Cat Upset Stomach: Home Remedies, Signs & When to See the Vet

Your cat skipped breakfast, spent the morning hiding under the bed, and now you hear that unmistakable pre-vomit heaving from the hallway. A cat upset stomach is one of the most common reasons owners worry — and one of the most common reasons for vet visits. The good news is that many mild cases can be managed safely at home, as long as you know what to do, what to avoid, and when home care is no longer enough.

This guide walks you through the signs of cat nausea, safe home remedies, dangerous mistakes to avoid, and clear red flags that mean it is time to call your veterinarian.

Signs Your Cat Has an Upset Stomach

Cats are experts at hiding discomfort, so you need to watch for subtle signals. A cat with an upset stomach may show one or several of these signs:

• Lip licking or swallowing repeatedly. This is one of the earliest signs of cat nausea. Your cat may lick their lips constantly even when no food is around.
• Excessive drooling. Drooling in cats is not normal the way it can be in dogs. If your cat is drooling, nausea is a likely cause.
• Grass eating. Cats instinctively eat grass to trigger vomiting when they feel nauseous. If your indoor cat suddenly shows interest in houseplants, take notice.
• Hiding or withdrawing. A normally social cat that retreats under furniture or into closets is telling you something is wrong.
• Refusing food. Skipping a single meal can happen for many reasons, but refusing two or more consecutive meals is a significant warning sign.
• Hunched posture. A cat sitting with its body tense and back slightly arched may be experiencing abdominal discomfort.
• Vomiting. The most obvious sign. If your cat is vomiting, check our cat vomit color chart to help identify what might be going on, or use the Cat Vomit Color Checker for a quick assessment.
• Diarrhea. Stomach upset and diarrhea frequently occur together. See our cat diarrhea guide for detailed information on managing both.
• Lethargy. Less energy than usual, sleeping more, or showing no interest in play.
• Audible stomach gurgling. You may hear rumbling or gurgling sounds from your cat’s abdomen — a sign of gastrointestinal distress.

If your cat is showing multiple signs from this list, it is time to take action.

Common Causes of Cat Stomach Upset

Understanding the cause helps you choose the right response. Most cat upset stomach episodes fall into one of these categories:

Dietary causes. Eating too fast, sudden food changes, eating spoiled food, or getting into human food are the most common triggers. Cats have sensitive digestive systems, and even a small change in diet can cause vomiting or diarrhea.

Hairballs. Especially common in long-haired breeds, hairballs form when swallowed fur accumulates in the stomach. While occasional hairball vomiting is normal, frequent episodes may indicate a grooming or digestive issue. Our cat hairball remedy guide covers prevention in depth.

Stress. Moving to a new home, introducing a new pet, changes in routine, or loud events can all trigger stress-related stomach upset in cats. The gut-brain connection is powerful in felines.

Infections and parasites. Bacterial, viral, or parasitic infections can cause acute gastroenteritis. Kittens and outdoor cats are at higher risk.

Toxin ingestion. Cats are curious creatures, and accidental ingestion of toxic plants (lilies, poinsettias), household chemicals, or human medications is a serious concern. If you suspect poisoning, contact the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 immediately.

Underlying medical conditions. Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), pancreatitis, kidney disease, hyperthyroidism, and other chronic conditions can cause recurring stomach upset. These require veterinary diagnosis and treatment.

For an in-depth look at vomiting specifically, see our pillar article on why cats throw up.

Safe Home Remedies for Cat Upset Stomach

When your cat has a mild upset stomach — occasional vomiting or soft stool but is otherwise alert and hydrated — these home remedies can help. Always monitor closely, and stop home treatment if symptoms worsen.

Short-Term Fasting (12-24 Hours for Adults)

Giving your cat’s digestive system a break is often the single most effective first step. For adult cats, withhold food (but never water) for 12 to 24 hours to let the stomach settle.

Important rules for fasting:

• Never fast kittens. Kittens under six months old cannot safely fast due to their high metabolic rate and risk of hypoglycemia. If your kitten has an upset stomach, consult your vet immediately. Our kitten feeding guide explains why young cats have different nutritional needs.
• Never fast diabetic cats or cats with other metabolic conditions without veterinary guidance.
• Always provide fresh water during the fast. Dehydration is a bigger immediate risk than hunger.
• Limit fasting to 24 hours maximum. Cats that go longer without eating can develop hepatic lipidosis (fatty liver disease), a potentially life-threatening condition.

