# Cat Throwing Up Something That Looks Like Poop If your cat is throwing up something that looks like poop, the vomit may contain actual fecal material backed up from the lower intestine, or it may simply look and smell that way because of dark digested blood, old food, or intestinal contents. Either way, this is not a normal hairball or a minor stomach upset. A cat that vomits poop-like material needs to be seen by a veterinarian promptly. This article is educational and is not a substitute for veterinary diagnosis or treatment. ## Quick Answer - Vomit that looks or smells like feces usually points to a blockage, severe constipation, or serious intestinal disease, not simple indigestion. - A cat that vomits after pooping, or strains to poop and then vomits, may have a colon packed with hard stool that is backing contents up. - Fecal-smelling vomit can also happen when digested blood or material from the lower bowel sits in the stomach. - Do not wait a few days to see if it passes. Call your veterinarian or an emergency clinic today. - Withhold food for a short time only if your vet tells you to, and never give human medications or leftover pet drugs. ## What Fecal-Looking Vomit Actually Is Vomiting in cats is the forceful ejection of stomach and upper small intestine contents through the mouth. It is normally preceded by drooling, repeated swallowing, retching, and strong contractions of the belly and diaphragm [1]. That effort is one way to tell vomiting apart from regurgitation, which is passive and produces undigested food that may hold the tube shape of the esophagus [1]. So when does vomit come out looking brown, thick, and foul? A few things can cause that appearance. **True fecal vomiting.** This is uncommon but serious. When the intestine is blocked or the colon is packed with hard stool, contents can back up into the stomach and then be thrown up. A cat with a mechanical obstruction of the colon can vomit and become constipated at the same time [2]. **Severe constipation and obstipation.** Constipation is the infrequent or difficult passage of feces, and the stool is often dry and hard [3]. The longer feces stay in the colon, the drier, harder, and more difficult they become [3]. Obstipation is severe constipation with a mass of dry, hard feces that does not pass [3]. In that situation, a cat may strain, vomit, and produce almost nothing in the litter box. **Dark digested blood.** Bleeding higher up in the digestive tract can turn vomit dark brown or black and give it a foul, stool-like odor. This is a different problem from true fecal material, but it looks similar to an owner. **Old, partially digested food and intestinal fluid.** Sometimes the color and smell come from material that has sat in the stomach a long time. This still deserves a veterinary visit, especially if it keeps happening. ## Why Is My Cat Throwing Up Poop-Like Material? The short answer is that something is preventing normal movement of food and waste through the gut. Here are the main causes your veterinarian will consider. | Cause | Typical clues | How urgent | |---|---|---| | Severe constipation or obstipation | Straining in the litter box, small or no stool, hard dry feces, vomiting after pooping | Same day | | Intestinal obstruction (foreign body, mass, stricture) | Repeated vomiting, no appetite, belly pain, no stool or tiny stool | Emergency | | Colonic or intestinal mass | Weight loss, constipation, vomiting, sometimes jaundice | Same day to emergency | | Inflammatory or infiltrative bowel disease | Chronic vomiting, diarrhea, weight loss, waxing and waning appetite | Prompt visit | | Pancreatitis, liver, or kidney disease | Vomiting, lethargy, not eating, sometimes yellow tinge to skin or eyes | Same day | | Infection or systemic inflammation | Fever, lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea, belly pain | Same day | | Poisoning or toxin exposure | Sudden vomiting, drooling, wobbliness, known exposure | Emergency | Some of these overlap. A cat can have more than one problem at once, and the only way to sort it out is an exam and testing. ### Constipation and obstipation This is one of the most common reasons a cat vomits material that looks or smells fecal. When the colon cannot empty, pressure builds up behind the stool. The cat may vomit after straining to poop, and owners often describe a cat that vomits after pooping or tries to poop and then throws up. Constipation is common in cats, and in most cases it is easily corrected, but in cats with more serious illness the accompanying signs can be severe [3]. ### Intestinal obstruction A blockage can be physical (a foreign object, a mass, a narrowed segment) or functional (the intestine stops moving contents normally). A case report described a young Ragdoll cat with weeks of poor appetite, intermittent diarrhea, and weight loss. Imaging showed dilated intestinal loops, and surgery found the intestine packed with hard fecal matter toward the cecum. The underlying problem was a muscle disease of the intestine that prevented normal movement [4]. That cat's signs started subtly and worsened over weeks. Obstruction is not always from a swallowed object. A 6-month-old Scottish Fold was evaluated for vomiting, constipation, weight loss, and jaundice, and imaging found a thickened segment of the descending colon causing mechanical obstruction [2]. A separate report described a young British Shorthair with vomiting and anorexia where a doughnut-shaped foreign body in the duodenum was pressing on the bile duct and causing jaundice [5]. These cases show how many different problems can block the flow of intestinal contents. ### Inflammation