What should I do if my cat has diarrhea and vomiting?
Isabella Ramos
Updated on March 29, 2026
What should I do if my cat has diarrhea and vomiting?
Common treatments include:
- A short period of fasting (for adult pets).
- A bland diet, such as plain chicken and rice, or a prescription diet for sensitive stomachs.
- Fluids given at the veterinary clinic (this helps restore hydration and electrolytes, which are commonly lost via the vomit and diarrhea).
Why is my cat suddenly pooping all over the house?
This is often due to a gastric upset, a stomach bug, or worms (intestinal parasites). Other issues might include a lack of litter-box access, a litter-box that isn’t being scooped regularly, or a litter-box that’s too small.
Do cats get stomach bugs?
“Gastroenteritis is most often characterized by vomiting and diarrhea.” Many cats will exhibit tenderness when picked up around the abdomen or will resist handling of the stomach and hindquarters. Most cats affected with gastroenteritis will appear less active (lethargic), have a decreased appetite and they may hide.
How can I settle my cats upset stomach?
White rice in their regular cat food. Canned pumpkin or pumpkin treats for the fiber (Nummy Tum-Tum is a great pumpkin-based treat for cats) Bland food (Hill’s Prescription Diet i/d Digestive Care Cat Food) Probiotics labeled for cats (Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets Fortiflora Probiotic)
Why is my cat pooping next to litter box?
Basically, when cats poop (or pee large puddles) out of place, it’s for one of two reasons. They don’t like their litter box or they like their new taboo toilet better. Maybe the litter’s not deep enough or the lining is a pain to negotiate, or the box is too small – it should be 1.5x the length of the cat.
Why did my cat randomly poop on the floor?
Cats may poop on the floor because of a medical condition, stress, or because the litter box is dirty. If the behavior started suddenly, have a vet rule out a medical problem first and then take note if anything significant has happened in the cat’s life, such as a new pet entering the home or the loss of a companion.
Why does my cat keep throwing up?
Why Do Cats Throw Up? Cats may throw up even when they’re not sick. If your cat throws up right after eating, they may be eating too much or too fast. They might be reacting to a change in their diet, or they might have eaten something they shouldn’t have like a rubber band or piece of string.
What are the signs of kidney failure in cats?
General symptoms of kidney failure in cats can include:
- Weakness.
- Weight loss.
- Lack of appetite.
- Depression.
- Bad breath.
- Diarrhea (may contain blood)
- Vomiting (may contain blood)
- Dehydration.
What color should cat vomit be?
Vomited bile is usually yellow in color, though, so if it is determined that the brown liquid your cat is vomiting is bile, that could be a sign of a problem with your cat’s internal organs. Food: Of course, most cat food, whether dry kibble or canned, is some shade of brown in color.
Why does my cat’s vomit look like poop?
Gorging – Cats that eat too much too fast may regurgitate from triggering a stretch reflex in the stomach. These cats regurgitate right after eating and the food is undigested in a tubular shape. It can also look like a round pile of undigested food.
What does it mean when a cat has diarrhea and throws up?
The reason for vomiting or diarrhoea is often due to irritation or inflammation of the stomach or intestines. Common causes include some viruses (similar to human gastroenteritis disease) or that your cat may have eaten something inappropriate (similar to human food poisoning).