Steward Council ( MSC) and incorporates non-GMO fruits and vegetables from trusted farms in the US and worldwide. The food does not contain preservatives or artificial ingredients that may trigger food allergies and vomiting.
The HALO holistic dry cat food has added proteins and wholesome grains which are rich in fiber. The two work together to increase nutrient absorption and stool formation. The food is specially formulated for older cats with taurine to support clearer vision and a healthy heart. The kibbles are crunchy and flavorful that any cat, including picky eaters, will love.
Pros
- It’s made of premium quality ingredients
- It contains high fish proteins
- No preservatives
- Easy to digest
- Supports a healthy heart
Cons
- Contains soy
- It’s expensive
6. IAMS Proactive Health Adult Indoor Weight And Hairball Control – Best Budget
IAMS dry cat food for weight and hairball control contains chicken as the first ingredient. It’s a source of high-quality animal protein to help support strong muscles and energy for play. In addition, it contains L-Carnitine to support metabolism and maintain a healthy weight. The food contains a proprietary blend of beet pulp and fiber blend to prevent hairball formation and improve digestion. Furthermore, the protein in this food contains 10% less fat than the IAMS proactive health original adult cat dry food.
The food provides a healthy source of fat through Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids, which helps boost the immune system, prevent allergic skin reactions and nourish the cat’s coat. Nutritionists and veterinarians recommend IAMS’s proactive dry cat formula to promote a healthy weight and control hairball formation. Furthermore, it does not contain additives, fillers, or artificial ingredients.
Pros
- Rich in fiber
- Veterinarian recommended
- Improves coat
- Prevents hairball formation
- It contains Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids
Cons
- It contains corn
- Not so great tasting
7. Nutro Wholesome Essentials Indoor And Sensitive Digestion Dry Cat Food – Best Dry
Nutro sources its ingredients from trusted farmers and suppliers to make wholesome and delicious food for pets. Their indoor and sensitive digestion dry cat food contains real chicken as the first ingredient. The high-quality animal protein helps to build strong muscles and provide energy for play. In addition, natural fiber in the Nutro indoor and sensitive dry cat food improves digestion and absorption of nutrients and helps promote stool formation. It’s also rich in antioxidants to help build a healthy immune system and keep diseases at bay.
Omega 6 fatty acids from real fish help maintain your cat’s lustrous coat and support a robust immune system. In addition, it provides a source of healthy fats to promote a healthy metabolism and maintain a healthy weight. The food is made using GMO-free natural ingredients and is free of soy, wheat, additives, and fillers. Each wholesome kibble contains a balance of protein, fiber, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, and it tastes as great as it looks.
Pros
- Made from natural ingredients
- Contains real chicken
- Free from allergens
- No additives or fillers
- Rich in antioxidants
- Reduces litter box smell
Cons
- Some cats may not like it
- It’s expensive
Best Cat Food for Cats That Throw Up: Buying Guide
Most cases of vomiting in cats are diet-related and can be prevented using specific diets formulated for cats that throw up and other home remedies. In this buying guide, you will learn how to select the best cat food, other reasons why your cat is vomiting, and home remedies for cats that throw up.
How to Choose the Best Cat Food to Prevent Cats Throwing Up
Vomiting is uncomfortable and can affect your cat’s quality of life. Choosing the best cat food for cats that throw up can save you the time spent cleaning up your cat’s puke and spare you from frequent visits to a veterinarian. Look for the following qualities in the best cat food to prevent vomiting;
Wholesome Ingredients
Foods containing wholesome ingredients eliminate common food allergies that may cause inflammation, irritate the stomach and cause diarrhea and vomiting. Check the manufacturer’s label and ensure to pick foods containing wholesome ingredients and not food by-products.
Animal Proteins
Cats digest animal proteins better than plant proteins because they are obligate carnivores. Therefore, when choosing the best cat food for cats that throw up, choose foods containing animal protein as the first ingredient. Avoid foods containing soy proteins because your cat may be unable to digest them and could vomit them whole.
Healthy Fats
Foods containing healthy fats can improve your cat’s metabolism and help them maintain a healthy weight. In addition, look for foods containing Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids to boost the immune system and maintain a healthy coat.
High in Fiber
Foods rich in fiber improve digestion, increase absorption of essential nutrients, and facilitate stool formation.
No Additives
Foods containing additives may trigger allergic reactions and cause inflammation of stomach mucosa. As a result, inflammatory cells may cause the hardening of the stomach lining, making it difficult to absorb nutrients. Choose foods containing only natural ingredients with no additives or fillers.
Probiotics
If your cat has experienced frequent bouts of vomiting due to infection or antibiotic treatment, probiotics can help replenish beneficial gut flora. Probiotics maintain a healthy balance of gut bacteria, improve digestion, promote nutrient absorption and stool formation.