and infection in the abdomen Not every cause starts in the gut itself. A 3.5-year-old Abyssinian cat was referred for two weeks of lethargy and intermittent vomiting, with diarrhea, poor appetite, fever, belly pain, and an enlarged spleen. The diagnosis was septic splenitis, an infection of the spleen, and the cat recovered after surgery and a four-week course of an antibiotic called pradofloxacin at 5 mg/kg by mouth every 24 hours [6]. That dose was set for that specific cat by its veterinarians. Your veterinarian calculates any dose from your cat's weight and health. A 10-year-old cat with vomiting blood and lethargy was found to have free gas in the abdomen and bile leaking into the belly from two holes in the duodenum. Despite surgery and intensive care, that cat died three days later [7]. This is an extreme example, but it shows why vomiting that looks abnormal should never be watched at home for long. ### When vomit looks like poop but is not Some cats throw up brown, foul material that is old food mixed with stomach fluid. Others bring up dark material from digested blood. If your cat is bringing up food instead of fecal material, our guide to [Cat Throwing Up Food Undigested](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/nutrition/cat-throwing-up-food-undigested) explains what that pattern usually means. If the vomit is yellow or foamy, see [My Cat Threw Up Yellow Liquid](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/clinical-methods/my-cat-threw-up-yellow-liquid). And if you are trying to work out whether a single episode matters, [My Cat Is Throwing Up Undigested Food](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/nutrition/my-cat-is-throwing-up-undigested-food) walks through the timing and frequency that change the picture. ## Red Flags That Mean Emergency Now Go to an emergency clinic immediately if your cat has any of these: - Vomiting that will not stop, especially several times in a few hours - A hard, painful, or bloated belly - Unproductive retching or dry heaving - Collapse, weakness, or extreme lethargy - Vomiting blood, or vomit that looks like coffee grounds - Yellow skin, gums, or eyes - Known or suspected access to a toxin, string, toy, or bone - No urine, or a male cat straining in the litter box with no stool or urine - Breathing that looks labored or open-mouth breathing Vomiting has many causes, including digestive disease, kidney or liver failure, pancreatitis, nervous system disorders, poisons, parasites, infections, inflammation, drugs, swallowed objects, food allergy, and tumors [1]. Because the list is long and some causes are life threatening, a cat with fecal-looking vomit should be evaluated the same day at minimum. ## What You Can Safely Do at Home While You Wait You cannot treat this at home, but you can keep your cat stable and give your veterinarian useful information. - Remove food for a short period only if your veterinarian advises it. Do not fast a cat for a full day without veterinary guidance. - Keep fresh water available unless your vet says otherwise. - Separate your cat from other pets so you can track exactly what it eats, drinks, pees, and poops. - Photograph or bag a sample of the vomit. Color, texture, and smell help your vet. - Note the time of every vomiting episode and every bowel movement. - Check the litter box for stool size, hardness, and amount. - Do not give human anti-nausea drugs, pain relievers, or leftover antibiotics. Several common human medications are toxic to cats. - Do not give hairball remedies or laxatives unless your veterinarian prescribes them. If your cat is vomiting repeatedly, seems painful, or is acting dull, skip the waiting and go in now. ## What Your Veterinarian Will Check Your veterinarian will start with a full history: how long this has been happening, what the vomit looks like, whether your cat is pooping, what it eats, and any possible exposure to string, toys, plants, or medications. The physical exam focuses on hydration, belly palpation, gum color, and body condition. Your vet may feel a hard stool mass in the colon or a tender, bloated loop of intestine. Testing often includes: - Blood work to check organ function, electrolytes, and infection markers - Urine testing - Fecal testing for parasites and blood - Abdominal x-rays or ultrasound to look for obstruction, masses, or dilated bowel loops - Endoscopy or biopsy in some cases In the Merck guidance on intestinal disorders, the recommended workup for suspected colitis or similar problems can include blood, urine, and fecal samples, abdominal x-rays or ultrasound, endoscopy, or biopsies [3]. Imaging is often what reveals the blockage. In the Ragdoll case, CT showed severe intestinal dilation that was initially thought to be from a foreign body before surgery found the true cause [4]. Treatment depends on the cause. Constipation may be managed with fluids, stool softeners, and diet changes. Obstruction usually needs surgery. Infections need the right antibiotic at a dose your veterinarian calculates for your cat, like the 5 mg/kg every 24 hours used in the splenitis case [6]. Supportive care for vomiting often includes fluids, anti-nausea medication, and a gradual return to food. ## Preventing and Monitoring Digestive Problems You cannot prevent every cause, but you can lower the odds and catch problems earlier. - Feed a consistent, balanced diet and change foods slowly. - Keep string, yarn, hair ties, bones, and small toys out of reach. - Brush your cat regularly to reduce hair swallowed during grooming. - Watch the litter box. Fewer, smaller, or harder stools are an early warning. - Keep up with routine