Petco Text Logo
Petco Pet Logo

  • Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!

My pet is vomiting yellow mucus and undigested food. Is it a hairball?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Scottish Fold | Female | spayed | 1 year and 3 months old | 7.5 lbs

Started yesterday morning-vomited yellowish mucus, then today she vomited same thing. And then shortly after eating vomited undigested food. I saw her have a bowel movement, but she seems to not be feeling good. Could it be just a hairball?

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Image profile

Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on August 5th, 2017

I'm sorry Zoey isn't doing well! While it could be a hairball, she could be suffering from a GI illness, may have eaten something rotten, could have a foreign body, or could have pancreatitis. I can give you a home remedy to try to see if that helps. I recommend withholding food for 12-24 hours, then feeding 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, develops diarrhea, stops drinking water, starts vomiting water, or becomes very lethargic, she will need to see a vet right away.

Vote icon

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

  • Image profile

    Answered By Dr. Massimo Orioles, DVM, Cert AVP, MRCVS

    Veterinarian

    Published on May 22nd, 2020

    Hi, and thanks for your question. These signs could be compatible with an inflammation infection of the gastrointestinal system and surrounding organs (like pancreas and liver). A clinical examination at your local veterinarian is immediately essential to confirm these clinical suspicions and treat appropriately. Antibiotics and possibly further investigations (like abdominal imaging as ultrasound or radiographs) may be needed. Hope this answer was helpful, but please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further. If this answer was helpful please let us know, this will be used to improve our service!

    Vote icon

    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

  • Image profile

    Answered By Christie Long, DVM

    Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist

    Published on March 1st, 2018

    This looks very much like recently ingested food to me, so my assumption would be that this is vomit. I don't see any hair in it, so a hairball seems less likely. Occasionally cats will vomit food when they have a hairball in their stomachs. You might try buying some hairball paste at your local pet store to see if this helps resolve the problem, but if the vomiting continues Felix needs a veterinary visit.

    Vote icon

    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

See More Answers

Related Questions

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
What's the best way to feed my hamster when I'm going on a trip?
Planning a trip to Chicago and need to feed your Syrian hamster? A certified vet offers expert advice on feeding options for short and long trips, plus finding trusted pet sitters.
Updated on December 04, 2025
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 newly adopted pet won't eat hay. What can I do to encourage it?
Adopted a pet not eating hay? Dr. Stafford, a certified vet, offers expert guidance on encouraging hay consumption, including adjusting pellets and trying fresh types.
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
image
Have A Vet Question?

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

Book Now

Sponsored