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My cat threw up foamy bile after eating tuna. Why did this happen?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Male | neutered | 18 lbs

I gave my cat a can of tuna yesterday and he was fine. I just gave him another can of tuna this morning and he threw it up and than threw up 4 more times, but it was liquid foamy like stomach bile. What's wrong? He seems better now about 20 minutes later, but would like to know what happen or a cause.

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2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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

Veterinarian

Published on August 19th, 2017

This is absolutely dietary related. The tuna can commony cause that. I would recommend to withhold food for the next 8 hours and then start feeding with a bland diet based on boiled chicken or white fish and rice in small portions every 6 hours for the next 48hours. Then gradually switch back the diet to normal one. I would recommend a check up if the signs persist or you notice lethargy diarrhoea or inappetence. Please do not hesitate to contact us agli if you want to discuss it any further. We are available for one to one chat (consultation).

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    Answered By Ann Dion, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    Hello and welcome to Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Tuna, especially if in oil, can be too rich and oily for the digestive system of a cat. If Jinx is acting normally and eating normally now then I would just monitor Jinx, and would avoid feeding tuna in the future, or at least in that form. If he continues to vomit he could have a gastritis, or could have a blockage in his GI tract. Also, you have noted that Jinx is 18lbs. If this is accurate this is a very high weight for a cat, and the vomiting could be due to diabetes. If this is the case then having Jinx seen by a vet right away is recommended. Best of luck with Jinx!

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