Cat owners sometimes blame a new cat food when their cat 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 cat really loves a new food or competes with other pets in your home at mealtime.Here’s what happens: a cat eats so fast that 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 cat throws up a whole kibble shortly after eating, regurgitation is likely to blame.
What to do
If you suspect your cat is eating too fast and regurgitating, take these steps to reduce the risk.
Transitioning
Transitioning to a new cat food too quickly can also cause your cat 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 cat 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 cat foods.
One of our staff authors prepared this article for you
Supports lean muscle and beautiful fur for adult cats
Improves Everyday Ability to Get Up & Go
Natural fiber comfortably reduces hairballs
Precisely balanced nutrition with the delicious taste of minced liver & chicken to support 5 essential building blocks for lifelong health
Delicious poached salmon paired with tender spinach in a mouthwatering sauce
Delectable chunks with tender ocean fish smothered in a rich gravy
With delicious chunks in a decadent gravy
Supports brain health and beautiful fur in mature indoor cats
Precisely balanced nutrition for indoor cats with the delicious taste of savory minced chicken
Delectable chunks with tender chicken smothered in a rich gravy
Supports lean muscle and beautiful fur for adult cats
Over 70% of cats lost weight within 10 weeks when fed this nutrition (USA Study)
Delectable chunks with tender chicken smothered in a rich gravy
Delicious tender chicken and rice in a mouthwatering sauce with precisely balanced nutrition to support 5 essential building blocks for lifelong health
Carefully made, gourmet daily nutrition. Tasty chunks with Salmon & Tuna in a decadent gravy. Supports digestive health, nourishes skin and promotes a lustrous fur.
Precisely balanced nutrition with the delicious taste of savory minced salmon to help fuel the energy needs of cats during the prime of their life
Precisely balanced nutrition to help avoid the formation of hairballs with the delicious taste of savory minced ocean fish
Supports energy level and beautiful fur in mature cats
Delicious roasted chicken and rice in a mouthwatering sauce
Does your kitty's lack of appetite have you asking, "Why won't my cat eat?" Learn reasons why she may be snubbing her food and tips for getting her to eat.
Learn the science behind why many cats are attracted to olives and love eating them, as well as any health concerns about stuffed olives and olive oil.
Understand how food allergies and intolerances present themselves in cats, and what you can do to prevent and care for cats with allergies.
Consider these behavior and appearance differences between male and female cats before choosing a forever friend.
Learn why brushing your cat's teeth regularly is important. Good oral hygiene and care involves right supplies, method and cat food formulated for oral health.
Learn from a Veterinarian: Discover how your cat's metabolism can affect her health, including weight fluctuations, and how metabolic cat food can help.
Have you ever wondered if cat's like music? And if so, what kind? Check out this article that digs into the science behind your cat's taste in music.
Can cats sweat? Are you concerned that she's panting? She might just be trying to cool herself off, but these signs could indicate a heat-related problem.
Can cats have schizophrenia? Maybe, but it's more likely feline hyperesthesia syndrome.
Learn about your cat's natural sleep cycle and why it doesn't always match your own, as well as why she likes to nap at certain times of the day.
Learn situations which might necessitate rehoming a cat, as well as tips for researching new homes and how to prepare a cat for a new forever home.
Get some quick tips on how to shape your kitten's behaviour with early training. Learn what to do and what not to do.
When a cat wants attention, she'll pull out all the stops until she grabs your interest, such as these seven classic behaviors guaranteed to distract you.
Learn what cats go through during times of loss of another animal or human in the household, and understand whether they grieve or not.
Kitten's body language and behaviors tell you a lot about what they want. Learn what each behavior means and start to better understand your cat's needs.
Learn important information about rabies in cats, including how it's transmitted, common signs of infection and steps for preventing infection in your cat.
Learn important things to look for on a cat food label, such as the difference between ingredients & nutrients, and how it can help you pick a cat food.
Curious why your cat is eating grass? Discover the underlying reason, such as a digestive issue or anxiety, and learn if it's truly a problem.
Ever wondered if your cat is under the weather? Learn how to check to see if she has a fever and what steps you can take to help her feel better.
Understand how adopting an adult cat from a shelter is different than adopting a cat, and what to expect when you bring her home for the first time.
Our low calorie formula helps you control your cat's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.
Our low calorie formula helps you control your cat's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.
©2025 Hill's Pet Nutrition, Inc. As used herein, denotes registered trademark status in the U.S. only; registration status in other geographies may be different. Your use of this site is subject to the terms of our Legal Statement. About our Ads. Cookie Consent Tool