Q&A: Why Does My Cat Groom Herself So Much That She Vomits?
Dr. Mark is a veterinarian. He works with dogs, cats, exotics, and livestock.
Overgrooming can cause vomiting. Luckily, there are many ways to curb grooming in cats.
Why Does My Cat Groom Constantly and Throw Up?
"Why does my cat groom herself so much and throw up all her food?" —Joann
Why Cats Overgroom (and How to Stop It)
Just based on your question, I think that your cat is vomiting secondary to excessive grooming. The reasons that cats groom excessively are usually behavioral, but they can be medical too:
- Loud noises (music, loud parties)
- A lot of visitors
- Changes around your house (new mirrors, new scented candles, moving furniture, etc.)
- Allergies
- Fleas or other skin parasites
- Ear mites
- Bacterial infection of the skin
Read More From Pethelpful
Tips for Getting Your Cat to Groom Less
There are a lot of ways you can help encourage your cat to groom less frequently and reduce hairballs.
- Brush your cat twice a day to remove any loose hairs.
- Feed your cat hairball remedy food.
- Make sure your cat has a place to hide when they are feeling stressed.
- If you have visitors over, make sure your cat has a separate room to escape to.
- Buy a hairball gel to give your cat once a day.
When to See Your Vet
Vomiting can have a lot of other causes, though, not just excessive grooming and hairballs. Please take the time to read this article on taking care of a vomiting cat at home and look at some of the other reasons cats vomit.
If it is not just hairballs, and your cat continues to vomit despite the suggestions listed here, take her to your regular vet for an examination.
This article is not meant to substitute for diagnosis, prognosis, treatment, prescription, or formal and individualized advice from your veterinarian. Animals exhibiting signs and symptoms of distress should be seen by a veterinarian immediately.
© 2022 Dr Mark
