Dry Heaving in Cats

Dry heaving (or retching) in cats can sound like a minor cough or a major episode of gagging and stomach contractions. In some cases, it may just be a simple case of a hairball or tickle in the throat or it could be a serious issue such as intestinal blockage or organ disease.
If your cat is just eating too fast and spitting up the food he just ate, this is not usually a medical problem; it is more of a portion control issue that you may be able to fix by giving your cat smaller portions, more frequently. However, there are some types of dry heaving that could mean something else. If you notice your cat dry heaving more than once, it could be a sign of one of these health issues:

• Hairballs
• Nausea
  
• Gastroenteritis
  
• Foreign body in throat or stomach
• Kidney disease
• Liver disease
  
• Heart disease
  
• Systemic disease

It is a good idea to take your cat to the veterinarian if you notice him dry heaving continually, to find out what the cause might be.  

While occasional dry heaving may be nothing to worry about, it is always best to check with a veterinary professional if you are concerned. Here are some of the more common reasons why this may occur in your cat:

Hairballs

All cats can get hairballs once in awhile because they are constantly grooming themselves and ingesting hair. This is usually nothing to worry about as your cat will sometimes dry heave a few times before coughing up a big ball of hair. However, if your cat is constantly trying to cough up the hair and cannot seem to do so, or if the hairballs are frequent, you should take him to see your veterinary care provider.

Nausea

Similar to humans, cats can feel nauseous once in a while. It might be just from eating too much, acid in the stomach, or may even be from eating spoiled food. This can be serious and may need veterinary attention, especially if it is accompanied by appetite loss, vomiting, and lethargy.

Gastroenteritis

Cats with gastroenteritis will likely have bouts of diarrhea and vomiting along with dry heaving. At times, the vomit may be yellow or white foam, which is caused by trying to vomit after the stomach is empty. It can be caused by infections from parasites, viruses, bacteria, or reactions to a new food or medication, or systemic disease.  Other signs might include depression, lack of appetite, and sleepiness.

Foreign Body in Throat or Stomach

Cats will sometimes eat things that they should not be eating such as string, bugs, plastic, and foam. They can be just like toddlers, putting everything they find in their mouth to see what it is. Sometimes this can cause a blockage in the intestinal tract, esophagus, or throat. If your cat is suddenly vomiting, dry heaving, has abdominal pain and swelling, and will not eat or drink, you need to take him to a veterinary care center immediately. This may be a sign of obstruction caused by foreign items, hairballs, tumors, or even intestinal twisting. It is essential that you get it checked out right away to prevent dehydration or complete blockage, which can be fatal.

Kidney Disease

Kidney disease in cats is more common as they get older and can cause nausea and vomiting with dry heaves at times. Other signs of kidney disease include increased thirst and urination, lethargy, depression, pale gums, itchiness, and weakness. There are many causes of kidney disease such as:

• Obesity
  
• Repeated kidney infections
• Toxic substances
• Dental diseases
• Urinary tract obstruction or infection
  
• Injury to the kidney
• Birth defects
  
• Genetic (British Shorthairs, Himalayans, and Persians)
• Age related changes to the kidneys

Liver Disease

The liver is an essential organ in the body that is needed for filtering toxins, storing vitamins, and digesting nutrients. Because it has so many functions, the liver is more susceptible to damage and disease. Some of the other signs besides dry heaving are weight loss, appetite loss, head pressing, circling, jaundice (yellow skin and eyes), pale gums, extreme thirst, distended abdomen, and depression.

Heart Disease

Heart disease can occur in cats as well.  The two types of heart disease are congenital (present at birth) or acquired (caused by something). Some causes for heart diseases in cats include heartworm infection, blood vessel (vascular) disease, arrhythmia, and myocardial disease. In addition to dry heaving, heart disease can cause coughing, breathing difficulty, growth failure, weakness, irregular heart rate, and swollen abdomen.

Hairballs can be treated or prevented by giving your cat hairball treatment. It is important to talk to your veterinarian first to be sure it is safe for your cat.

Uncomplicated nausea may resolve within a short time. If it persists for longer than 24 hours or is accompanied by fever or other symptoms, you should call your veterinary care provider.

Gastroenteritis should be checked out by your veterinarian, who will be able to perform laboratory and diagnostic tests as well as a physical examination.

A foreign body in throat or stomach has to be evaluated by your veterinarian to see what the options for treatment are.  

Kidney, liver, and heart disease all need to be checked by your veterinary care provider right away.

Hairballs can be prevented by brushing your cat daily and providing a nutritious diet with plenty of fiber.

Nausea may be prevented by keeping your pet’s food fresh and making sure the portions are right for his age and breed.  

Preventing gastroenteritis includes keeping your cat up to date on their shots and other preventive medication. Also, be sure to keep your cat away from other animals that may be sick.

Preventing your cat from getting a foreign body in his throat or stomach is as simple as keeping any dangerous items away from your cat.

Kidney, liver, and heart disease are not usually preventable but preventing the cause as best you can is recommended. For example, damage to the heart caused by heartworm can be prevented by a following a veterinary advised regimen of heartworm medication. In addition, to prevent all of these and other issues, you should bring your cat to see the veterinarian at least once per year for a good physical examination, as subtle changes may be detected early.

Dry heaving in cats can be expensive to treat. If you suspect your cat has dry heaving, or is at risk, start searching for the right pet insurance plan today.

The cost of dry heaving can run about $75 for an office visit and medication to treat difficult hairballs, and about $100 to $00 for tests to determine the cause of nausea or gastroenteritis. A foreign object may cost a bit more for test or as much as a few thousand to remove the object surgically if necessary. Kidney, liver, and heart disease can all be expensive, from $200 up to $35,000 for transplant, if needed. On average, the cost of dry heaving in cats is about $2,000.