Seeing your cat gag can be scary. Gagging is not always bad, but if it happens a lot, it might mean your cat is sick. Knowing why your cat is gagging is key to helping them feel better and getting them the help they need.

Hairballs are the main reason cats gag. Cats groom themselves a lot, which means they swallow hair. This hair can build up and cause hairballs. But, if your cat is gagging a lot or seems tired or hungry, there might be something else going on.

Cats that eat fast or swallow things they shouldn’t can also gag a lot. This is especially true for cats that are stressed or anxious. They might gobble their food down quickly. If your cat swallows something it shouldn’t, like a string or toy, it can also gag.

But sometimes, gagging can mean there’s a bigger problem. It could be something like allergies, a cold, dental issues, or even serious diseases like hyperthyroidism or kidney disease¹.

To help your cat, you need to figure out why they’re gagging. You might need to change their food, groom them more to prevent hairballs, or use special feeders to slow them down². If your cat keeps gagging or seems really sick, you should take them to the vet right away².

Key Takeaways

• Occasional gagging in cats is not uncommon, but frequent or persistent gagging warrants attention.
• Hairballs, eating too quickly, and ingesting foreign objects are common causes of cat gagging.
• Underlying health issues like allergies, infections, or systemic diseases can also contribute to gagging.
• Identifying the cause and implementing appropriate treatment and prevention strategies are crucial.
• Seek veterinary care if gagging persists or is accompanied by other concerning symptoms.

Common Causes of Cat Gagging

Cats often gag due to different reasons. Sometimes, it’s normal, but other times, it might mean they’re sick. We’ll look at why cats gag, like hairballs, eating too fast, and swallowing things they shouldn’t.

Hairballs

Hairballs are a big reason for cat gagging. Cats groom themselves and swallow fur, which forms hairballs. These hairballs are vomited out, not coughed up, and can be a sign of health issues³. If your cat gags a lot before vomiting a hairball, or if they vomit hairballs often, see a vet.

Eating Too Quickly

Some cats gag because they eat too fast. They might be anxious about their food. To help, feed them slowly or use special bowls that make eating slower⁴. If your cat gags after eating, watch how they eat and change their routine if needed.

Ingesting Foreign Objects

Swallowing things they shouldn’t is a serious reason for cat gagging. Cats might vomit if they eat things like string or bones⁴. These can get stuck and cause big problems. Keep dangerous items away and get vet help if you think your cat ate something bad.

While hairballs, eating fast, and swallowing things are common reasons for cat gagging, there are others too. Gagging can also mean your cat has a health issue, like a cold or dental problems. We’ll talk about these in the next parts.

Health Issues That Can Cause Gagging in Cats

Hairballs, eating too fast, and swallowing foreign objects are common reasons for cat gagging. But, there are also health problems that can cause this symptom. These include allergies, respiratory infections, and dental issues.

Allergies

Allergies can make cats gag. If your cat has a bad post-nasal drip, they might gag while trying to swallow. This can also happen if they have a stuffy nose or other allergy symptoms. If your cat’s allergies are bad, talk to a vet about how to manage them.

Respiratory Infections

Coughing in cats can look like gagging. If your cat is trying to cough up a hairball, she might be coughing. This could mean she has asthma or lung disease⁵.

Heart disease can also cause gagging in cats, even without vomiting⁶. It’s a big problem, affecting up to 10% of cats. It can lead to coughing, breathing trouble, and other issues⁷.

Dental Problems

Dental issues like gingivitis and tooth problems can cause mouth pain and gagging. If your cat is gagging a lot and has bad breath or won’t eat, see a vet. They can check their teeth and find the right treatment.

If your cat keeps gagging, get them to the vet. They can find out why and treat it. Cats that don’t eat for 24 hours or have constant gagging need help fast⁵. Fixing the problem can make your cat feel better and avoid bigger problems.

Why Is My Cat Gagging

Seeing your cat gag can be worrying. Cats gag for many reasons, from hairballs to serious health problems⁸. Knowing why your cat gags helps you know when to see a vet and how to stop it from happening again.

