How to Induce Vomiting in Cats: The Dangers of Making Your Cat Throw Up

Your cat just ate something questionable. Should you make them throw it up? While less common than dogs, our feline friends aren’t immune to exploring their environment with their mouths, meaning they may eat something that could be potentially dangerous. Toxic plants, chemicals, foreign objects, or spoiled food always do more harm than good, and the best treatment is typically to get them out of your cat’s body as soon as possible.  

While making your cat vomit may seem like the best idea, it’s actually something you don’t want to do on your own. Instead, you should get your veterinarian involved to ensure it’s done using the safest and most effective method.  

Importance of Contacting a Veterinarian or Pet Poison Control Center if Your Cat Needs to Throw Up 

There are many variables when it comes to how to make a cat throw up. There are times when it shouldn’t be done, and there are definitely ways that are safer than others. This is why it’s so important to contact your veterinarian or pet poison control hotline.  

While some over-the-counter medications might seem like a quick fix, they can pose additional risks to your cat. Additionally, the act of vomiting itself can lead to complications. The major concern with inducing vomiting in cats is that the vomit can be inhaled into the lungs as it makes its way up and out. This can lead to a potentially serious issue called aspiration pneumonia. Even though aspirating contents can happen with veterinary methods of inducing vomiting as well, your cat is in better hands for treatment since they are already at the veterinary clinic where their cat body language can be carefully monitored. 

Methods to Induce Vomiting in Cats 

I know that I just said that you shouldn’t make your cat vomit on your own, but the fact of the matter is that you’re going to hear about other people doing it. Let’s just get it out in the open—there are a lot of tips for how to make a cat throw up, so we’ll talk about what they are and why you shouldn’t be doing them at home. 

1. Hydrogen peroxide Though it may work wonders at cleaning out a fresh wound and definitely has its place in veterinary medicine, hydrogen peroxide is actually quite irritating. That’s why you don’t want to continually use it on sores, and why it is able to induce vomiting in cats. It irritates the stomach lining, causing a massive upheaval. Doesn’t sound very pleasant, right? The irritation can be severe enough to cause ulcers, especially if repeated.

2. Saltwater  Along the same lines as hydrogen peroxide, salt water is also an irritant, causing an upset stomach. When the stomach feels upset, its response is often to empty the offending substance, making a cat puke. Though it’s something that cats need in their diets in proper amounts, too much salt, say from ingesting a bunch of salt water, can actually lead to salt toxicity.  

3. Injectable Medications   Now we’re getting to the best option for how to make a cat throw up: see your veterinarian. Not only can your veterinarian best determine if your cat should throw up, they can also administer medications via injection that can more safely induce vomiting while reducing stomach irritation and the possibility of aspiration pneumonia.   These medications may include things like dexmedetomidine, xylazine, and hydromorphone, which have the ability to induce vomiting in cats by acting on the brain, rather than the stomach. These medications actually activate the emetic center of the brain, telling the stomach to dump its contents so that there’s less harm done to the digestive tissues.   While these medications are by far a safer option, they aren’t without their complications. Since some of these medications are used as sedatives, sedation is a definite possibility. Also, repeated vomiting may occur since it’s the brain that’s driving here rather than the stomach. Fortunately, your vet can also administer an anti-emetic to stop the vomiting once the job is done. 

4. Other Ways to Induce Vomiting in a Cat While there are other methods you might come across, it's crucial to understand that they are generally not recommended and can pose risks to your cat's health. Syrup of ipecac and mustard seed water are other options that Google may present to you. Again, don’t give your kitty anything at home to make them vomit unless under directions from a professional. It’s far better to see your veterinarian. 

When Not to Induce Vomiting 

Complications aside, inducing vomiting isn’t always the best option. Your vet will evaluate the situation and advise on the most appropriate approach, which may involve inducing vomiting or seeking alternative solutions. 

For example, ingesting caustic substances like bleach is best dealt with in other ways. This is because caustic chemicals can actually do more damage coming back up. The same goes for sharp objects, such as sewing needles or pins. (Yes, cats do eat such things. It makes no sense!)  

You also won’t want to induce vomiting in short-nosed breeds such as Persians or Himalayans because their facial anatomy already puts them at an increased risk of aspirating when vomiting. Finally, inducing vomiting in cats won’t do any good if it’s been 2-3 hours post ingestion of the substance, simply because it’s likely to have already moved on. 

The Safest Way to Make Your Cat Throw Up is to Leave it to the Vet 

When it comes to how to induce vomiting in cats, the best option is always to see your veterinarian. While you may read about many at-home options, they tend to not be as effective as what your vet can do, and more importantly, they can be potentially dangerous and not something you’ll want to put your cat through. 

If your furry friend has gotten into something they shouldn't have, and your vet recommends inducing vomiting, cat insurance can help cushion the financial blow. Think of it as a safety net for those unexpected vet visits, covering a wide range of tests and procedures, including emergencies and treatments related to poisoning or swallowing the wrong thing. How much is cat insurance? Let’s just say it’s well worth the cost when you’re faced with a large veterinary bill for dealing with your kitty snacking on a poisonous plant. So, next time you're worried about your cat's tummy troubles, you can focus on getting them better, not the cost. 

When it comes to inducing vomiting, leave it to the professionals! By keeping your home a cat-safe haven, you can avoid the whole unpleasant ordeal. Secure those tempting plants and tiny treasures, and your furry friend can focus on what they do best – napping in sunbeams and judging your every move.