Gagging in cats
Gagging or retching is quite common in cats. It's often associated with hairballs, so brief episodes aren't usually cause for concern. Gagging that is severe or recurrent needs further investigation.
Gagging is a reflex of your cat’s body. Gag or retch sounds like they are trying to vomit while also coughing. It can be difficult to distinguish between coughing and vomiting. Sometimes they bring up white foam or mucous. If it persists or is accompanied by other signs, contact a vet.
What to do if your cat is gagging? >What to do if your cat is gagging? [What to doCommon causes of gagging in cats >Common causes of gagging in cats [CausesWhen you should be worried about your cat gagging >When you should be worried about your cat gagging [When to worryTips on how to prevent your cat from gagging >Tips on how to prevent your cat from gagging [PreventionHow do vets diagnose the cause of gagging in cats >How do vets diagnose the cause of gagging in cats [DiagnosisHow to help a cat that is gagging >How to help a cat that is gagging [Home treatmentHow your vets may treat gagging in your cat >How your vets may treat gagging in your cat [Vet treatmentAre some cats more at risk of gagging than others? >Are some cats more at risk of gagging than others? [RiskOther causes of gagging
When you should be worried about your cat gagging >When you should be worried about your cat gagging [When to worryTips on how to prevent your cat from gagging >Tips on how to prevent your cat from gagging [PreventionHow do vets diagnose the cause of gagging in cats >How do vets diagnose the cause of gagging in cats [DiagnosisHow to help a cat that is gagging >How to help a cat that is gagging [Home treatmentHow your vets may treat gagging in your cat >How your vets may treat gagging in your cat [Vet treatmentAre some cats more at risk of gagging than others? >Are some cats more at risk of gagging than others? [RiskOther causes of gagging
How do vets diagnose the cause of gagging in cats >How do vets diagnose the cause of gagging in cats [DiagnosisHow to help a cat that is gagging >How to help a cat that is gagging [Home treatmentHow your vets may treat gagging in your cat >How your vets may treat gagging in your cat [Vet treatmentAre some cats more at risk of gagging than others? >Are some cats more at risk of gagging than others? [RiskOther causes of gagging
How your vets may treat gagging in your cat >How your vets may treat gagging in your cat [Vet treatmentAre some cats more at risk of gagging than others? >Are some cats more at risk of gagging than others? [RiskOther causes of gagging
Other causes of gagging
Gagging with coughing may be a warning of other serious diseases, including:
Throat or mouth tumours
Neurologic conditions
For more information about coughing in cats click here.