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As gross as it is, many cats throw up and then eat their own vomit. Unfortunately, experts do not know why cats do this. Although studies have been conducted on the matter, we are no closer to understanding this behavior than we were 100 years ago.
While we can’t say for certain why cats eat their own vomit, scientists have a few theories. Read on to learn about five potential reasons that a cat may exhibit this strange behavior.
The 5 Possible Reasons Cats Eat Their Own Vomit
1. It’s Natural
The most obvious reason cats may eat their own vomit is that it’s a natural behavior. Felines across the globe and even of different species all eat their own vomit at one point or another. It is unclear exactly why this behavior would be innate, but it seems to be, nonetheless.
Every time your cat throws up, they may be tempted to eat their own vomit, even if you discourage the behavior. For this reason, it’s best to just pick up the vomit right away since your cat may instinctively be drawn to it.
2. Vomit Smells Like Food
Cats may be attracted to vomit because it smells like food. After all, vomit is made up of the contents of the cat’s previous meals, so it makes sense that it may smell like food to your cat. This is especially true if there are still undigested pieces in it. Your cat smells their food, and it makes them want to eat it.
3. Vomit Is Enticing
This may sound disgusting, but vomit is enticing to cats because they prefer warm, soft, and mushy food. In fact, most cats prefer this texture over regular kibble. Since vomit has this form, your cat might actually think that the vomit smells, looks, and tastes enticing.
If that’s the case, this further supports the idea that vomit smells like food to a feline and that the act is behavioral. In other words, the cat has learned to do it because it reminds them of the food they enjoy most.
4. They Want to Clean Up
Cats are known for being meticulously clean. They do not like their bodies or living spaces to get dirty. If a cat throws up in their favorite spot, they may eat it to clean the area. In the wild, this may help hide their presence from larger predators.
If this is the case, this further proves how necessary it is to clean up the vomit right away. Clearing away the mess will save your cat from having to eat it to keep their space and body clean.
5. Cats Are Territorial
Cats are highly territorial, which is why they’re often solitary. If a cat views their vomit as a resource, they’re likely to eat it to keep it away from other cats. Although this sounds odd to us, it makes sense for your cat to view vomit as their property if it smells like food and looks enticing.
Is It Okay for My Cat to Eat Their Vomit?
As nasty as it is to see your cat eat their vomit, it isn’t the end of the world. Cats, dogs, and other animals have been eating their own vomit for centuries without any issue. Instead of fretting over your cat eating their throw-up, it’s better to figure out why your cat was sick in the first place.
That said, you should pick up the vomit as soon as your cat throws up. Not only is this more hygienic for your home, but it also prevents your cat from eating it. Even though the vomit isn’t going to hurt your cat if ingested, there is no good reason for them to do so.
When to See a Veterinarian
You do not need to see a veterinarian just because your cat eats their own vomit. However, you may need to see a vet if your pet is throwing up frequently. It’s completely normal for cats to throw up occasionally, but they should not be throwing up on a regular basis.
If your cat is throwing up a lot, contact your veterinarian. Serious conditions may be causing them to vomit. Pay attention to any other signs of illness, such as diarrhea, lethargy, lack of appetite, excessive thirst, irritability, or weight loss.
As a rule of thumb, take your cat to the vet if they have thrown up for more than 2 days in a row or if the vomiting is accompanied by other signs.
Conclusion
Even though cats eat their own vomit frequently, scientists do not know why they do this. The five reasons here are possible explanations for this unappetizing behavior, but we don’t know for sure if any are correct. Hopefully, scientists will better understand this behavior in the future.
Until then, don’t fret about your cat eating their vomit, though you should take them to the veterinarian if they’re being sick frequently or if the vomiting is accompanied by other signs. Learning why your cat is throwing up is more important than them eating their throw-up.
Featured Image Credit: ANASTASIIAKU, Shutterstock
