Cat Vomit Color Chart: Know the Meaning Behind Each Color

Last Updated on March 14, 2024 by Aftab Tariq

Cat vomit color chart is a guide that helps identify different colors of cat vomit and their potential meanings. If you have a cat at home, chances are they might vomit at some point. Sometimes, it happens without any obvious reason, and some cats even throw up hairballs frequently. Groucho Marx says,

“When it comes to cat vomit, knowing your hues can save the day! Consult the color chart for peace of mind.”

Finding occasional piles of vomit around the house is quite common for many cat owners. It’s good to know Vomiting in cats when to worry. Understanding the different colors of cat vomit and the types you might come across can be helpful.

To help you understand any vomit you find at home, let’s look at our cat vomit color guide below, Cat vomit color chart with pictures. We’ll also help you tell the difference between hairballs and vomit and give you some advice on when it might be necessary to take your cat to the vet.

What Causes Vomiting In Cats?

Cats can get tummy troubles for lots of reasons, like bad bacteria or sickness. Let’s look at why your cat might be throwing up. Some common reasons for a vomiting cat include:

• A sudden change in their diet
• Eating things they shouldn’t
• Viral infections
• Bacterial infections
• Intestinal parasites
• Foreign bodies
• Pancreatitis

Frequent vomiting can be a common indicator of underlying illnesses in cats, such as kidney disease, diabetes, or cancer. Therefore, it’s important to take any instances of vomiting seriously.

If your cat vomits more than once within 24 hours or experiences vomiting more than once a month consistently, it’s advisable to schedule a veterinary examination.

Is It Hairball Or Vomit?

Before we talk about all the different types and colors of cat vomit you might see, it’s important first to make sure it’s really vomit. Hairballs and vomit are not the same for cats, but it can be hard for some owners to tell them apart.

To help you figure out if it’s vomit or a hairball, let’s give you some tips. If you need to check whether you’re looking at a hairball or vomit, it’s important to look at the shape of the stuff.

As yucky as it may seem, this is what a real cat hairball looks like. Usually, the vomit around the hairball is just foam or liquid stomach acids, often the same color as your cat’s food.

This happens because the hairball moves up the throat and takes the shape of the throat itself. Most hairballs will be thin and tube-like, and they’ll mostly be made of hair.

There might be some stomach stuff around the hairball when it lands on the floor, but most of it will be cat hair.

Another thing to think about when telling cat vomit from hairballs is how the cat is acting. A cat that just coughed up a hairball may act normal, while a cat with a stomach problem might not. A vomiting cat might also be a bit tired, eat less, or even have diarrhea.

Is It Normal For Cats To Vomit Sometimes?

It’s okay if your cat vomits occasionally, like once a month. But if it happens more often, it could mean your cat has a health problem.

This could range from inflammatory bowel disease to chronic pancreatitis. Seeing vomit on your carpet once in a while might not be a big deal if your cat seems okay otherwise, but if it keeps happening, it’s important to pay attention. If you’re worried about how often your cat vomits, it’s a good idea to take them to the vet.

What Makes Cats Throw Up?

To understand why your cat might throw up, let’s talk about the usual reasons for it.  The main reasons for a cat throwing up are:

1. Changing their food suddenly
2. Eating stuff they shouldn’t
3. Viruses
4. Bacteria
5. Worms in their belly
6. Swallowing something weird
7. Problems with their pancreas

Cats can also throw up because of long-term illnesses like kidney issues, diabetes, or cancer. So, it’s important to take throwing up seriously. If your cat throws up more than once a day or more than once a month for a while, it’s best to take them to the vet.

The Types Of Cat Vomit You Might See

Examining your cat’s vomit may seem strange initially, but its appearance can offer valuable insights. While it can’t pinpoint the cause of your cat’s vomiting, it can help you understand key aspects of their gastrointestinal distress. Let’s categorize the types of vomit and analyze each one.

Liquid Cat Vomit:

Liquid cat vomit frequently indicates that the cat is throwing up on an empty stomach. This could suggest that they are not eating at all or that it has been several hours since their previous meal.

Chunky Cat Vomit:

Chunky vomit frequently indicates that your cat has eaten. This typically means that they need more time to digest their most recent meal completely and that their stomach was not empty when they vomited.

This could even indicate that their most recent meal brought on their GI disturbance or that they are unable to pass food through their stomach for some other reason.

Foamy Cat Vomit:

When your cat’s vomit looks foamy, it’s because air mixes with the vomit as it comes out of the stomach and mouth. The heaving motion can push air in and out of the mouth, creating foam when the vomit lands. Remember to note the color of the foam on your cat vomit color chart.

Undigested Food Vomit:

When your cat vomits undigested food (you can see the food pieces still in shape), it often means they throw up soon after eating.

This could be because they ate too much, ate too fast, or were too active right after eating. It’s usually fine if it happens occasionally, but if it’s frequent, you should take your cat to the vet. Keep an eye on your cat vomit color chart for any changes.

