Cat gags without vomiting | This is what to do!

Cat retching without vomiting. I'm sure you've experienced this too: your velvet paw is standing there, making strange noises, the body contracts and you think: ‘Oh no, here it comes!’. But then... Nothing. Your cat retches, but doesn't vomit. This can be quite worrying and you're probably wondering what's going on. Don't worry, you're not alone! Many cat owners experience this and it's important to understand what's behind this behaviour. In this article, we'll take a closer look at gagging without vomiting, explain what it can mean and show you how you can best help your cat.

What does retching mean?

Gagging in cats is basically a reflex to get something out of the throat or stomach that doesn't belong there. It is a natural defence mechanism triggered by nerve signals that cause the muscles in the throat and stomach area to contract. So when your cat retches, it's not just a ‘funny noise’. It's a signal from their body that something is wrong. As attentive cat parents, we should take this signal seriously. It is important to realise that gagging is not always the same as vomiting. It is a separate symptom that can have various causes.

The most common cause of retching is hair and hairballs. The cat is a very clean animal with a strong cleaning instinct. It licks off loose hair during grooming. These cannot be digested and irritate the stomach in excessive quantities. In most cases, they will vomit a foamy liquid with the hair, which is easy to recognise. If your cat has problems with hairballs, you can give it malt paste. This will help to eliminate the hair and prevent it from accumulating in the gastrointestinal tract. You can also brush your cat to remove loose hair from its coat.

Cat retches but doesn't vomit

This is the sticking point that unsettles so many cat owners. The cat makes the typical retching movements with the unpleasant noises, but nothing comes up. It's as if they are trying to get rid of something that stubbornly refuses to leave their body. This can be quite frustrating, both for you and your cat. Why is she gagging without vomiting? The gag reflex can also be triggered when the cat is trying to get rid of a hairball, mucus or a foreign object that is not directly in the stomach, for example. It is also possible that the gag reflex is triggered by irritation of the throat or oesophagus without vomiting occurring.

Causes of retching

Gagging without vomiting can have many causes. In most cases, the cause of retching is harmless, but there may be more to it. One of the most common causes is hairballs. Long-haired cats in particular can swallow large amounts of hair when grooming, which then find their way out. However, other foreign bodies such as pieces of grass or small toy parts can also get stuck in the throat and trigger gagging. Another possibility is irritation of the throat, for example due to a cold (cat flu) or an allergic reaction. Problems with the oesophagus, for example a stenosis, can also cause the cat to gag without vomiting. Certain diseases such as asthma or heart disease can also be a symptom of gagging. It is therefore important to be vigilant and try to observe other symptoms in order to narrow down the cause.

Common causes of retching:

• ingested hair

• stuck pieces of grass

• cat flu

• allergy

• gastritis

• asthma

If your cat frequently retches for no apparent reason or shows other symptoms such as coughing, you should seek veterinary advice as soon as possible. It is an emergency if your cat shows so-called unproductive vomiting. All the signs of genuine vomiting are present, i.e. stomach pressing, retching and salivating, but nothing comes out. The cat usually tries to vomit several times in quick succession and the stomach seems to hurt. The cause may be an intestinal obstruction, e.g. if the cat has swallowed a foreign body. Hair ties, small toys or strings are often to blame.

Cat gagging and coughing without vomiting

If your cat is not only gagging but also coughing, this may be an indication of a respiratory illness. Severe coughing sometimes leads to retching with or without vomiting. There could be a foreign body in the windpipe causing both symptoms. A respiratory infection such as bronchitis or even asthma can also trigger such symptoms. Like us humans, cats can develop asthma and thus asthma attacks. It is usually triggered by an allergy or cigarette smoke.

Another cause is lungworms. The parasites migrate into the respiratory tract and cause coughing and choking. Outdoor cats that eat mice are particularly at risk of becoming infected with worms. They are transmitted by prey.

Gagging with coughing or sneezing as an accompanying symptom can be caused by a foreign body in the throat or windpipe. Occasionally a piece of cat grass gets lost and causes problems. In most cases, the cat cannot get rid of it by itself and it has to be removed endoscopically under anaesthetic. This is why vets advise against buying cat grass if cats have problems with hairballs.

Common causes of retching and coughing:

• asthma attack

• bronchitis

• lungworm infestation

• foreign body in the throat or windpipe

If your cat is coughing and choking more frequently, it is advisable to take a closer look and observe how often these symptoms occur and whether there are other signs such as shortness of breath or altered breathing. In this case, it is particularly important to visit a veterinary practice to clarify the exact cause and initiate appropriate treatment. After all, a respiratory disease should not be taken lightly.

Further questions about retching

Gagging is a symptom in cats that occurs in various forms and often in combination with other symptoms. Here you will find answers to further questions on this topic.

Cat constantly retching without vomiting, what to do?

Constant retching is a warning sign of a serious problem. It may be a foreign body stuck in the throat or even blocking the intestines. You should not hesitate to take a closer look at the situation. Firstly, it is important to observe the frequency and circumstances of the gagging. For example, does it only happen after eating or independently of it? How does the cat otherwise behave? Is it active and eating normally?

