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My 13-year-old cat is throwing up his dry food daily. What's wrong?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | British Shorthair | Male | neutered

My 13 yo British Shorthair cat has been throwing-up his breakfast for the last few days... I think he's eating bamboo leaf or grass... other wise ok and eats like a machine - dry food only. Have blocked access to garden :(

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Andrea M. Brodie, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on November 1st, 2016

Draco may be eating his food too fast and then it expands (in the case of dry food) and the stomach wants to get rid of it, "thinking" it is overfilling, Better feed him smaller amounts of food over three to four times a day. Eating grass is a sign of a tummy ache or nausea. Draco may also be trying to get rid of a hair ball. In addition, there is a possibility of chronic pancreatitis and gastritis. Older cats also tend to get old cat diseases, such as hyperthyroidism or kidney disease, both of which can cause vomiting. Worst case scenario, especially since Draco is an older kitty, would be lymphoma. I suggest you take Draco to your veterinarian for a senior exam including blood tests, possibly x-rays, if the vomiting does not subside with changing to feeding smaller portions more frequently.

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    Answered By David Elbeze, DVM, MRCVS

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    I'm afraid it's probably not due to the bamboo leaf or grass, there is probably something else that is causing this. Common reasons for vomiting in cats include kidney failure, pancreatitis, lymphoma, IBD and foreign body ingestion. If Draco is lucky though, it might be a simple gastrointestinal infection. I would recommend taking him to the vet tomorrow to have it checked, he might need a blood test or ultrasound done.

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