After the fasting period, introduce food slowly using the bland diet protocol below.

Bland Diet Protocol

Once the fasting period is over (or immediately if fasting is not appropriate), transition to a bland, easily digestible diet. Here is what to give a cat with an upset stomach:

Boiled chicken and rice. This is the go-to bland diet for cats. Use plain, boneless, skinless chicken breast boiled without any seasoning. Mix with plain white rice in a ratio of roughly 75% chicken to 25% rice. Serve small portions — about one to two tablespoons at a time — every three to four hours.

Plain canned pumpkin. Not pumpkin pie filling (which contains sugar and spices), but 100% pure pumpkin puree. Mix half a teaspoon to one teaspoon into your cat’s bland meal. Pumpkin provides gentle fiber that can help firm up loose stools and soothe the digestive tract.

How long to stay on the bland diet: Feed the bland diet for two to three days. Then gradually transition back to your cat’s regular food over three to five days by mixing increasing amounts of regular food with the bland diet. A sudden switch back to normal food can restart the problem.

Hydration

Dehydration is the most dangerous short-term consequence of vomiting and diarrhea. A cat upset stomach combined with fluid loss can become serious quickly, especially in kittens and senior cats.

Signs of dehydration in cats:

• Skin that does not snap back quickly when gently pulled (the “skin tent” test)
• Dry, tacky gums
• Sunken eyes
• Decreased urination

How to encourage fluid intake:

• Ice chips. Some cats will lick ice chips even when they refuse to drink from a bowl. Place a few on a plate and let your cat lick them at their own pace.
• Low-sodium chicken broth. Warm (not hot) plain chicken broth with no onion, garlic, or added salt can entice a reluctant cat to drink. Make sure the broth contains zero onion or garlic — both are toxic to cats.
• Diluted unflavored Pedialyte. Mix one part unflavored Pedialyte with one part water. Offer small amounts via a shallow dish or syringe (without the needle). This can help replace lost electrolytes. Do not use flavored versions.
• Multiple water stations. Place extra water bowls around the house. Some cats prefer running water — a pet fountain may help.

If your cat cannot keep any fluids down for more than 12 hours, stop home treatment and see your vet. Subcutaneous fluids administered by a veterinarian can be lifesaving.

Probiotics for Cats

Probiotics help restore the balance of beneficial gut bacteria, which can be disrupted during a stomach upset. They are especially useful after a bout of vomiting or diarrhea, or after antibiotic treatment.

Veterinarian-recommended probiotic brands for cats:

• FortiFlora (Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Supplements). A palatable powder you sprinkle on food. It contains Enterococcus faecium SF68, a well-studied probiotic strain. This is the most commonly recommended cat probiotic by veterinarians.
• Proviable (Nutramax). Available as a paste (for acute episodes) or daily capsule. Contains multiple probiotic strains plus prebiotics.

Start probiotics during or after the acute phase of illness, and continue for one to two weeks. Always follow the dosing instructions on the product label.

Note: Human probiotics are not formulated for cats and may contain ingredients that are harmful or ineffective. Always use a product specifically designed for feline use.

Hairball Remedies

If your cat’s upset stomach is caused by hairballs, petroleum-based hairball gels can help the hair pass through the digestive tract instead of being vomited up.

Products like Laxatone or Petromalt are given orally — usually a ribbon of gel on your cat’s paw or directly into their mouth. These lubricants coat the hairball and help it move through the intestines safely.

For ongoing hairball prevention, regular brushing and a hairball-control diet can significantly reduce episodes. Read our complete cat hairball remedy guide for a full prevention plan.

What NOT to Give Your Cat

This section could save your cat’s life. Many common human medications are extremely toxic to cats, even in small doses. Never give your cat any of the following:

Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin). Even a single dose can cause kidney failure and stomach ulcers in cats. Cats cannot metabolize NSAIDs the way humans do.

Acetaminophen (Tylenol). This is one of the most dangerous substances for cats. A single regular-strength tablet can be fatal. Acetaminophen destroys a cat’s red blood cells and causes liver failure. Symptoms of poisoning include brown or blue-colored gums, difficulty breathing, swelling of the face and paws, and death within 18 to 36 hours without emergency treatment.

Bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol). Contains salicylate, which is related to aspirin. Cats are extremely sensitive to salicylates, and Pepto-Bismol can cause salicylate toxicity, gastric ulcers, and liver damage.

