My cat is gagging for no apparent reason

fletch3163

Hello everyone

My beloved Lily is gagging but not being sick. I don't think there's any retching. Her head bobs, like something is stuck in her throat and sometimes she looks as though her mouth is watering and she licks her lips.

I took her to the vet last night and he's given me som parrafin (sp). He checked her stomach, etc and doesn't feel there's anything blocking.

Can anyone shed light on what's wrong with my girl?

Thanks in advance
Irene

Bailey101

Sounds like hairballs - one of my cats does this sometimes. I give him Katalax when I see him doing it, and it seems to help. I also got a Furminator for grooming him and that's helped the hairballs a lot.

If she carries on doing it though, even with the stuff you've been given, take her back to the vet in case the hairballs have caused a blockage or it's something else more serious.

xxx

fletch3163

Thanks for your response, I appreciate it.

I've had her nigh on 3 years now and I have NEVER heard her do this for any prolonged period (since yesterday).

I'm scared she's not getting a good rest and I'm also scared there's something stuck in her throat (though she's not clawing or scratching or anything at her neck).

Oh Lord, am such a worry wart when it comes to my girl.

Bailey101

I know exactly what you mean - the slightest little thing with either of my 2 and I'm imagining the worst.

If you're really worried then you should get her back to the vet. One of my cats does the gagging thing but it doesn't keep him awake and it usually stops after a couple of goes at the Katalax.

Is she eating and drinking like normal? I've never seen it first hand but apparently the first sign of a blockage caused by hairballs is not being able or willing to eat.

It probably is nothing to stress over but if you're always better to be safe then sorry.

xx

fletch3163

She's eating fine, and not being sick.

I made her some steamed chicken last night and put the parrafin in it, which she ate. I've looked around this morning for signs of her being sick but there's none.

I'm at work now and I'm just dying to get home to see she's OK. Poor wee love. I've never seen her have a furball before so I don't know what I'm expecting, or how long I expect her to be like this before I worry myself up the wall

Bailey101

If she's still doing it when you get home form work maybe call the vet and see what they say.

I just had a thought, it could be allergies.... A friend had a cat that got really bad hayfever in the spring and summer and he used to cough alot because of it. Have you changed anything in youre house recently?

As for seeing hairballs, you don't ever see them until you've stood on it. In bare feet. One of mine coughs up hairballs that are pretty solid and easy to clean up, the other one hacks them up while throwing up food too - very messy and not pleasant. Little monster's lucky he's so cute!!

Jasper's had loads of problems with his health over the last few years, so you really have my sympathys that you're stuck at work and she's at home - when Jasper's not well I have to get my neighbours to go in during the day to check on him or I wouldn't be able to settle at work.

Hope you get it sorted soon

xx

Jojo_the_Tightfisted

Hairballs.


Look a bit like owl pellets. Or a half chewed mouse.


If they're a long way down, they can smell absolutely evil.


And the large, slimy, evil smelling ones are generally deposited underneath your bed, over a shoe, in your handbag or on brand new carpet/bedding.


Just look anywhere where you would really hate to find a pile and puddle of cat bleurghhhhhhhhhhhhhh. That's where you'll find it.

PasturesNew

They all do it - ever seen a cat eat grass? That helps them cough them up. If you've a lawn, lob him outside for a bit of grass chewing.

Jojo_the_Tightfisted

PasturesNew wrote: »

They all do it - ever seen a cat eat grass? That helps them cough them up. If you've a lawn, lob him outside for a bit of grass chewing.

Don't forget to open the kitchen door/window before you try that, though

McKneff

Jojo_the_Tightfisted wrote: »

Don't forget to open the kitchen door/window before you try that, though

:rotfl::rotfl::rotfl::rotfl::rotfl:

moggymutt

Getting back to being serious, the hairball could be passed into the litter tray, so ideally do a bit of prodding in the litter tray if your cat uses one, to see if its been passed.
Just make sure you keep in touch with your vet if it doesn't clear, and watch for constipation.