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My cat is throwing up white foam and not eating. Vet or home care?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | American Shorthair | Male | neutered | 3 years and 7 months old | 9 lbs

My cat has thrown up a white foam 3 times today and he's not very interested in eating or drinking but I've been forcing small amounts of water every half hour or so and he has been keeping it down and hasn't thrown up for a couple of hours and seems to be doing a little better. My question is is it safe for me to monitor him for the next 24 hours or should I take him to a vet asap? AND is there anything I can do at home to help him?

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on December 10th, 2016

I would be very careful about forcing water down Odin's throat, as he could accidentally aspirate some, causing aspiration pneumonia. I would try to tempt him to drink his water by adding some tuna juice into it. He may be drinking water when you aren't looking, so I would measure out a specific amount of water, and remeasure it in 12 hours to see if he has drank any of it. If he has not, then yes I would take him into the vet. You can try to tempt to eat with some boiled white meat chicken (no bones) in small amounts, or you can try gently warmed up smelly wet food, such as sardine or fish based. If these don't tempt him to eat and he isn't drinking water, I would take him into a vet right away.

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    Answered By Debi Matlack

    Veterinary Technician

    Published on

    I would monitor him overnight since he seems to be improving but wait until tomorrow morning to offer him food, and then only a little to see if he keeps it down. Cats can't go more than a few days without eating before developing serious liver problems, so if he refuses food or vomits it back up, get him seen right away at your vet or an emergency clinic. Keep encouraging him to get water in, you can offer low sodium chicken broth to entice him to drink more. If his condition deteriorates, get him seen immediately.

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