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My 15-year-old cat is vomiting. Should I be worried? What to feed?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | American Shorthair | Male | neutered | 4 lbs

Our cat is 15 yrs. Old. Starting yesterday late morning, after he ate usual wet food, he vomited it all up in different places. He didn't eat again (dry food) until mid evening. He didn't even make it until he was full. I didn't hear him but vomited in dish and then in 2 places on the floor. It sounds like he's hacking up a hairball. He's not losing his appetite. But I'm afraid to feed him. Last time it was white and frothy and like gel, stuck together. Should I be worried? What can I feed him?

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on March 5th, 2017

Poor Marley! It sounds like he isn't feeling well at all, and while the vomiting could be caused by a hairball, it could also be caused by a GI illness, eating something rotten, pancreatitis, or a foreign body. Given his age, the vomiting could be caused by kidney failure, diabetes, hyperthyroidism, or even cancer. I can give you a home remedy to try to see it helps with Marley's vomiting, but even if it does, I do recommend having him seen by a vet on Monday. Kidney failure, diabetes, and hyperthyroidism are common diseases of senior cats, and it would be a good idea to have a geriatric blood panel and urinalysis done on him to see how his organs are functioning and if he suffering from any of these diseases. If he is, the vet can discuss treatment options. Home remedy: 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 his normal diet. If the vomiting continues in the absence of food, 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.

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Other Answers

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    Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

    Veterinarian

    Published on January 9th, 2017

    Poor Daisy! She sounds quite ill, and at her age, it would be best for her to be seen by a vet right away. This vomiting could be caused by a GI illness, kidney disease, diabetes, hyperthyroidism, cancer, eating something rotten, or organ failure. The vet can do a physical exam, blood tests, and a urinalysis to try to diagnose what is causing her to vomit and treat it. She may need a shot to stop the vomiting, and IV fluids for hydration. Please take her into a vet now.

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