Tag: why is my cat gagging

Every cat owner has seen their furry friend enjoy a good grooming session – it’s a natural behavior for cats, keeping their coat clean, free of mats, and smelling fresh. But what happens when your cat starts making a retching, gagging sound, but nothing comes up? This behavior, known as gagging, can be a source of concern and might leave you wondering what’s going on and how to help.

What is Cat Gagging?

Cat gagging is a reflex action that involves a series of involuntary movements in the throat, often characterized by a retching or choking sound. It’s different from vomiting, which involves a forceful expulsion of stomach contents.

Why is Cat Gagging a Concern?

While occasional gagging might be normal, especially if your cat has eaten too much or swallowed a hairball, frequent gagging can be a sign of an underlying health issue. It’s important to understand the difference between gagging and vomiting to determine the cause and the proper course of treatment.

Gagging vs. Vomiting in Cats

Here’s a helpful breakdown to distinguish between gagging and vomiting:

• Vomiting:
  • Forceful expulsion of stomach contents
  • Often accompanied by retching and gagging
  • Usually contains undigested food
  • Can be a sign of various medical conditions
• Gagging:
  • A reflex action that involves a series of involuntary movements in the throat.
  • Often characterized by a retching or choking sound.
  • Usually does not involve expelling any contents.
  • Can be a sign of various medical conditions, but not always.

Common Reasons for Cat Gagging

Here are some common reasons why a cat might gag:

• Hairballs: Hairballs are a common cause of gagging in cats, especially long-haired breeds. They form when cats groom themselves and swallow loose hairs, which accumulate in the stomach and can’t be digested. Cats often try to cough up hairballs, making a gagging sound, and sometimes they succeed, while other times the hairball might stay stuck in the stomach.

A Case Study: Whiskers’ Hairball Troubles

Whiskers, a 5-year-old Maine Coon, was gagging frequently. His owner, David, noticed that Whiskers would often make a retching sound, but nothing came up. “He would also often lick his lips excessively and seem a bit uncomfortable,” David says.

David tried brushing Whiskers more frequently, and he started using a hairball remedy to help move hair through the digestive tract. “Whiskers’ gagging decreased significantly after we started these changes,” David says. “He seems much happier now that he doesn’t have to worry about hairballs.”

• Eating Too Quickly: Some cats eat too quickly, gulping down food without chewing properly. This can lead to a buildup of food in the esophagus, which can trigger gagging.
• Esophageal Problems: Conditions affecting the esophagus, such as:
  • Megaesophagus: Megaesophagus is a condition where the esophagus is enlarged or weakened. This can cause food to get stuck in the esophagus and be regurgitated or gagged up.
  • Esophagitis: Esophagitis is inflammation of the esophagus, which can make it difficult for food to pass through, sometimes leading to gagging.
• Gastric Problems: Conditions affecting the stomach, such as:
  • Gastritis: Gastritis is inflammation of the stomach lining. It can cause nausea and gagging.
  • Ulcers: Ulcers, open sores that develop in the lining of the stomach or intestines, can cause pain and gagging.
• Respiratory Issues: Conditions that affect the respiratory system, such as:
  • Upper Respiratory Infections (URIs): URIs can cause inflammation and swelling in the nasal passages, which can make it difficult for cats to breathe and can lead to gagging.
  • Asthma: Asthma is a condition that causes inflammation and narrowing of the airways. It can cause wheezing, coughing, and difficulty breathing, which might lead to gagging.
  • Foreign Objects: Small objects, such as grass awns or pieces of food, can become lodged in the airways, causing difficulty breathing and sometimes gagging.
• Stress: Stress can also contribute to gagging in cats.

A Case Study: Oliver’s Stressful Move

Oliver, a 4-year-old Persian cat, started gagging frequently after he moved to a new apartment. His owner, Jessica, noticed that Oliver seemed to be anxious about the move and was pacing around the house.

“Oliver seemed very stressed about the move,” Jessica says. “He was pacing and meowing for days. He would also often gag, but nothing would come up.”

Jessica placed a pheromone diffuser in the house, and she started using a soft, calming voice when interacting with him. She also started to play with him more frequently, using toys that encouraged chasing, pouncing, and hunting behaviors.

“Oliver’s gagging decreased significantly after we made these changes,” Jessica says. “He seems much happier now that he’s adjusted to the new environment.”

• Medications: Some medications, particularly those used to treat heartworm, can cause gagging as a side effect.
• Other Medical Conditions: Other medical conditions that can lead to gagging include:
  • Kidney Disease: Kidney disease can cause a decrease in appetite and other digestive problems, including gagging.
  • Liver Disease: Liver disease can also cause digestive problems, including gagging.
  • Dental Disease: Dental disease can cause pain and discomfort, leading to a decrease in appetite and gagging.

Recognizing Other Signs of Illness

While gagging can be a sign of a health problem, it’s important to remember that this is just one symptom. Pay close attention to your cat’s behavior and look for any other concerning signs that might accompany gagging. These could indicate a more serious problem.