Cat Vomit Color Guide:

Understanding the color of your cat’s vomit can give you clues about their health. While it’s not a diagnosis on its own, it can signal underlying issues. Let’s explore different cat vomit colors:

Cat Vomit Color Chart Brown:

Brown vomit in cats usually comes from their food. Most cat foods are brown or orange, so when they vomit, it looks brown too. Sometimes, there might be a little blood in the vomit, making it darker brown or showing traces of red.

To check for blood, use a white paper towel to clean up the vomit it’ll make spotting blood easier. If you see blood, contact your vet for advice.

Foreign Material Vomit:

If you notice anything unusual in your cat’s vomit that doesn’t look like their food, it could mean they’re eating things they shouldn’t. People have found all sorts of stuff in their cat’s vomit, from grass blades to hair ties.

If your cat keeps vomiting strange things, it’s important to tell your vet about it. Keep track of these occurrences on your cat vomit color chart to provide better information to your vet.

Cat Vomit Color Chart Green:

Green vomit in cats can happen if they eat grass or plants. You might even find bits of plants in the vomit if they ate them recently. Another reason for green vomit is bile, which helps digest food in the stomach. If a cat throws up when their stomach is empty, it might contain bile.

This could mean your cat isn’t eating well, so it’s best to see your vet if you notice green vomit. Keep track of these colors on your cat vomit color chart to share with your vet.

Red Vomit In Cats:

Red vomit is concerning for cat owners. While it could be from colorful kibble, it might also mean there’s blood in the vomit. Bloody vomit could signal stomach problems, needing immediate vet attention.

If your cat eats red kibble and you’re unsure, ask your vet. They’ll advise whether to watch at home or bring your cat in.

Cat Vomit Color Yellow:

Like green vomit, yellow cat vomit usually has bile in it. This suggests your cat might feel sick and not want to eat. According to the Cat vomit color chart yellow vomit in cats could signal bile reflux or gastrointestinal irritation, necessitating prompt veterinary attention for accurate diagnosis and treatment.
It’s a good idea to take them to the vet if you see yellow vomit.

Black Vomit In Cats:

Black vomit is also worrying. Unlike dogs, cats don’t usually eat dirt, so black vomit needs attention. It could be digested blood, which looks dark brown or black, sometimes like coffee grounds. If you see this, go to the vet right away.

Cat Vomit Color Chart White:

White vomit is often just foam from the stomach. It’s not usually serious, but it might mean your cat feels too sick to eat. This foam is more common when a cat vomits on an empty stomach. If your cat vomits white foam, keep an eye on them for any other signs of illness.

Cat Vomit Color Chart Pink

Pink vomit, as indicated by the Cat Vomit Color Chart, may suggest the presence of blood in a cat’s vomit. This could potentially indicate bleeding in the upper gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Hematemesis, or vomiting blood, could be indicative of various underlying conditions such as peptic ulcers or esophagitis. If pet owners observe pink vomit in their cat, it is crucial to seek immediate veterinary attention for thorough evaluation and appropriate treatment to address any potential health concerns. Delaying medical intervention may exacerbate the condition and compromise the cat’s well-being.

Cat Vomit Looks Like Poop

When a cat vomits, it can be concerning for pet owners, especially if the vomit resembles poop. While occasional vomiting is normal for cats, it’s important to closely monitor your cat and investigate the cause of this unusual vomit. If the vomiting continues or if you notice any other worrying symptoms, it’s crucial to seek veterinary care promptly. A veterinarian can conduct a thorough examination, perform necessary tests, and recommend appropriate treatment to address any underlying health issues. Timely veterinary attention is essential for ensuring the health and happiness of your cat.

Is The Color Of Cat Vomit Significant?

Ultimately, if a cat vomits multiple times within 24 hours, it’s crucial to take their symptoms seriously regardless of the vomit’s color. Although certain colors might immediately concern cat owners, any type or hue of vomit should prompt concern from us.

While the color of the vomit won’t provide a definitive diagnosis, it can offer the vet some valuable insight during examination. If you’re particularly worried about the color of your cat’s vomit, consider collecting a sample in a bag or taking a photo to show your vet during the visit.

When Should My Cat See A Vet If It’s Vomiting?

See the veterinarian if your cat vomits more than once a day or often over one month. This is especially important if they show other tummy troubles or unusual behavior, which might signal an underlying sickness.

If you’re unsure whether your cat needs immediate vet attention, give them a call. Describe your cat’s symptoms, and they’ll advise you on what to do next.

If you’re worried about how the vomit looks, bring a sample or snap a quick photo to show the vet. This way, they can better understand what’s going on with your furry friend.

What Is Normal Cat Vomit Color?

Normal Color of cat vomit include yellow, white, and clear liquid, often indicating vomiting on an empty stomach. This may occur before or after expelling a hairball.

Conclusion

When your cat vomits, it might look different in color and texture, which could mean it’s sick. Remember to check your cat’s vomit whenever you see it on the floor.

This way, you’ll have more information in case you need to take your cat to the vet. And don’t forget about the “Cat vomit color chart” to help you understand what’s going on.

Source

Cat Vomiting: 7 Causes and How to Help

Cat Vomit: Two cat vets answer all of your questions

Vomit color chart: What different colors mean

Cat Vomit Colors: Meanings & Color Chart (Vet Answer)