Aspirin. While veterinarians very occasionally prescribe aspirin for cats at extremely low doses for specific conditions, self-dosing is dangerous. The margin between a therapeutic dose and a toxic dose in cats is extremely narrow.

Kaolin-pectin products (Kaopectate). Modern Kaopectate formulations contain bismuth subsalicylate (see above). Not safe for cats.

Any essential oils. Tea tree oil, peppermint oil, eucalyptus oil, and many other essential oils are toxic to cats. Do not apply them topically or use them in a diffuser near a sick cat.

If your cat has ingested any toxic substance, contact the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 or the Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661 immediately. Time matters.

Anti-Nausea Options for Cats

When home remedies are not enough to control nausea and vomiting, your veterinarian has effective prescription options. These medications should only be used under veterinary supervision — never attempt to dose them on your own.

Maropitant citrate (Cerenia). This is the gold standard cat anti nausea medication. Cerenia works by blocking substance P, a neurotransmitter involved in vomiting. It is FDA-approved for cats and is available as an injectable (given at the vet clinic) or oral tablet. Cerenia is effective for both peripheral (stomach-related) and central (brain-related) causes of vomiting. Your vet may prescribe a short course for acute vomiting episodes.

Famotidine (Pepcid AC). An H2 receptor antagonist that reduces stomach acid production. While available over the counter for humans, the dosage for cats is very different from human dosing. Some veterinarians recommend famotidine for cats with acid-related stomach upset, but you should never dose this without specific veterinary instructions for your individual cat.

Ondansetron (Zofran). Sometimes used off-label in cats for severe nausea, particularly in cancer patients or cats with chronic kidney disease. Injectable and oral forms are available by prescription.

Mirtazapine. Primarily used as an appetite stimulant, mirtazapine also has anti-nausea properties. The transdermal form (Mirataz) is FDA-approved for cats and is applied to the inner ear flap. This can be helpful for cats that are nauseous and refusing to eat.

The key takeaway: effective cat vomiting treatment options exist, but they all require a veterinary consultation first. Your vet needs to determine the underlying cause before choosing the right medication.

Best Cat Food for Sensitive Stomachs

If your cat experiences recurring stomach upset, their regular diet may be part of the problem. Here is what to look for in cat food for upset stomach prevention:

Single-source protein. Foods with one named animal protein (like “turkey” or “duck”) make it easier to identify food sensitivities. If your cat reacts to one protein, you can switch to another.

Limited ingredient diets (LID). These formulas intentionally use fewer ingredients to reduce the chance of triggering sensitivities. Look for products labeled “limited ingredient” from reputable brands.

Hydrolyzed protein diets. Available by veterinary prescription, these foods break proteins down into pieces too small to trigger an immune response. Brands like Royal Canin HP and Hill’s z/d are designed for cats with confirmed food allergies or inflammatory bowel disease.

Novel protein sources. If your cat has been eating chicken-based food and having problems, try a protein they have never eaten — venison, rabbit, or duck. The unfamiliar protein is less likely to provoke a reaction.

What to avoid in sensitive stomach foods:

• Artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives
• High carbohydrate fillers (corn, wheat, soy)
• Unnamed protein sources (“meat by-products” without specifying the animal)
• Added sugar

For a complete breakdown of how to choose the right cat food and read ingredient labels, see our best cat food guide.

After your cat recovers from a stomach upset, use our cat calorie calculator to make sure you are feeding the right amount during the transition back to normal eating.

When to Stop Home Treatment and See the Vet

Home remedies work for mild, short-lived stomach upset. But some situations require professional veterinary care — and delaying can be dangerous. Take your cat to the vet if you observe any of these red flags:

Red Flag	Why It Is Urgent
Vomiting more than 3 times in 24 hours	Risk of severe dehydration; may indicate obstruction
Vomiting that lasts more than 24 hours	Unlikely to resolve without intervention
Blood in vomit (red or coffee-ground appearance)	Possible GI bleeding, ulcer, or poisoning
Blood in stool or black, tarry stool	Indicates internal bleeding
Complete refusal to eat for 24+ hours	Risk of hepatic lipidosis (fatty liver)
Inability to keep water down	Dehydration emergency
Lethargy or unresponsiveness	Sign of systemic illness
Abdominal pain when touched	Possible obstruction, pancreatitis, or peritonitis
Known or suspected toxin ingestion	Immediate emergency — call poison control
Fever (rectal temp above 102.5 F / 39.2 C)	Indicates infection or inflammation
Kitten under 6 months with any vomiting/diarrhea	Kittens dehydrate dangerously fast
Concurrent symptoms (difficulty breathing, seizures)	Multi-system emergency

According to the American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP), any cat showing signs of dehydration, pain, or systemic illness alongside vomiting should receive veterinary evaluation promptly. When in doubt, call your vet’s office — most clinics have a nurse line that can help you decide whether a visit is needed.

