Cat ate beef jerky and threw it up

Question

Help, I'm really worried and could use some advice. My cat, Luna, managed to get into a bag of beef jerky that I'd left on the counter. I caught her in the act, but not before she'd already eaten a few pieces. This was about an hour ago, and just now she threw up. It was mostly undigested jerky, and she seems pretty down right now, just lying on her side and not moving much. She's normally so energetic, it's breaking my heart to see her like this. I've read mixed things online about cats eating beef jerky, and I'm not sure if I should rush her to the vet or keep an eye on her for a little while. Has anyone dealt with something like this before? I'm sitting here feeling like the worst cat mom and could really use some guidance on what my next steps should be.

Dial A Vet · Accepted Answer

Thanks for reaching out about your cat. It can be quite concerning when they have an upset tummy! When cats dine on something unusual, like beef jerky, it might not sit well with their stomachs. Beef jerky is very high in salt and can have spices or other ingredients that are tough for cats to digest, leading them to vomit.

The vomiting here is probably your cat’s way of saying the jerky didn’t agree with them. Keep an eye on your furry friend for the next 24 hours. Make sure they're drinking water; you don't want them to get dehydrated. You might want to offer them a small amount of bland food — plain chicken or a bit of rice — if they're interested.

Watch out for any signs of more serious issues, like repeated vomiting, lethargy, diarrhea, or refusing to eat or drink. If you see any of these or if your cat seems really uncomfortable, it’s best to get professional help.

For peace of mind, or if this happens frequently, booking a video consult with Dial A Vet can give you specific advice tailored to your cat’s needs. It’s always better to err on the side of caution!

Cat ate beef jerky and threw it up

Answer

Embark Breed + Health Dog DNA Test