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Could new food be causing my cat's severe vomiting and diarrhea?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Female | spayed | 25 lbs

Our cat is vomiting and having diarrhea every few hours and sleeping in between. It started early this morning after she got a can of food she doesn't normally eat. Could it be related to that? It always upsets her stomach a little bit never this bad.

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Leigh, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on July 18th, 2017

Changing food can cause gastritis/enteritis so it could be from the can of food. You could withhold food for 12 hours and if the vomiting and diarrhea stops then try a bland diet. You could buy a commercial gastrointestinal diet or try a little bit of boiled chicken and see how she does. If the vomiting and diarrhea continues or she becomes lethargic then she should be examined by a vet for treatment. She may need fluids, anti-vomiting, antibiotic, and a gastrointestinal protectant. Hope she feels better soon!

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    Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

    Veterinarian

    Published on August 16th, 2019

    Poor Knives. Even if she has had this brand of food before, a new flavor can cause GI upset. I can give you a home remedy to see if that helps her. I recommend withholding food for 12-24 hours, then feed a bland diet of boiled white meat chicken (no bones) in small amounts several times a day for a couple of days. Then slowly add back in her normal diet. If the vomiting continues in the absence of food, she vomits the bland diet, the diarrhea continues on the bland diet, stops drinking water, starts vomiting water, or becomes very lethargic, she will need to see a vet right away. Best of luck.

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