Hairballs are a common reason for cat gagging. Cats get hairballs when they groom and swallow their fur. This fur builds up in their stomach and irritates it. Long-haired cats and those with stomach problems are more likely to get hairballs⁹. If your cat has a hairball, they might cough it up after trying a few times.

Eating too fast is another reason for cat gagging. Cats that eat too quickly can’t handle their food, leading to gagging or throwing up⁹. Using slow feeder bowls can help them eat slower⁸.

Gagging can also be a sign of a bigger health issue. If your cat gags a lot, it might mean they have a hairball, eating problem, or a disease like kidney disease⁸. Bad dental health can also cause gagging, drooling, and trouble swallowing⁹.

“Cats are masters at hiding illness, and gagging is often one of the first signs that something is wrong. It’s important to pay attention to your cat’s behavior and seek veterinary care if the gagging persists or is accompanied by other symptoms.” – Dr. Lori Teller, DVM

If your cat swallows something like string or yarn, they might gag because of a blockage⁹. If this happens, don’t try to take it out yourself. Call your vet right away for advice⁸.

If your cat’s gagging is bad or keeps happening, you need to see a vet⁸. Your vet might do tests like bloodwork and X-rays to find out why your cat is gagging⁹.

In short, cats gag for many reasons, from hairballs and eating too fast to serious health issues. By understanding these reasons and getting vet help when needed, you can keep your cat healthy and happy.

Distinguishing Between Coughing and Gagging in Cats

Coughing and gagging in cats are different actions with different causes. Coughing is when a cat forcefully pushes air out of its lungs, making a harsh sound. It helps clear the airways of irritants or foreign particles. In cats, coughing usually means there’s an airway disease¹⁰.

Common reasons for coughing in cats include asthma, parasitic infections like heartworms, allergies, and respiratory illnesses such as feline viral3.

Gagging, on the other hand, sounds like choking or retching. It means something might be blocking the cat’s throat. Unlike coughing, gagging is a sign of an airway blockage. This is a serious situation that needs quick vet help. Hairballs, a common cause of gagging, are actually from vomiting, not coughing³.

“Coughing in cats is a serious symptom that should not be ignored. It can indicate a variety of underlying health issues, from allergies to respiratory infections. If your cat is coughing persistently, it’s crucial to consult with your veterinarian for proper diagnosis and treatment.”

Younger cats, between 1-5 years old, are more likely to have feline asthma¹⁰. Older cats with health issues need careful watching when they cough¹⁰. Treatment for gagging and coughing depends on the cause. Antibiotics might be given for infections¹⁰. For asthma, corticosteroids are often used¹⁰. Cats with parasites like heartworms get special medications¹⁰.

Vets use X-rays, BAL, and blood tests to find the cause of gagging or coughing¹⁰. By knowing the difference between coughing and gagging, owners can get the right help for their cat.

When to Seek Veterinary Care for a Gagging Cat

While cats sometimes gag, especially with hairballs¹¹, it’s not always normal. If your cat gags a lot, it might be a sign of a serious problem. It’s important to watch your cat and know when they need a vet.

Persistent Gagging

Seeing your cat gag a lot means you should get them to the vet. Gagging can mean many things, like breathing problems or even heart disease¹². Your vet will do tests to find out why and help your cat feel better¹².

Difficulty Breathing

If your cat can’t breathe while gagging, it’s very serious¹². This could be because of something stuck in their throat or a bad allergy⁴. You need to get them to the vet fast to save their life.

Lethargy and Loss of Appetite

Gagging with no energy and no appetite is a big warning sign¹². It could mean your cat has a serious illness like diabetes or kidney disease⁴. If your cat is gagging a lot and not eating, see a vet right away.

There are other times when you should take your cat to the vet:

• If your cat gags because of something they ate, like chocolate, go to the vet fast¹¹.
• If your cat seems really upset, like pawing at their mouth, get help from a vet¹².
• If your cat is gagging and also has diarrhea or vomiting, they need a vet¹².

