Home Care for a Cat with Vomiting and Diarrhea

Vomiting and diarrhea are among the most common symptoms seen in cats. These issues may occur independently or at the same time, and their severity can range from a mild, self-limiting upset to a serious medical condition requiring veterinary care. Because gastrointestinal problems are so common, many pet owners wonder when home care is appropriate and when professional help is necessary.

This article addresses frequently asked questions about vomiting and diarrhea in cats, with a focus on how these conditions may be managed at home when symptoms are mild and your veterinarian has not advised immediate treatment.

What Are Diarrhea and Vomiting?

Vomiting is the act of expelling stomach contents through the mouth. It often occurs suddenly and may be preceded by nausea, drooling, or retching. Diarrhea, on the other hand, refers to abnormally loose or liquid stools. It may also involve an increased frequency of bowel movements.

Some cats experience a single episode of watery stool, while others may strain and pass small amounts of soft stool multiple times throughout the day.

Why Does My Cat Have Diarrhea and Vomiting?

Vomiting and diarrhea can have many different causes. Common triggers include eating too much, ingesting something indigestible, sudden changes in diet, or consuming spoiled food or garbage. Infectious agents such as bacteria, viruses, or parasites can also lead to gastrointestinal upset.

In some cases, vomiting and diarrhea are linked to more serious underlying conditions, including pancreatitis, kidney disease, liver disease, diabetes, or cancer. For a comprehensive discussion of possible causes, see Gastroenteritis in Cats.

Regardless of the cause, vomiting and diarrhea can lead to significant fluid loss. This may result in dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, and disturbances in the body’s acid-base balance, all of which can worsen your cat’s condition if not addressed promptly.

How Do I Treat Vomiting and Diarrhea in Cats at Home?

The appropriate treatment for vomiting and diarrhea depends on the underlying cause, but there are general home-care guidelines that may help cats with mild symptoms. Medications should only be given if prescribed or approved by your veterinarian, as many drugs that are safe for people or dogs can be dangerous—or even fatal—for cats.

Managing both vomiting and diarrhea can be challenging. When vomiting is present, food is often withheld for two to four hours to allow the stomach to rest. With diarrhea alone, food restriction may last slightly longer. If your cat appears lethargic, seems unwell, or continues to vomit or have diarrhea despite home care, veterinary attention is essential.

The stomach lining can become irritated during gastrointestinal upset. Some cats may still want to eat, but doing so too soon can trigger additional vomiting. Allowing the stomach time to rest is an important first step. After approximately two hours without vomiting, you may begin offering small amounts of water—just a few tablespoons at a time.

Continue offering small amounts every 20 minutes to help maintain hydration. If your cat is reluctant to drink, you can try offering fresh water in a different bowl, adding ice cubes, or using a small amount of tuna juice to encourage fluid intake.

If your cat tolerates water without vomiting, you may gradually introduce a bland, easily digestible diet. Small, frequent meals are recommended. Veterinary diets such as Hill’s Prescription Diet Feline i/d are commonly used, but a homemade option like boiled chicken (without seasoning) can also be appropriate. Avoid overfeeding, as consuming too much at once may trigger vomiting.

Start with a small portion—about an inch-square piece of meat cut into smaller pieces. If no vomiting occurs, offer a slightly larger amount about an hour later. Feed small meals every three to four hours on the first day, gradually increasing portion size and reducing frequency as your cat improves.

Many veterinarians recommend famotidine (Pepcid AC®) to reduce stomach acid and ease irritation. The commonly used dosage is 0.25 to 0.5 mg per pound (0.5 to 1.0 mg/kg) every 12 to 24 hours. For example, a 10-pound cat typically receives 2.5 to 5 mg once or twice daily. This oral medication is available over the counter and is often used for three to five days, but you should always confirm dosing and safety with your veterinarian before administering it.

The bland diet should be continued for approximately two days. After that, you can gradually transition back to your cat’s regular food over one to two days. Begin by mixing a small amount of regular food into the bland diet for one meal. At subsequent meals, increase the proportion of regular food—moving to a 50/50 mix, then 75% regular food—before returning fully to your cat’s normal diet.

If your cat goes outdoors, it is best to keep them inside until symptoms have completely resolved. Monitor your cat’s appetite, energy level, and stool quality closely. Watch for blood in the stool, worsening diarrhea, or a return of vomiting. If you have any concerns at any point, schedule an examination with your veterinarian.

Medications should never be given without veterinary guidance. Administering unapproved drugs or incorrect doses can result in toxicity and serious complications. If vomiting or diarrhea persists, worsens, or is accompanied by additional symptoms, contact your veterinarian promptly.

Cats that stop eating, become lethargic, or continue vomiting require professional care. Your veterinarian may recommend diagnostic tests and treatment based on the severity and nature of your cat’s symptoms.

Diarrhea and Vomiting in Cats: When to Worry

Veterinary care is warranted if vomiting or diarrhea continues after your cat eats, if your cat refuses food, or if lethargy develops. Weight loss, blood in the vomit or feces, or ineffective vomiting—where a cat retches but produces no vomit—should be treated as a medical emergency.

If you are concerned about your cat’s vomiting and diarrhea, pet insurance may help offset the cost of diagnostics and treatment. Learn more about how coverage may support your cat’s care.

The information in this article is intended for educational purposes only and should not replace the advice or care of a licensed veterinarian.