Last Updated on May 5, 2023 by OliviaAnderson
Cats can gag often, and this behavior shouldn’t be concerning unless your kitty cat starts to show other symptoms.
Gagging is attributed to stuck hairballs; expect it if your munchkin is an avid groomer. Obstructions in the throat or rear might require an emergency vet visit to clear the blockages. Unanticipated vet trips can be emotionally and financially taxing, which is why you must consider being equipped with a pet insurance policy.
Note that the pet insurance cost per month can be much less than hefty vet bills that may accompany untimely health situations and medical emergencies. Contemplate purchasing a policy so you have a medical financial backup and your furry pet gets the medical assistance it deserves during challenging times of health.
Meanwhile, read this article to learn the common causes of gagging and when it should be a cause of concern.
Causes
This reflex action can occur from time to time; if you have noticed it happening to your cat, you might have wondered about the cause of it. Gagging can be a normal occurrence or due to other serious health problems, especially if they occur more frequently.
A cat’s body will instinctively try to remove irritants in the larynx. Your furry baby can gag if it senses something tickling in its throat, has swallowed tiny foreign objects, or has a hairball in its throat.
A kitty may also gag on sniffing chemical-based substances or potential irritants. In such a case, the furry baby may extend its neck, open its mouth widely, and gag. When gagging is limited to itchy sensations in the throat, the furball may not vomit; otherwise, expect the kitty to throw up after gagging.
With this background, you can easily understand that gagging is a method of expelling undesired things that may have accidentally found their way to the kitty’s throat.
When should it be concerning?
Hairballs are often the reason for occasional gagging in kitties. Should your pet feline throw up plenty of hairballs, consider taking some preventive measures.
For instance, brush your pet regularly, give it top-quality cat food that helps enhance the coat health and minimize fur loss and, consequently, occurrence of hairballs, or use cat products that help safely eliminate hairballs blocking the gastrointestinal tracts.
Meet your vet immediately if you suspect the gags are due to a foreign object or toxic ingestion. Also, severe respiratory conditions, nasal passage obstructions, dental diseases, gastrointestinal issues, tumors, and cancer can cause a furry pet to gag more often.
A health assessment can help figure out the root cause of your kitty pie’s gagging episodes. Learning what’s going on with your furball right in the beginning can be a wise move to ensure your munchkin gets early treatment.
Keep a watchful eye on your furry little one so nothing goes amiss. Should you feel something is really not right with your kitty cat’s health, don’t hesitate to seek medical help. Note that early testing and treatments can be much easier on your pet and affordable at the same time.
Yet, consider being prepared with a pet policy because pet insurance can be that financial hand of comfort you might be seeking during distressing health scenarios and emergencies. Remember that the pet insurance cost can be more affordable than surprising vet costs, which is why you must contemplate purchasing a policy.
