Why Does My Cat Keep Dry Heaving?

While it is very common for our cats to regurgitate their food if they eat too quickly or overgroom, it can become concerning if your cats is dry heaving. This repetitive, unproductive gagging can indicate a range of issues, from harmless to more serious underlying conditions.

It’s important to understand the different reasons why your cat is dry heaving to determine the cause and if you need to see your veterinarian.

What Is Dry Heaving?

Dry heaving occurs when a cat appears to be trying to vomit without producing anything. It could involve retching, gagging, or spasms of the abdomen. Occasionally, dry heaving precedes actual vomiting, but when the dry heaving continues without any result, it’s worth paying attention.

Dry heaving is not vomiting which results in the expulsion of stomach contents, including food, bile, or other substances. It’s usually accompanied by nausea and may involve active retching before the contents are ejected.

What Are The Common Causes of Dry Heaving in Cats?

1. Hairballs

Hairballs are one of the most common reasons for dry heaving in cats. When a cat grooms itself, it inevitably swallows loose fur. While most fur passes harmlessly through the digestive system, some may clump together, forming a hairball. If the hairball is too large to be easily expelled, your cat may experience repeated dry heaving.

2. Foreign Object Ingestion

Cats are curious creatures and may occasionally ingest small objects like strings, rubber bands, or pieces of toys. If an object gets stuck in their throat or esophagus, it can lead to gagging and dry heaving as the body tries to dislodge it. This situation is often an emergency and requires immediate veterinary attention.

3. Gastrointestinal Issues

Problems like gastritis, acid reflux, or an obstruction in the digestive system can also cause dry heaving. These conditions might be accompanied by other symptoms, such as a lack of appetite, lethargy, or diarrhea.

4. Respiratory Problems

Dry heaving can sometimes be linked to respiratory issues. If your cat has asthma, a respiratory infection, or inflammation in the airways, it may lead to coughing that mimics dry heaving. These issues are often accompanied by wheezing or labored breathing.

5. Nausea

Just like humans, cats can experience nausea for various reasons, such as eating spoiled food, motion sickness, or certain medications. Nausea can trigger dry heaving as the cat’s body tries to rid itself of the perceived irritant.

6. Throat Irritation

Throat irritation caused by allergies, a viral infection, or exposure to irritants like smoke or dust can lead to dry heaving. Cats may also dry heave if their throat becomes irritated after consuming something too hot, cold, or spicy (e.g., certain human foods).

7. Anxiety or Stress:

If your cat has encountered a stressful situations like moving, introducing a new pet, or even loud noises, this can trigger anxiety in cats, which may manifest itself as dry heaving.

When to See a Vet

While occasional dry heaving might not be alarming, repeated or prolonged episodes should be evaluated by a veterinarian.  If the dry heaving is prolonged, it’s important for you to observe and record when your cat dry heaves and whether there are any other symptoms occurring.

Contact your vet immediately if your cat exhibits any of the following symptoms alongside dry heaving:

· The dry heaving continues for an extended period.

· Difficulty breathing

· Excessive drooling

· Swelling of the throat

· Loss of appetite or weight loss

· Lethargy or weakness

· Blood in saliva or vomiting

Persistent dry heaving could indicate a serious problem, such as an esophageal blockage or a tumor, and requires prompt attention.

How to Help Prevent Your Cat From Dry Heaving

Prevent Hairballs:

Regular grooming can reduce the amount of loose fur your cat ingests. Hairball remedies, such as specialized diets or lubricating gels, can also help.

Keep Dangerous Items Out of Reach:

Make sure that small objects, strings, and toxic foods are inaccessible to your cat to prevent accidental ingestion.

Provide Plenty of Fresh Water:

Hydration is key to maintaining your cat’s overall health and can help soothe throat irritation or prevent digestive blockages.

Maintain a Clean Environment:

Try to minimize your cat’s exposure to dust, smoke, or other airborne irritants that could lead to throat irritation or respiratory issues.

Regular Vet Checkups:

Routine veterinary visits can help catch potential health problems early, which enables your cat to stay in optimal health.

Final Thoughts

If your cat dry heaves occasionally, it is nothing that you should worry about. However, if the dry heaving continues for extended of time, it could indicate a more significant health issue. While some causes, such as hairballs, are relatively benign, others may require immediate medical attention.

By staying vigilant and providing proper care for your kitty, you can ensure your feline friend remains happy and healthy.