Petco Text Logo
Petco Pet Logo

  • Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!

Why is my young kitten throwing up mushy food and clear liquid?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Female | unspayed | 1lb

My kitten (estimated 5 weeks old) began throwing up this morning around 6am,, it looked like mushy food. She has acted fine all day and then threw up again around 8pm, the same consistency as before. She is now throwing up clear, spit looking liquid. She was dewormed a couple of weeks ago but does not have her vaccinations yet due to her youth. She has been in my care since being found in a ditch four weeks ago. I'm not sure what may be causing the vomiting. Any ideas or suggestions?

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Image profile

Answered By Lauren Kennedy, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on July 24th, 2017

Vomiting is a very vague sign and could indicate several different things going on. Some of the more common causes of vomiting include intestinal parasites, gastritis (inflammation of the stomach wall), pancreatitis, dietary indiscretion, or a foreign body/blockage. Since Luna is so young I would recommend taking her to the vet. She may be dehydrated and need fluids as well as some antinausea medication to help stop the vomiting.

Vote icon

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Other Answers

  • Image profile

    Answered By David Darvishian

    Veterinarian

    Published on November 14th, 2017

    Hi and thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Sorry to hear about Mocha. Vomiting has many causes including intestinal worms, inflammation, infection, dietary problems (including dietary indiscretion or eating things pets are not supposed to eat, food sensitivities/allergies), ingestion of foreign bodies or exposure to toxins, bacterial overgrowth in the gut, problems in the stomach, intestines, or even problems outside of the intestinal tract/stomach including pancreatitis, kidney/liver problems, metabolic disease (diabetes,etc), endocrine diseases (thyroid or other hormone problems), etc. Usually, in kittens, we worry about intestinal parasites first, then, infection, foreign body ingestion or dietary indiscretion. She may just need a deworming treatment. Kittens and puppies can be dewormed starting at 2 weeks of age. They become infected with parasites in the womb (in utero) and while nursing. You can go to a pet store and get pyrantel pamoate. This will kill hookworms and roundworms transmitted by the mom. You can deworm kittens every 2-3 weeks at this age. They should be dewormed at least 3-4 times once they stop nursing. If you try this and she still vomits, I would advise seeing your veterinarian. A thorough history and physical exam with resultant diagnostics such as fecal tests, blood tests, imaging studies such as x-rays/ultrasound can be done to try to determine what is going on. Good luck. I hope this resolves quickly.

    Vote icon

    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

  • Image profile

    Answered By Ricardo Fernandez, DVM

    Veterinarian, Veterinary Oncology Resident

    Published on November 27th, 2018

    Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Vomiting can be observed with conditions such as gastroenteritis, pancreatitis, dietary indiscretion, gastrointestinal foreign body ingestion and obstruction, among other possibilities. For this reason, I highly recommend that you have him evaluated by a veterinarian for further assessment and treatment as soon as I am afraid he is possibly becoming dehydrated. They would be able to check for these possibilities and also check his hydration status and give him medications to make him feel better. Good luck!

    Vote icon

    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

See More Answers

Related Questions

Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
Why is my mouse's eye swollen, cloudy, and has pus?
Is your mouse's eye swollen, cloudy, and pussy? Dr. Melanie, a certified vet, discusses severe eye issues like infection or abscess, urging an immediate visit.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
What fish dog food helps dry skin if my dog eats Science Diet?
Is your dog's dry skin a concern? A certified vet offers expert advice on finding the best fish-based dog food alternatives to Science Diet for essential oils.
Updated on February 04, 2026
Petco Pet Education Center
Food & Nutrition
Can chickens eat bell peppers daily and what about veggie salads?
Can your chickens eat bell peppers and salads? Veterinarian Dr. Elizabeth offers expert advice on safe feeding, frequency, and how fresh veggies boost vibrant yolks.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Food & Nutrition
Is Purina Layer Pellets good for chickens? What other feeds exist?
Is Purina Layer Pellets the right choice for your flock? Get expert advice from a Petco veterinarian on Purina and other top chicken feed brands for your chickens.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Food & Nutrition
My mice eat all their food together from one bowl. Is this normal?
Do your mice quickly eat together from one bowl? A Licensed Vet Tech explains normal mouse eating behavior and when to watch for aggression. Get expert insights.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
My pet is breathing hard, not eating, and lethargic. What's wrong?
Is your rat breathing heavily, won't eat, and has no energy? A Licensed Vet Tech explains potential causes like infection and age, urging a vet visit for diagnosis.
Updated on December 04, 2025
image
Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Book Now

Sponsored