What Causes Vomiting in Cats?
Different reasons cause vomiting in cats just like in humans. It’s normal for a cat to vomit occasionally, but if they vomit frequently, then it’s important to find out why. Some of the significant causes of vomiting in cats include;
Hair Balls
Cats may ingest loose hairpieces and debris while grooming. After a while, hair may accumulate in the stomach forming hairballs that may cause gastric obstruction and interfere with food digestion. It’s normal for a cat to vomit hairballs occasionally, but it should concern you if it occurs frequently.
Gastroenteritis
Inflammation of the gastric mucosa may occur when your cat ingests toxins from chemicals or plants or when they eat spoiled food or dead animals. In addition, certain medications may cause gastric irritation and trigger vomiting. If you suspect your cat to have ingested a toxic substance, contact a veterinarian.
Obstruction
A cat may accidentally swallow a whole kibble when feeding or a toy when playing. It may cause obstruction and damage to the gastrointestinal tract, and it may interfere with digestion. Contact a veterinarian if you suspect obstruction in your cat.
Food Allergies
Some foods may trigger allergic reactions causing inflammation and gastric irritation. As a result, it may interfere with food absorption and trigger diarrhea and vomiting.
Physiological Diseases
Some diseases like diabetes, pancreatitis, and hyperthyroidism may interfere with the normal functioning of the digestive system. In addition, the medication used to treat these diseases may trigger nausea and induce vomiting in cats.
Parasites
Common cat parasites including worms, toxoplasma, and giardia may cause nausea and subsequent vomiting. Deworming your cat may prevent such incidents.
Cancer
Cancers affecting the gastrointestinal tract may interfere with digestion and absorption of nutrients. Besides, anti-cancer medications are known to cause nausea and vomiting in cats and humans.
When Should You Be Concerned?
Most cats will vomit occasionally, and the issue may resolve itself naturally. However, you should seek a veterinarians help if the following symptoms accompany vomiting;
- Refusing to feed
- Loss of appetite
- Blood in the vomit
- Fever and chills
- Diarrhea
- Sudden changes in litter box habits
- Abnormal changes in behavior
How to Prevent Vomiting in Cats?
Most cases of vomiting in cats may be prevented using the tips below;
Separate Food Bowls
If you have many cats, ensure you feed each of them using their own bowl. Doing this prevents cross-contamination when feeding, and will help you monitor each cat’s feeding habits.
Give a Balanced Diet
There are specific over-the-counter foods specifically formulated for cats that vomit. These foods contain a balance of proteins, fiber, vitamins, and minerals to maintain a healthy digestive system.
Hairball Control
Cats ingest loose hair when grooming. Therefore, by regularly brushing their hair, you can reduce the chances of hairball formation and prevent obstruction. In addition, certain over-the-counter foods contain high fiber content, which prevents hairball formation by facilitating anal hair excretion.
Supervise Play Time
Remove any small toys and objects that your cat might swallow when playing. Also, prevent ingestion of toxins by removing any chemicals or spoiled food from your cat’s reach.
FAQ
1. Which Is the Best Cat Food for Cats That Throw Up?
HALO natural dry cat food recipe for a sensitive stomach is the best food for cats that throw up. It’s rich in protein and fiber to help improve digestion, increase nutrient absorption, prevent vomiting and facilitate stool formation.
2. Can Cat Food Cause a Cat To Throw Up?
Yes. If the cat eats too quickly, it may regurgitate and vomit undigested food. Also, a cat may vomit if they eat spoiled cat food containing toxins, or develop an allergic reaction after eating certain cat food.
3. Why Do Cats Throw Up?
A cat may throw up if they are sick, on a particular medication, or when spitting up hairballs. In addition, a cat might throw up if it accidentally swallows a toy or develops an allergic reaction after eating cat food.
4. When Should I Be Concerned About My Cat Throwing Up?
You should be concerned if your cat vomits more than once a day in two or three consecutive days. Some instances of vomiting are typical and may disappear after a few days. But if your cat refuses to feed or vomits blood, you should take them to a veterinarian. Furthermore, look for changes in behavior, diarrhea, and changes in litter box habits.
Conclusion
Food and nutrition play a significant role in preventing vomiting in cats. When choosing the best cat food for cats that throw up, consider fiber-rich foods to aid digestion and stool formation. Also, look for foods containing wholesome ingredients that are rich in prebiotics to help facilitate digestion. We recommend the HALO natural dry cat food for a sensitive stomach because it contains natural fish sourced from the Marine Stewardship Council and fiber-rich wholesome ingredients to promote digestion. In addition, its pleasantly flavored, and it contains natural fruits and vegetables sourced from trusted farms worldwide.