If the symptoms persist or even worsen, you should definitely visit a vet on the same day. They will be able to make an accurate diagnosis and start the right treatment. It is better to go to the surgery once too often than to overlook a serious problem.

Cat retching without vomiting and not eating, what to do?

If your cat is retching and refusing to eat at the same time, red alert is the order of the day. Refusing to eat in combination with gagging can be a sign of a serious illness. If your cat is not eating and is gagging, it is therefore advisable to visit a veterinary practice immediately to clarify the cause. It could be a blockage in the gastrointestinal tract, an infection or another serious illness. Cats often hide when they are unwell so as not to show weakness. However, you may notice that they then often stop eating. Do not hesitate to consult a vet, as a refusal to eat can quickly lead to complications and should definitely be clarified.

Cat is gagging and weak, what to do?

If your cat is not only retching, but also seems listless and apathetic, this is a clear sign that he is not feeling well. Listlessness can indicate general weakness, dehydration or a serious illness. In this case, quick action is required. Visit a veterinary practice immediately to have the cause of the symptoms investigated. A cat that is gagging and weak needs urgent professional help, as its condition can deteriorate quickly. The vet will carry out the necessary examinations to find out the cause and initiate appropriate treatment. Please do not hesitate to visit the veterinary clinic, because every minute counts!

Home remedies for retching without vomiting

It is important to understand that home remedies for retching without vomiting should only be considered in mild cases and after consultation with a veterinarian. They are not a cure-all and cannot replace veterinary treatment, especially if the cause is unclear or the symptoms persist. Here are the most common causes and what you can do about them without recommending cat grass:

Hairballs:

• Malt paste: This is often the remedy of choice for hairballs. The paste helps to bind the swallowed hair and transport it more easily through the digestive tract. Many cats like the flavour, which makes it easier to administer. If given regularly, the paste can also have a preventative effect.

• Oil: A teaspoon of high-quality vegetable oil (e.g. olive oil or coconut oil) can help to make the hair more ‘slippery’ and aid digestion. It is best mixed into the food. However, be careful not to give too much oil as this can lead to diarrhoea.

• Change of food: There are special types of food that can help to reduce the formation of hairballs. These often contain more fibre, which promotes intestinal transit. Examples are

  • Royal Canin Hairball Care: This food is very popular and specially developed for cats with hairball problems. It contains a special fibre mixture to promote the elimination of hair and is available in many pet shops and online shops.

  • Hill's Science Plan Hairball Control: Hill's also offers a variant to control hairballs. It can often be found in veterinary practices and specialist shops and contains a balanced mixture of fibres, proteins and fats.

  • Purina Pro Plan Hairball: Purina also offers a special dry food designed to reduce the formation of hairballs. It is known to be well accepted by many cats and is available in many supermarkets and pet shops.

• Regular brushing: Regular brushing helps to remove loose hair before your cat swallows it.

• No cat grass: Although cat grass is often recommended as a remedy for hairballs, it can be harmful to cats. The sharp-edged grasses can irritate the oesophagus or stomach or get stuck in pieces in the nose or throat and cause gagging or sneezing. We therefore advise against it.

Irritation of the throat or oesophagus:

• Moist food: If your cat has an irritated throat, moist food (e.g. wet food or slightly warmed, unsalted broth) may be easier to swallow than dry food. This moistens and soothes the throat.

• Honey: A little honey can have a soothing effect on mild throat irritation as it is slightly anti-inflammatory. However, only use small amounts and make sure that the honey is of good quality.

• Avoid irritants: Try to find out if there is anything that could trigger the irritation (e.g. certain foods, household cleaners or fragrances) and avoid them.

Foreign body in the throat:

• Careful observation: If you suspect that a foreign object (e.g. a small toy) is stuck in the throat, do not try to pull it out yourself. This can make the situation worse. Observe whether your cat continues to choke or show other symptoms. If this is the case, visit a veterinary practice or veterinary clinic immediately.

• No household remedies: In the case of a foreign body in the throat, household remedies usually do not help and can even be harmful. Professional help is required here.

Diseases (e.g. asthma, heart problems):

• No home remedies: In the case of illnesses such as asthma or heart disease, home remedies are not usually sufficient and can even be dangerous. Veterinary treatment is essential here.

Conclusion

Gagging without vomiting in cats can have many different causes, from harmless hairballs to serious illnesses. As an attentive cat owner, it is important that you keep a close eye on your cat's behaviour and other symptoms. If the gagging occurs frequently, is accompanied by coughing or your cat refuses to eat or seems listless at the same time, you should not hesitate to visit a veterinary practice. There, an accurate diagnosis can be made and the right treatment initiated. With the right attention and timely action, you can ensure that your cat stays healthy and happy. And remember, you're not alone - we're all in this cat ownership adventure together!

The confidu magazine is written by our vets according to current scientific standards. The articles do not replace a veterinary diagnosis, but are intended to provide you with initial information on many topics relating to your pet. If you have specific questions about your pet, our vets will be happy to advise you via the confidu app.