Kitten owners sometimes blame a new kitten food when their kitten immediately throws it back up after eating. The connection seems logical, but other factors could point to a different cause rooted in behavior.
Regurgitation
Regurgitation, or expelling swallowed food through the mouth, can occur if your kitten really loves a new food or competes with other pets in your home at mealtime. Here’s what happens: a kitten eats so fast that he or she swallows food without chewing and ingests a lot of air, too. Large pieces of food and air in the stomach will likely come back up. If your kitten throws up a whole kibble shortly after eating, regurgitation is likely to blame.
What to do
If you suspect your kitten is eating too fast and regurgitating, take these steps to reduce the risk.
- Feed smaller meals more often until you notice a slow down in eating speed.
- Rather than using a deep dish, place the kitten food on a wide, flat surface, like a cookie sheet. This spreads out the kibbles and forces your kitten to take more time eating. It also prevents big mouthfuls of food.
Transitioning
Transitioning to a new kitten food too quickly can also cause your kitten to throw up. Mix increasing amounts of the new food with decreasing amounts of the old food over a seven-day period to avoid discomfort.
If your kitten is showing signs of discomfort after eating or vomits intensely or constantly, see your veterinarian immediately. It’s always a good idea to consult your vet before changing kitten foods.
