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My cat is throwing up bile and not eating. Should I go to the vet?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | British Shorthair | Female | unspayed

I have 2 indoor cats, I went away for the weekend have come back and thought that my youngest kitty had just had the ump as I was away but then she started being sick (I believe it was bile) she had stopped being sick but was refusing to eat, she ate a little today so thought she might be getting better again but has been sick again looking for advice on wether it's like a sickness bug or whether I need to take her to the vets, hope this makes sense. Thank you

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Leigh, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on November 24th, 2016

Since it has been a couple days, I think it would be best if she was examined by your vet. She could have an infection, parasite, gastritis/enteritis, metabolic/endocrine disease, or an obstruction. Your vet can run labwork and take xrays, if needed, to help diagnose and then prescribe medications to treat. Your vet can prescribe an anti-vomiting, gastric protectant, and give fluids to prevent dehydration. Hope she feels better soon!

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Other Answers

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    Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

    Veterinarian

    Published on April 7th, 2020

    Thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach with your question about Wesley. Oh no, poor boy! It's actually pretty serious when a cat won't eat, as if they go long enough without eating (about 72 hours), they develop a fatty liver which is fatal without treatment. You want to avoid that. He could have a stomach illness causing this vomiting and lack of appetite. It could also be caused by a foreign body or pancreatitis. Feed him 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 his normal diet. If he refuses to eat the bland diet, he vomits the bland diet, develops diarrhea, stops drinking water, starts vomiting water, or becomes very lethargic, he will need to see a vet right away. I hope this helps!

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    Answered By Stacey Anstaett, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on December 29th, 2019

    If Pinky is otherwise acting normally. (doesn't seem lethargic, is still interactive--isn't hiding, isn't vocalizing more than normal, etc) doesn't have any trouble breathing and her respiratory rate doesn't seen too fast, and If she isn't continually vomiting, its ok to wait until tomorrow. If she starts to seem like she's feeling worse, if she has any trouble breathing, or if her vomiting becomes quite frequent ( vomiting every 1-3 hours) seek emergency care. Offer her small amounts of water throughout the day (don't force it or try to syringe it though, as she may aspirate if you do this). You can offer little bits of food as well. Be sure to get her in to see the vet tomorrow and follow the guidelines above--seek emergency care if needed. Thank you for asking Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

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