Cats can vomit for various reasons, including internal obstructions, liver disease, and stress. Clear liquid vomit can indicate a serious illness.
Clear liquid vomit results from fluid coming up from the digestive tract. Overconsumption of water, as seen in kidney disease, hyperthyroidism, and diabetes mellitus, may cause vomiting.
Hairballs are a common cause of vomiting in cats. Loose and dead hair may form a hairball in the stomach, leading to clear liquid vomit.
Food and dietary changes, such as missed meals or quick switches, may cause vomiting. Quick eating or intestinal sensitivities may also result in vomit with undigested food.
Food puzzles and hydrolyzed protein diets may aid in addressing vomit from food and dietary issues.
Indigestion may lead to stomach acid buildup and clear liquid vomit. Small, frequent meals may alleviate the symptoms.
Gastritis can occur from eating something that irritates the stomach. In addition to clear liquid vomit, symptoms may include loss of appetite, lethargy, and dehydration.
Frequent vomiting is never normal for a cat, and more than one occurrence per week can indicate an issue.
If your cat exhibits clear liquid vomit several times with other symptoms, such as lack of appetite or weight loss, contact your vet.
Your vet will perform a physical exam and may recommend tests such as blood work and x-rays to determine the cause of vomiting.