When is my cat’s vomiting an emergency?

Treat it as urgent when vomiting repeats within a day, when she can’t keep water down, or when it comes with lethargy, a painful or bloated belly, no appetite, diarrhea or signs of dehydration. Repeated unproductive retching, or vomiting paired with a string or thread you can see, points to a possible blockage and needs immediate care. A single vomit in a cat who’s otherwise bright, eating and acting normal is usually fine to watch. When in doubt the safer call is the vet, sooner for kittens and seniors.

When to call a vet: Repeated vomiting, inability to keep water down, lethargy, a bloated painful belly or suspected swallowed string is an emergency. Go now.