Nausea in Cats: Why Your Feline Might Be Feeling Woozy

Nausea refers to the feeling of an upset stomach that may cause cats to gag or vomit to alleviate the discomfort.   

It can be caused by a variety of conditions, ranging in severity from mild illnesses to severe health concerns.   

It can be difficult to detect nausea in cats because they tend to try and hide any signs of illness. However, there are some telltale signs you may notice. 

Symptoms of nausea in cats include:  

• Excessive drooling 
• Lip smacking or licking lips repeatedly 
• Decreased appetite 
• Abdominal pain 
• Restlessness 
• Gagging 
• Vomiting 
• Lethargy 
• Hiding  

Nausea in cats is common, and it might happen due to something minor, like your cat switching diets. But it can also be linked to more serious health issues, such as a chronic disease.  

Senior cats tend to experience nausea more frequently because health issues can come with age.   

Possible causes of nausea in cats include: 

• Switching diets abruptly 
• Going too long without eating 
• Ingestion of spoiled food 
• Eating too much  
• Ingestion of something toxic 
• Intestinal parasites 
• Chronic kidney disease 
• Hyperthyroidism 
• Inflammatory bowel disease  
• Viral infections, such as feline leukemia virus 
• Bacterial infections, such as campylobacteriosis  
• Pancreatitis  
• Diabetes 
• Liver disease 
• Feline idiopathic cystitis  
• Cancer 
• Reaction to a medication  
• Food allergies 
• Hairballs 
• Stress 

If your cat is eating less, acting lethargic, vomiting, or experiencing diarrhea, take them to their veterinarian. The vet will start with a physical exam and note anything unusual, such as a painful belly or excessive drooling.  

Testing may include:  

• Bloodwork: A small sample of blood is taken from your cat’s vein and tested for abnormalities related to blood cell counts and organ function that may indicate infections or chronic kidney disease, for example. FeLV and FIV can also be diagnosed through a blood test.  
• Urinalysis: A sample of urine is tested to identify bladder infections, inflammation, or underlying systemic diseases.  
• Fecal float: A sample of your cat’s poop is processed and viewed underneath a microscope to look for intestinal parasites.  
• Imaging: In some cases, X-rays or an ultrasound can be used to look at your cat’s internal organs, such as the gastrointestinal tract.  
• Biopsy: In chronic cases of nausea, some cats undergo surgery or endoscopy to remove a small section of their stomach or intestines. This sample can be sent to a special laboratory for diagnosis.  

Your veterinarian might also recommend a diet trial. If a food allergy is suspected, a cat can be switched to a prescription diet, such as Royal Canin Hydrolyzed Protein Cat Food, for eight to 12 weeks to see if their nausea improves.  

When symptoms are mild, your cat’s veterinarian may provide supportive care—such as anti-nausea medicines, like maropitant or metoclopramide—and send them home.  

If nausea persists or stems from a chronic underlying health condition, a veterinarian may recommend hospitalization with supportive care for a few days. 

Common treatment options for cats with nausea include: 

• Fluid therapy 
• Anti-nausea medications  
• Antacids, such as famotidine 

• Proton pump inhibitors, such as omeprazole 

• Special diets, such as Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets EN Gastroenteric 

• Dewormers, such as Drontal 

If your veterinarian thinks hairballs might be the problem, they might recommend some hairball support chews, foods, or supplements, such as the Tomlyn Laxatone Gel Hairball Control Supplement for Cats.  

To help a cat recovering from nausea, provide a private, quiet space to rest. Adding a comfy bed or blanket can keep your cat comfortable.  

You can also put some Feliway diffusers in the area to create a low-stress environment and help your cat relax.  

Giving them fresh water and a bland diet, such as a small amount of boiled chicken with white rice, is also helpful.  

Dry diets, such as Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Gastrointestinal Fiber Response, are also a good option and can be purchased with a prescription from your veterinarian.  

While your cat is recovering at home, watch for any worsening of symptoms. Also keep an eye out for dehydration, such as dry gums, lethargy, and sunken eyes. If you notice any of these symptoms, contact your veterinarian immediately.   

Remember, though, that nausea has many causes, and usually it’s not serious. Seeing a vet as soon as symptoms start is the best way to get your cat on their way to feeling better fast.  

Why is my cat throwing up clear liquid?  

Cats may throw up clear liquid if they have an empty stomach or if they drank too much water too quickly.  

What is my cat throwing up white foam?   

There are many reasons a cat may be vomiting white foam, from hairballs to an empty stomach to stress.  

What is a home remedy I can give my cat for vomiting? 

If your cat vomits once and is otherwise acting normally, offer a small amount of a bland diet, such as boiled chicken and white rice. However, if your cat experiences more than one episode of vomiting or has other concerning symptoms, such as a poor appetite, take them to their veterinarian for professional advice.