My Cat has been dry Heaving....?

Question

I have a 6 year old cat (recently just got a few mo. old kitten). The older cat keeps trying to eat the kittens food and vica versa, but I have been sperating the 2 so they dont eat each others food. Lately, the older cat has been sqeemish about eating his own food (still wanting to eat kitten food). So, he doesnt eat quite as much as he usually does. The past day or so, he keeps on dry heaving, almost like he has a hairball that wont come out. I am not sure what to do, or if I should take him to the vet. Please help, I am really worried.

i should also add, that other then him dry heaving and not eating quite as much, he has been acting normal

Answer 1

Your new kitty might have brought home an upper respiritory infection (kitty cold). It sounds like your older cat is coughing which is a sure sign of this. Even if the new one doesn't have these signs, this could be the case. Bring him to the vet to be sure. They usually can't do anything and it clears up after a couple weeks, but at least you will know if it's a cold or a hairball problem. It's probably not the food.

Answer 2

And it's disgusting, too. Hack! Hack! Hack! My kitties also do that from time to time and it makes me want to dry heave right along with them. Yuck! Sometimes, kitties just need to heave a little. It's even normal for them to puke from times to time. My own kitten decided to sit on my chest at 5 this morning and dry heave in my face. Yeah, real nice way to start the day!!! Don't worry too much. Keep an eye on the litter box and make sure she's pooping. Make sure she's still got an appetite, despite the apparent bolemia. If she stops eating or you can't find any poop, then she might be backed up. Better get her into the vet if she doesn't poop at least once a day. Good luck!!! Enjoy the poop hunt!

Answer 3

My cat used to dry heave too, still does now and then. It sounds like a cross between a cough and a sneeze but more like a dry cough. We video taped it and took it along with the cat to the vet. The vet said, "Oh she is just sneezing." YEAH right. I know it is not a sneeze and every time she does it I get freaked out. The vet did not know or did not know what he saw. I am still not sure what it is. Sorry

Answer 4

sounds like hairball, but could be any of the other possibilities addressed by your first six answers or a combination of physical and emotional conditions. Hairball treatment is OTC--active ingredient is vasoline! Save your bucks by trying vasoline in pearl-size amounts, twice a day, for about 3 days. If that doesn't work, use a syringe body (or baby med syringe), take off the syringe and dispose of properly, and measure 1/2 to 1 cc of olive oil twice a day for a few days. Also try fresh grass because that helps cats keep their digestive tracts happy and well. The food thing is emotional--like a single child who is suddenly introduced to new baby--jealousy! "I have to share the attention I get with this newcomer, and I don't like it one damn bit," your older cat is thinking as he eats Junior's food. Give the older guy a lot of love time, and use a spray bottle filled with water (cat pistol) and sprinkle him each time he goes to the other's dish and add a stern "No!" You might want to try a different adult cat food for a change of pace.

Answer 5

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RE:
My Cat has been dry Heaving....?
I have a 6 year old cat (recently just got a few mo. old kitten). The older cat keeps trying to eat the kittens food and vica versa, but I have been sperating the 2 so they dont eat each others food. Lately, the older cat has been sqeemish about eating his own food (still wanting to eat kitten...

Answer 6

Your cat may have an upper respiratory infection, the flu, or another serious sickness. Go to the vet as soon as possible, and only wait if your cat hasn't eaten or drank in a day or two.

Answer 7

Hairball

Answer 8

give him a raw egg to eat. my cats dry heave and tend to lick the "white" part of the egg. it helps to coat their throat and soothe their stomachs

Answer 9

Sounds like hair balls, but you should check with a vet. I sometimes put a little mineral oil in her mouth or in her water, and this eases the hair balls. And I try to keep her well-brushed.

Answer 10

my cat used to get sick constantly and it was because she was eating cheaply unheathly cat food. i swtiched to organic...its a bit pricyer but shes lost weight (which was needed), her coat is beautiful and she doesnt get sick anymore. but check with a vet and see what they recommend!