Dry Heaving in Cats

Question
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Followup To
Question -
I have a male cat that is just under 2 years old, his name is Gabriel.  Gabriel is generally very healthy.  He does not vomit, salivate, or foam and he has had no major health problems since we've had him (1 1/2 years).  He had a minor flea issue when we first got him but the vet was able to rid him of the problem quickly.  We feed him a very nutritious and balanced diet and he gets a good deal of exercise.  We give him hairball and tartar treats periodically per product instructions.  He has a wonderful playful and affectionate disposition and there are no signs, the best that we can tell, of any health problems.  Over the past week or so, we've noticed him dry heaving twice.  It's like a gagging but no vomiting - - - it's like a dry cough and it lasts just a few seconds.  We've seen it twice but I suppose it could also be happening at other times that we don't see.  Is this normal?  Do you have any ideas of what could be causing it?  Could this be a serious problem and should we take him to the vet?  Thanks very much.
Answer -
Hello Dee,

I think it would be best to have your cat examined by your Veterinarian. It is very easy to confuse coughing and retching in cats and this can be a sign of respiratory or cardiac disease. Gabriel may not be vomiting now, but he may start to vomit any time soon since he already is gagging. Maybe he is having throat problems.

Does Gabriel appear to be in pain?

But I suggest you take Gabriel to your veterinarian because it may begin to be more than gagging after a while.

Hope Gabriel feels better!

Vantressa Brown

Hello Vantressa,

Thank you for your response.  No, Gabriel does not appear to be in any kind of pain.  It really does appear very similar to a human cough.  It lasts a few seconds then he gets on pretty normally.  I will be taking Gabriel to the vet but I could not tell from your reply whether this is something that is typical.  I understand that you are saying it COULD BE a sign of something more serious, but is it typically?  That's what I was trying to understand.  Anyway, I will find out from the vet.  Thanks.  

Answer
Hello,

Sorry about not making it clear about it being typical or not. I understand what you are saying now...about it sounding like a human cough. If it is what I think it is...this is very common in Cats.  In general, cats don't gag as often as dogs. The one exception is when an upcoming hairball hits the throat. Cats will gag once or twice, then throw it up or sometimes they will attempt to throw it up until it comes out. I work with over 10 Cats aday and I witness this.

Because felines spend a lot of time licking and cleaning themselves, hairballs are a common problem in Cats.  

There is also a place at the back of your pet's throat called the pharynx that acts like a switching station. It is responsible for sending food to the stomach and air to the lungs. When confronted by something unexpected, such as a trickle of postnasal drip or hairball, the pharynx doesn't know where to send it.  So then the Cat begins to gagging....which leads to vomiting.

But yes...it's a good idea you are taking your Cat to the vet.


Vantressa Brown