Why Does My Cat Vomit or Have Runny Poop? The Role Diet Plays

by | Jan 26, 2026 | Cat health and Nutrition | 0 comments

Many cat owners search questions like “why does my cat vomit after eating?”, “why does my cat vomit so often but act fine?”, or “why does my cat have runny poop?” These issues are far more common than people realise — and in many cases, they are linked to diet and gut health.

At Wild Tails, we regularly help cat owners who have been told vomiting is “normal”, when in reality it’s often a sign that food isn’t agreeing with their cat.

Why cats vomit but still seem fine

Cats are very good at hiding discomfort. Frequent vomiting, especially shortly after meals, is often linked to irritation in the stomach or poor digestion. Because cats may still play, groom, and act normally, it’s easy to assume it’s nothing to worry about.

However, repeated vomiting is usually a sign that the digestive system is under strain.

Runny poop and litter tray smells

Another common concern is runny poop or very strong smells in the litter tray. Many owners ask “why does my cat smell bad after using the litter tray?” — this is often caused by food that isn’t being properly digested.

Highly processed dry and wet foods can be difficult for cats to break down, leading to gut imbalance, loose stools, and unpleasant smells.

Why diet matters so much for cats

Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning they are designed to eat meat. Many commercial foods contain carbohydrates, fillers, and ingredients that cats simply don’t need. Over time, this can irritate the gut and lead to vomiting, loose stools, and poor digestion.

This is something we see regularly at Wild Tails when reviewing what cats are actually eating.

How raw feeding can help digestive issues

Feeding raw gives cats food that is closer to what they are naturally designed to eat. Raw diets are high in meat, rich in natural moisture, and much easier for cats to digest.

Many cats experience less vomiting, firmer stools, and reduced litter tray smell once raw feeding is introduced correctly. Supporting gut health through a natural diet can make a noticeable difference to a cat’s comfort and wellbeing.

How Wild Tails helps cats every week

At Wild Tails, we help cats with vomiting and digestive problems every week. We guide owners through suitable raw options and support them through the transition, making it simple and stress-free.

For many cats, improving digestion is the first step towards better overall health.