Even though cats sometimes gag normally¹¹, don’t ignore it if it happens a lot. Knowing your cat’s habits and what they might be exposed to helps you know when to get help¹¹. Always talk to your vet if you’re worried about your cat’s health.

Home Remedies and Prevention Strategies

If your cat is gagging a lot, there are ways to help. You can use cat gagging home remedies and prevention strategies. These can keep your cat’s digestive system healthy and reduce gagging.

Grooming to Reduce Hairballs

Longhaired cats like Persians and Maine Coons are more likely to get hairballs¹³. Cats that shed a lot or groom themselves too much are also at risk¹³. Regular grooming is key to prevent hairballs, especially for long-haired cats.

Brushing your cat’s coat daily removes loose fur before it’s swallowed. Use a de-shedding tool or a cat brush to get rid of extra hair.

Using hairball prevention products is also helpful. These products have ingredients that help hair pass through the digestive system. Grooming, fiber-rich diets, and special cat food can reduce hairballs in cats¹³.

Slow Feeders to Prevent Eating Too Quickly

Some cats eat too fast, leading to gagging and vomiting. Slow feeders or puzzle feeders can help. These bowls have designs that make cats eat slower.

Slow feeders encourage cats to eat more slowly. This can prevent gagging caused by eating too fast.

A slow feeder, such as a food dish with raised sections inside to create a maze-like shape, can encourage cats to slow down and work their way through their food carefully rather than eating it all at once.

Keeping Hazardous Objects Out of Reach

Cats are curious and might eat things they shouldn’t, like string or small toys. This can cause gagging, choking, or blockages. Keep dangerous objects away from your cat.

Check your home for hazards and store them safely. Also, give your cat toys made for cats, not small items that could choke them.

Using these cat gagging prevention strategies can help a lot. If your cat still gags a lot or shows other bad signs, see your vet. They can help figure out what’s wrong and treat it.

Conclusion

Knowing why your cat is gagging is key to their health. From simple hairballs to serious health problems, it’s important to know the reasons. Cats often get hairballs, which can make them gag¹¹. They might also gag from eating things they shouldn’t, like insects or household items¹¹.

Signs of choking in cats include gagging, pawing at their mouth, and drooling a lot¹⁴. They might also have trouble breathing, act panicked, vomit, or even pass out¹⁴.

If your cat keeps gagging, get them to the vet fast. The vet can find out why and treat it. You can also try home remedies and prevent gagging by grooming your cat regularly and keeping dangerous items away.

Some cats gag because of health issues like asthma or stomach problems¹⁵. Treatment might include changing their diet, giving them medicine, or even surgery to remove something stuck in their throat¹⁵.

As a cat owner, watch your cat closely and act fast if needed. Knowing why cats gag, spotting the signs, and taking steps to prevent it can keep them healthy and happy. Keep an eye on how often they gag and watch for other signs like changes in appetite or diarrhea¹⁵.

Always put your cat’s health first. Working with your vet ensures they get the best care.

Source Links

1. 6 Reasons Why Your Cat is Gagging | Frontier Veterinary Urgent Care – https://frontierveturgentcare.com/blog/cat-gagging-milwaukee-wi/
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3. Coughing Versus Vomiting: Why Does My Cat Do That? – Just Cats Clinic – https://justcatsclinic.com/coughing-versus-vomiting-why-does-my-cat-do-that/
4. Why Is My Cat Gagging? – North Kenny Veterinary Hospital – https://northkennyvet.com/blog/cat-gagging/
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10. Coughing In Cats: When To Worry And What To Do About Cat Cough | Kingsdale Animal Hospital – https://www.kingsdale.com/coughing-in-cats-when-to-worry-and-what-to-do
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13. What to Do About Hairballs in Cats – https://www.webmd.com/pets/cats/what-to-do-about-hairballs-in-cats
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