My Cat Keeps Gagging But Nothing Comes Out
Why does my cat keep gagging but nothing comes out?
Nausea
Nausea is one of the most likely causes of feline gagging without vomiting. Cats have the same difficulty as people, and in certain situations, they attempt but fail to vomit. Excessive eating, gastric acid, or consuming rotten food might all be the culprits. If these are the reasons, you need not be concerned since the gagging usually goes away on its own.
Tracheitis
Tracheitis is the most probable reason of your cat’s raspy voice when gagging (infection of the trachea). Viral-induced tracheitis usually resolves on its own after a few weeks, but bacterial-induced tracheitis need antibiotics and, in certain situations, feline-friendly anti-inflammatories.
Gastroenteritis
If the cat shows indications of stomach discomfort when you gently push her tummy, gastroenteritis (inflammation of the gastrointestinal system) is most likely the reason. The tough aspect, however, is that she isn’t vomiting. You will need professional assistance to identify whether or not your cat has this disease. Vomiting (frequently with yellow or white foam), lack of appetite, lethargy, fever, dehydration, and diarrhea are all symptoms of gastroenteritis in cats. If you detect any of the aforementioned signs, the best plan of action is to contact your local veterinarian as soon as possible.
Liver Illness
The liver, like the kidneys, is essential in eliminating poisons from the blood. It also contributes to good digestion by metabolizing fats and carbs, storing vitamins and iron, and producing proteins for the body. Because the liver is involved in so many vital activities, a cat suffering from liver illness may exhibit a variety of symptoms. If left untreated, liver illness may be deadly, therefore seeking quick veterinarian care is critical.
Foreign bodies in GI
Most of the time, you will see your feline companion devouring bugs or chewing on threads and plastic objects. These items may clog the gastrointestinal system, and your cat will attempt to get rid of them by vomiting or dry heaving. Foreign body symptoms include gastrointestinal pain, abdominal swelling, difficulties passing feces, and unwillingness to drink or eat. You should immediately take her to a veterinarian facility.
Hairballs
If the cat is choking and nothing comes out but has no problem drinking or eating, transitory foreign bodies are most likely to blame. There are a few hairball treatments available, or you may choose for natural therapies. It is simple to get rid of hairballs by using a natural lubricant. Simply sprinkle a teaspoon of safflower, fish, or flax oil on her diet. This will coat the hairball and help it to move smoothly through the cat’s digestive tract.
What to Do If Your Cat Keeps Gagging But Nothing Comes Out
Look for signs of a lack of appetite and laziness.
You’ll have to pay attention to whether or not the cat is moving as much as it usually does. If not, this might be a more significant problem. Cats who refuse to eat, for example, often have something in their throat that is causing them to gag. You must ensure that the cat is safe in this scenario, or it may suffer from major health problems. After 1-2 days of this condition, cats often develop major symptoms, which might include a total absence of feeding. This is often the case when you need to see a veterinarian.
Examine the Cat’s Distress Level
Begin by determining a cat’s degree of discomfort. You don’t want a scenario in which the cat is distressed and/or in pain. This indicates that the cat is struggling with anything that has been lodged in its windpipe, which might pose a major health risk. This is not a hairball, and you can’t simply wait for it to go away. It will not. This may harm the cat’s health and lead to its death. You should pay attention to how the cat is behaving about the home.
Consult a Vet
They will do a brief x-ray to determine what is lodged within the cat’s throat. This will help to throw light on what has to happen and what should be avoided throughout the therapy period. If anything becomes stuck within, many cats may need surgical help. Due to their curiosity, cats are capable of eating strange things, which may get trapped in the throat and cause serious problems. However, if you experience gagging and coughing together with any indications of kidney, liver, or heart illness, don’t wait. You should take your cat to the veterinarian right away. These three illnesses are all highly deadly, and early detection may significantly prolong your cat’s life.
Conclusion
It might be concerning if your cat tries but fails to vomit. However, most occurrences of dry heaving are caused by a hairball, a stuck foreign item, or nausea. Your cat should be back to its old self in no time when the illness has faded or the obstruction has been removed. That being said, a cat choking and coughing is an indication of a more serious ailment, so see your veterinarian if in doubt. Try some of my preventative techniques as well; they will lessen the amount of dry heaving in the future, which will benefit both you and your cat.