Preventing Future Stomach Problems

Once your cat recovers, take steps to reduce the chance of another episode:

Transition food slowly. Whenever you change your cat’s food, do it gradually over seven to ten days. Start with 25% new food mixed with 75% old food, and slowly shift the ratio. Sudden dietary changes are one of the top causes of cat stomach upset.

Feed smaller, more frequent meals. Instead of one or two large meals, try three to four smaller portions throughout the day. This reduces the chance of eating too fast and vomiting.

Use slow-feeder bowls. If your cat eats too quickly, a puzzle feeder or slow-feeder bowl forces them to eat at a healthier pace.

Keep toxic substances secured. Store medications, cleaning products, and toxic plants (especially lilies) completely out of reach. The ASPCA maintains a full list of toxic and non-toxic plants at aspca.org.

Maintain a regular grooming routine. Brush your cat several times a week to reduce the amount of fur they swallow. This is especially important for long-haired breeds prone to hairballs.

Minimize stress. Keep your cat’s environment stable and predictable. Provide hiding spots, vertical space, and a consistent routine. If a major change is unavoidable (moving, new baby, new pet), introduce it gradually.

Schedule regular vet checkups. Annual wellness exams (twice yearly for senior cats) catch underlying conditions like kidney disease or hyperthyroidism before they cause recurring stomach problems.

Provide clean, fresh water daily. Change the water in your cat’s bowl at least once a day. Consider a pet water fountain — many cats prefer running water and will drink more, supporting overall digestive health.

FAQ

How long does a cat upset stomach usually last?

A mild stomach upset caused by dietary indiscretion or stress typically resolves within 24 to 48 hours with supportive care (fasting, bland diet, and hydration). If symptoms persist beyond 48 hours, or if your cat is getting worse instead of better, contact your veterinarian. Chronic or recurring stomach issues lasting weeks may indicate an underlying condition like IBD, food allergy, or pancreatitis that requires diagnosis and targeted treatment.

Can I give my cat Pepto-Bismol for an upset stomach?

No. Pepto-Bismol contains bismuth subsalicylate, which is toxic to cats. Cats are extremely sensitive to salicylates, and even a small amount can cause gastric ulcers, liver damage, and salicylate poisoning. Never give any human medication to your cat without explicit veterinary approval. If your cat needs a cat vomiting remedy, your vet can prescribe safe options like Cerenia (maropitant).

What can I feed my cat when they have an upset stomach?

The safest option is a bland diet of boiled, unseasoned, boneless chicken breast mixed with plain white rice (about 75% chicken, 25% rice). Serve small portions every three to four hours. You can also add a small amount of plain canned pumpkin (pure pumpkin, not pie filling) for gentle fiber. Avoid dairy products, fatty foods, and anything seasoned. Once symptoms improve, gradually transition back to regular food over three to five days.

Is it normal for cats to vomit occasionally?

Occasional vomiting — once every few weeks — can be normal, especially if related to hairballs or eating too fast. However, “normal” vomiting should not include blood, bile (yellow-green liquid), or undigested food consistently. If your cat vomits more than once or twice a month, it is worth discussing with your vet. Frequent vomiting is not something to dismiss as “just a cat thing.” Check our article on why cats throw up for a detailed breakdown of normal versus concerning vomiting patterns.

When should I take my cat to the emergency vet for vomiting?

Seek emergency veterinary care if your cat is vomiting blood, cannot keep water down, shows signs of severe pain (crying, hunched posture, aggression when touched), is extremely lethargic or unresponsive, has a distended abdomen, or if you know or suspect they ingested a toxic substance. Kittens, senior cats, and cats with pre-existing conditions (diabetes, kidney disease) should be seen sooner rather than later, as they dehydrate and deteriorate faster than healthy adult cats.