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.
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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
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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.
Source: https://t-tees.com
Category: WHY