veterinary visits and parasite prevention. - Track weight at home if your cat tolerates it. - Call your vet early when vomiting repeats, instead of waiting for it to resolve. Frequent hairballs or repeated vomiting are reasons to see your veterinarian. Something more serious than a hairball could be to blame [1]. ## Limitations and When to Contact a Veterinarian This article cannot tell you what is wrong with your cat. Only a veterinarian who examines your cat can do that, and individual cases always need a veterinarian's assessment. Contact your veterinarian the same day if your cat vomits material that looks or smells like feces, vomits after straining to poop, has not pooped in 24 to 48 hours, is eating less, or has lost weight. Go to an emergency clinic right away if your cat is vomiting repeatedly, has a painful or swollen belly, is retching without producing anything, is collapsing or very weak, is vomiting blood, has yellow gums or eyes, or may have swallowed something dangerous. If your cat has been exposed to a poison, call your veterinarian or a pet poison hotline immediately. Do not wait for symptoms. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### Can a cat vomit actual poop? Yes, though it is uncommon. When the intestine is blocked or the colon is packed with hard stool, contents can back up into the stomach and be vomited. This is a serious sign and needs prompt veterinary care. ### Why does my cat vomit right after pooping? Vomiting after pooping often points to severe constipation or a blockage. The cat strains to pass hard stool, and the pressure and discomfort trigger vomiting. Your veterinarian should examine your cat to rule out obstruction. ### Does fecal-smelling vomit always mean a blockage? No. Dark digested blood from bleeding in the upper digestive tract can also make vomit smell foul and look brown. The only way to know the difference is a veterinary exam and testing. ### Should I fast my cat if it is vomiting? Only if your veterinarian tells you to. Cats can become very ill if they go without food for too long, and fasting does not fix a blockage. Call your vet first for guidance. ### How long can I wait before calling the vet? Do not wait. Call the same day for fecal-looking vomit, and go to an emergency clinic immediately if your cat is vomiting repeatedly, seems painful, or is acting weak or dull. Early treatment gives your cat the best chance. ## Related Articles - [Cat Throwing Up Food Undigested](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/nutrition/cat-throwing-up-food-undigested) - [My Cat Is Throwing Up Undigested Food](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/nutrition/my-cat-is-throwing-up-undigested-food) - [What Does It Mean When A Cat Throws Up Undigested Food](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/nutrition/what-does-it-mean-when-a-cat-throws-up-undigested-food) - [My Cat Threw Up Yellow Liquid](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/clinical-methods/my-cat-threw-up-yellow-liquid) - [My Cat Is Throwing Up Yellow Liquid](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/clinical-methods/my-cat-is-throwing-up-yellow-liquid) - [My Cat Throw Up Yellow Liquid](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/clinical-methods/my-cat-throw-up-yellow-liquid) - [Cat Poop vs Vomit: How to Tell Them Apart](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/digestive-and-urinary-care/cat-poop-vs-vomit) - [Cat Throwing Up but Not Pooping or Drinking: What It Means](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/digestive-and-urinary-care/cat-throwing-up-not-pooping) - [What Healthy Cat Poop Looks Like: Grading Quality](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/digestive-and-urinary-care/cat-poop-quality-guide) ## References 1. [Vomiting in Cats - Cat Owners](https://www.merckvetmanual.com/cat-owners/digestive-disorders-of-cats/vomiting-in-cats). Merck Veterinary Manual. 2. [Obstructive colonic FGESF associated with feline infectious peritonitis in a cat: a case report](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41572251/). BMC veterinary research, 2026. 3. [Disorders of the Stomach and Intestines in Cats - Cat Owners](https://www.merckvetmanual.com/cat-owners/digestive-disorders-of-cats/disorders-of-the-stomach-and-intestines-in-cats). Merck Veterinary Manual. 4. [Chronic intestinal pseudo-obstruction secondary to intestinal leiomyositis in a ragdoll cat](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42609759/). Frontiers in veterinary science, 2026. 5. [Rare case of extrahepatic biliary obstruction caused by a duodenal foreign body in a cat](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40933839/). JFMS open reports, 2025. 6. [Successful Management of Septic Splenitis in an Abyssinian Cat](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41961064/). Veterinary medicine and science, 2026. 7. [Biliary Peritonitis Secondary to Proximal Duodenal Perforation in a Cat](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42244363/). Veterinary radiology & ultrasound : the official journal of the American College of Veterinary Radiology and the International Veterinary Radiology Association, 2026. ## Further Reading - [American Veterinary Medical Association: First Aid Tips for Pet Owners](https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/pet-owners/emergencycare/first-aid-tips-pet-owners) - [Merck Veterinary Manual: Cat Owners](https://www.merckvetmanual.com/cat-owners) - [Cornell Feline Health Center: Health Information](https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/cornell-feline-health-center/health-information)