Is My Cat Dry Heaving Or Coughing
By Dr. Zubair Khalid, DVM, MS, PhD ·
Key Takeaways
- Dry heaving is characterized by forceful abdominal contractions without expulsion of material, often indicating nausea, upper airway irritation from post-nasal drip, or a foreign body lodged in the pharynx or esophagus.
- Coughing is a reflex to clear the lower airways or lungs, manifesting as a hacking or honking sound and potentially producing foam or phlegm, and can be indicative of feline asthma, respiratory infections, or parasitic infestations like lungworm.
- Diagnostic workup for these symptoms may include thoracic radiographs to assess for pulmonary infiltrates or cardiac enlargement, bloodwork to evaluate for systemic inflammation or organ dysfunction, and fecal analysis for parasitic ova.
- Urgent veterinary intervention is indicated for cats exhibiting dyspnea (open-mouth breathing, cyanosis), lethargy, anorexia, or hematemesis/hemoptysis, as these can signify severe underlying pathology.
- Preventative measures include regular grooming to reduce hairballs, maintaining up-to-date vaccinations against common respiratory pathogens, and administering broad-spectrum parasiticides, including heartworm prophylaxis.
Watching your cat make unusual sounds or movements can be alarming. One common source of confusion for pet owners is the difference between dry heaving and coughing. While both can look similar, they often point to different underlying issues. Understanding which one your cat is doing is the first step in providing the right care.
Dry heaving (or retching) is the rhythmic, forceful contraction of the abdominal muscles without producing any vomit. Coughing, on the other hand, is a reflex that clears the airways of irritants, mucus, or foreign material. This guide will help you tell them apart, understand possible causes, and know when to call your veterinarian.
Quick Q&A: Common Questions
Question: How can I tell if my cat is dry heaving or coughing? Answer: Watch the posture and sound. Dry heaving involves strong abdominal contractions with a hunched back and often a gagging or wretching sound, but nothing comes up. Coughing is a forceful expulsion of air from the lungs, often with a hacking noise, and the cat may extend its neck or crouch low to the ground. Coughing can produce phlegm or foam, whereas dry heaving does not.
Understanding the Difference
What Dry Heaving Looks Like
Dry heaving is a series of strong, involuntary abdominal contractions. Your cat may crouch low, arch its back, and stretch its neck forward. The mouth may be open, and you might hear a gagging or retching sound. The key sign is that no vomit or hairball is produced. Dry heaving can be a sign of nausea, an upper respiratory issue, or even a foreign body stuck in the throat or esophagus.
What Coughing Looks Like
A cough is a sudden, forceful exhalation. Cats often extend their neck, lower their head, and make a hacking or honking noise. They may also produce foam, phlegm, or a small amount of fluid. Coughing is a reflex to clear the airways. It can be dry (non-productive) or wet (productive). If your cat is coughing, it is a sign of irritation or inflammation in the lower airways (bronchi) or lungs.
Common Causes
Causes of Dry Heaving
- Hairballs: This is the most common cause. The cat is trying to expel a hairball but nothing comes up, or it is stuck in the esophagus.
- Nausea: Conditions like pancreatitis, kidney disease, or dietary indiscretion can cause nausea, leading to dry heaving.
- Foreign Body: A piece of string, small toy, or bone can become lodged in the throat or esophagus.
- Gastrointestinal Obstruction: A blockage in the stomach or intestines can cause persistent dry heaving.
- Upper Respiratory Infections: Post-nasal drip from a cold can irritate the throat and trigger gagging.
Causes of Coughing
- Asthma: A common chronic condition in cats, causing inflammation and narrowing of the airways. Coughing is often intermittent and may be triggered by allergens.
- Respiratory Infections: Bacterial or viral infections (e.g., feline herpesvirus, calicivirus, or bordetella) can cause coughing.
- Heartworm Disease: Even indoor cats can get heartworms. The larvae cause inflammation in the lungs, leading to coughing.
- Lungworm or Other Parasites: Parasites like Aelurostrongylus can infect the lungs and cause chronic coughing.
- Foreign Body in the Airway: A piece of food or plant material can be inhaled, causing sudden, violent coughing.
- Congestive Heart Failure: In older cats, fluid buildup in the lungs can cause a soft, moist cough.
When to See a Veterinarian
You should contact your veterinarian if:
- The coughing or dry heaving persists for more than 24 hours.
- Your cat is lethargic, not eating, or hiding.
- There is blood in the vomit or coughed-up material.
- Your cat has difficulty breathing (open-mouth breathing, blue gums, rapid or labored breaths).
- Your cat is a kitten, senior, or has a pre-existing health condition.
- You suspect a foreign body or poisoning.
What to Expect at the Vet
Your veterinarian will start with a thorough history and physical exam. They will listen to your cat's heart and lungs with a stethoscope. Depending on the findings, they may recommend:
- X-rays (radiographs): To look at the lungs, heart, and esophagus for signs of asthma, heart disease, or foreign bodies.
- Bloodwork: To check for infections, kidney disease, or other systemic issues.
- Fecal exam: To check for lungworm or other parasites.
- Bronchoscopy: In some cases, a small camera is used to look inside the airways and collect samples.
- Heartworm test: A simple blood test to rule out this serious disease.
Home Care and Prevention
- For Hairballs: Regular brushing, hairball-specific diets, or lubricant gels can help reduce hairball formation.
- Reduce Allergens: If your cat has asthma, use an air purifier, avoid scented candles, and keep the house free of smoke and strong perfumes.
- Keep Small Objects Away: String, rubber bands, and small toys can be dangerous if swallowed.
- Vaccinations: Keep your cat up to date on core vaccines, including those for respiratory viruses.
- Heartworm Prevention: Talk to your vet about monthly preventatives, even for indoor cats.
- Monitor Eating: Slow down fast eaters with puzzle feeders to reduce the risk of choking or inhaling food.
Final Thoughts
While a single episode of dry heaving or coughing might not be an emergency, repeated or persistent episodes warrant a veterinary visit. The key is to observe your cat carefully and note the frequency, timing, and any other symptoms. With the right diagnosis and treatment, most causes of coughing and dry heaving can be managed effectively, helping your cat breathe and feel better.