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My cat is vomiting and has severe liquid diarrhea. Is it urgent?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Female | spayed | 3 years and 4 months old | 20 lbs

My 3 year old female car has acute vomiting and diahrrea. She's never had either before. It seems to be getting worse as the day goes on.... She's in the litter box constantly, but now diahrrea is liquid and vomit is now just mucus and clear (I didn't want to feed her, so her stomach is empty). Otherwise she seems ok, just pacing around the house and I keep finding new piles of vomit and see her in the litter box. I'm concerned because these symptoms are acute and pretty intense.

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2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Jenna Beyer, DVM, MBA, cVMA

Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist

Published on August 3rd, 2017

It definitely sounds like BoBo has an upset tummy. I am concerned about the amount of vomiting and diarrhea that you have described. Possible causes for this to happen acutely include bacterial or viral gastroenteritis, pancreatitis, toxic exposure, intestinal obstruction, dietary intolerance or food allergy (this would happen if he ate human food he shouldn't have or if you recently changed food or treats), irritable bowel syndrome, intestinal lymphoma, or other internal medicine issues. I think that BoBo should see a vet as soon as possible to start with bloodwork and maybe x-rays depending on the findings of the physical exam. Before you go, check around the house for anything that BoBo may have chewed on, like hair ties, string, carpet, or chemicals. You are right in not feeding BoBo anything, but encourage him to drink water, chicken broth, or pedialyte to try to maintain hydration. Cats can also get electrolyte imbalances soon after having voluminous vomiting or diarrhea. Depending on test results, your vet may prescribe medications for nausea, diarrhea, or even antibiotics and gastroprotectants. If the bloodwork shows severe abnormalities or the symptoms persist despite medications, BoBo may need IV fluids to rehydrate him and correct electrolyte abnormalities. If you have additional questions I can answer, feel free to choose a consult so we can answer them.

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    Answered By Lauren Kennedy, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on March 7th, 2018

    Vomiting and diarrhea together is commonly referred to as gastroenteritis. There can be several causes for gastroenteritis such as metabolic issues, pancreatitis, dietary indiscretion, intestinal parasites and a foreign body/blockage. I would recommend taking your dog to the vet to be evaluated. Your vet may recommend blood work and X-rays to figure out what exactly is going on. Your cat may need fluid if dehydrated, nausea medication and antibiotics. I hope this helps. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Best of luck.

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