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My newly adopted kitten is vomiting undigested food. Should I worry?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Domestic Shorthair | Male | neutered | 5 months and 12 days old | 5 lbs

Hi, I just adopted my kitten yesterday (1/14/17) and he's 5 months & 12days old. He seems to be adjusting well because he's been playing & exploring around, drinking water/eating normally, but up until a couple of hours ago, about 10pm (~12:30am now), he started vomiting up his food (mostly undigested), a few times in the past couple of hrs. Should I be worried or is it him adjusting to the new environment? Anything I need to keep an eye out for? He's had his vaccines and is neutered.

2 Answers

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Answered By David Elbeze, DVM, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Published on January 14th, 2018

It sounds as Oliver is suffering from a gastrointestinal condition, possibly an infection. it could also be due to ingestion of a foreign body material. i would recommend taking him to the vet the first chance you get, he will need to be checked first, if the vet thinks it's a simple gastrointestinal infection he will need an anti vomiting injection, antibiotics and a special food for a few days in order to get better.

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    Answered By Laura Johnson VMD

    Veterinarian

    Published on May 1st, 2018

    Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Poor Oliver! Oliver is young so the causes of weight loss and lethargy are different for kittens than adult cats. Possible causes are: intestinal parasites, feline leukemia, feline infectious peritonitis (FIP), inflammatory bowel disease (intestinal allergies). I would assume if he had a fever or ate something that is causing a blockage that he wouldn't be eating and would be vomiting. Ideally Oliver needs an exam eith a vet to give you a better idea on what is going on. But yes, he could be really sick. Cats hide their illnesses well. I wish Oliver the best!

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