When your cat throws up clear liquid or water, it's often a sign of illness. The clear liquid your cat is throwing up comes from the digestive tract and may consist of water, saliva, and stomach acids. Vomiting is associated with an array of health concerns ranging from minor things like hairballs to more serious issues such as pancreatitis. Stress and anxiety can also lead to vomiting in cats. Here are some possible reasons why your cat is throwing up clear liquid and what you should do about it, including when to contact a veterinarian.

Why Is My Cat Throwing Up Clear Liquid?

There are a number of possible reasons why your cat is vomiting clear liquid, and some are more serious than others. Just like people, a cat's stomach produces various gastric acids to digest their food. If the stomach is empty, these acids can cause irritation which leads to vomiting. The vomit may look like a clear liquid with white foam. Sometimes, this vomit will have a yellow color because it contains bile, which is fluid made in the liver that aids in digestion.

Stomach irritation may also occur if a cat eats food too quickly or ingests something they shouldn't. These cats may throw up food, clear liquid, red liquid (blood), and/or bile, which may be green, yellow, or brown liquid. Your cat may also stop eating and exhibit a depressed attitude or lethargy. Vomiting can also lead to dehydration.

If your cat drinks too much water or drinks water too quickly, they may throw it up. Consider other signs your cat is showing to determine the cause of the vomiting as some physical ailments cause excessive thirst in cats. 

Some common reasons why cats vomit clear liquid include:

• Hairballs
• Indigestion
• Diet changes (new food, different schedule)
• Gastritis (stomach inflammation)
• Pancreatitis
• Parasites
• Constipation
• Gastrointestinal obstruction of foreign material (such as a toy or string)
• Toxin exposure (such as dangerous plants or harmful human food)
• Metabolic disorders such as diabetes, kidney disease, and hyperthyroidism 
• Urinary obstruction
• Cancer
  

What To Do If Your Cat Is Throwing Up Clear Liquid

Contact your veterinarian if your cat is repeatedly vomiting clear liquid or showing other signs of distress or illness. Some cat owners may describe their cat as "pukey," but frequent vomiting is never normal for a cat. Vomiting more than once a week is definitely a sign of a problem. If your cat has vomited clear liquid several times or shows other symptoms such as lack of appetite, weight loss, lethargy, or diarrhea, you should make an appointment with your vet right away.

Your vet will start with a physical exam, checking your cat's vital signs and palpating your cat's abdomen. After a thorough examination, your vet may also run some tests, including blood work and X-rays. Blood work will check your cat's organ function, making sure there are no signs of disease, as well as your cat's red blood cell and platelet counts. An X-ray study will check for any abnormalities in the abdomen like fluid or masses. It can also show intestinal gas patterns that could indicate a blockage.

Treatment for Vomiting Clear Liquid

The treatment for vomiting in cats depends on the underlying cause. Some cats may need hospitalization for fluid therapy and supportive care, while others may simply need outpatient treatments and oral medications to take home. If your veterinarian suspects an intestinal blockage your cat may require surgery to resolve it.

If your vet suspects your cat's vomiting is from indigestion and has ruled out other more serious causes, they may suggest feeding small, frequent meals at the same time throughout the day so as to alleviate any buildup of stomach acid.

Some cats are sensitive to certain foods, and this may cause them to throw up partially digested or undigested food. Once your vet has ruled out other medical issues, they may want your cat to try a special diet formulated for digestibility.

Be sure to stay in communication with your vet regarding your cat's progress. If you're not noticing an improvement within a few days, contact your vet before making changes to the treatment plan.

How to Prevent Vomiting in Cats

Some illnesses cannot be prevented, but you can take steps to keep your cat healthy and prevent some causes of vomiting in cats. Bring your cat to the veterinarian at least once a year for a wellness check-up and keep your cat current on recommended vaccines and preventive care.

If your cat frequently produces hairballs, consider feeding a commercial diet or treats that are formulated to prevent the formation of hairballs. It's also a good idea to get your cat comfortable with regular hair brushing, which will help remove loose fur before your cat can ingest it.

If your cat is a fast eater, food puzzles are a great source of both play and enrichment. Not only do they stimulate cats' predatory and foraging instincts, but they also slow down chow time so a cat cannot eat too quickly and then get sick.