• Loss of Appetite: If your cat is not eating, it’s a big red flag, especially if it’s accompanied by gagging.
• Vomiting: Forceful expulsion of contents from the stomach.
• Diarrhea: Loose stool.
• Difficulty Breathing: Labored breathing or gasping for air.
• Changes in Urination: Difficulty urinating or urinating more frequently.
• Changes in Behavior: Sudden increase in vocalization, hiding, aggression, or changes in personality.
• Lethargy: If your cat is lethargic, or if they’re not interested in eating.
• Weight Loss: If your cat is losing weight.

When to Worry About Gagging in Cats

Here are some signs that you should contact your veterinarian immediately:

• Frequent Gagging: If your cat gags frequently, especially if it’s accompanied by other symptoms.
• Gagging with Vomiting: If your cat gags and then vomits, especially if it’s accompanied by blood or bile.
• Lethargy: If your cat is lethargic, or if they’re not interested in eating.
• Weight Loss: If your cat is losing weight.
• Difficulty Breathing: If your cat is having trouble breathing.

Diagnosing Gagging in Cats

Diagnosing the cause of gagging in cats requires a thorough examination by a veterinarian. They will perform a physical exam, ask about your cat’s history, and often recommend some additional testing.

• Physical Examination: The veterinarian will assess your cat’s overall health, including their weight, body condition, and any signs of illness. They will check your cat’s temperature, pulse, and respiration, and they will examine their eyes, ears, nose, teeth, and gums. They will also feel your cat’s abdomen and lymph nodes for any abnormalities.
• Bloodwork: Blood tests can help rule out a variety of medical conditions, including infections, kidney disease, liver disease, and diabetes.
• Urinalysis: A urinalysis can detect urinary tract infections, kidney problems, and other conditions.
• Radiographs (X-rays): X-rays can be used to examine bones, organs, and other structures, helping to diagnose a variety of conditions.
• Endoscopy: Endoscopy is a procedure where a thin, flexible tube with a camera is inserted into the esophagus or stomach to examine the lining for signs of inflammation or other problems.
• Barium Studies: Barium studies involve giving your cat a liquid containing barium sulfate, a contrast agent that shows up on X-rays. This allows your veterinarian to see how food moves through the esophagus and stomach, helping to identify any problems.

Treating Gagging in Cats

Treatment for gagging in cats depends on the underlying cause.

• Hairballs: Treatment for hairballs might involve:
  • Hairball Remedies: There are a variety of hairball remedies available over the counter, such as:
    • Hairball Formula Food: Hairball formula food is designed to help move hair through the digestive tract.
    • Hairball Paste: Hairball paste is a thick, gel-like substance that can be given to cats orally to help move hair through the digestive tract.
  • Grooming: Regular brushing can help to remove loose hairs and reduce the risk of hairball formation.
• Eating Too Quickly: Treatment for eating too quickly might involve:
  • Slow-Feeder Bowls: Slow-feeder bowls are designed to slow down a cat’s eating pace, reducing the risk of gagging.
  • Smaller, More Frequent Meals: Feeding smaller, more frequent meals can also help reduce the amount of food in the stomach at any given time.
• Esophageal Problems: Treatment for esophageal problems might involve:
  • Medications: Medications can help to reduce inflammation and improve muscle function.
  • Surgery: Surgery may be required to correct any structural problems in the esophagus.
  • Dietary Changes: Dietary changes can help reduce the risk of gagging. For example:
    • Soft Food: Soft food can be easier for cats to digest and less likely to get stuck in the esophagus.
    • Elevated Food Bowls: Elevated food bowls can help to reduce the risk of food getting stuck in the esophagus.
• Gastric Problems: Treatment for gastric problems might involve:
  • Medications: Medications can help to reduce inflammation, protect the stomach lining, and control nausea.
  • Dietary Changes: Dietary changes can also help reduce the risk of gagging. For example:
    • Bland Diet: A bland diet can help to reduce stomach irritation.
    • Small, Frequent Meals: Feeding small, frequent meals can help to prevent the stomach from becoming too full.
• Stress: Treatment for stress might involve:
  • Creating a Calming Environment: Providing a safe and secure environment for your cat, such as:
    • Creating Hiding Spaces: Provide your cat with comfortable hiding spaces, such as cat trees, tunnels, or boxes. These spaces can help your cat feel secure and relaxed.
    • Using Pheromone Diffusers: Pheromone diffusers can help to create a calming environment.
    • Maintaining Routine: Stick to a consistent daily routine for feeding, playtime, and grooming.
• Medications: If gagging is caused by a medical condition, your veterinarian may prescribe medications to treat the underlying problem.

A Case Study: Whiskers’ Regurgitation Recovery

Whiskers, the Maine Coon with a history of gagging, responded well to treatment. David continued to feed him smaller, more frequent meals and used a slow-feeder bowl. After a few weeks, Whiskers’ gagging stopped.

“Whiskers is back to his normal self,” David says. “He’s been doing much better since then.”

Conclusion

Gagging in cats can be a sign of a variety of conditions, but it’s important to remember that your cat is still your loving companion. By understanding the causes and seeking professional help, you can help your cat receive prompt veterinary care and increase their chances of a good outcome.