Like other mammals, it is a common observation that cats usually get hiccups, especially kittens. From a medical point of view, Hiccups are the involuntary contraction made by spasms of the diaphragm.
It occurs in the muscle that separates the chest from the abdomen. Usually, it calms down after a few moments and has no harmful effects.
Why do cats get hiccups?
The Primary reason of Cats getting hiccups is eating fast, overeating. As a lot of air is being swallowed with the food, which may result in hiccups. In addition, if your cat is not chewing their food correctly while consuming it, hiccups might be expected as a consequence.
Another possible reason can be the hair stuck in your feline’s throat. They try to eject the accumulated hairs pierced in their throat. During this practice, hiccups may also engulf your kitty. Excessive stress and anxiety also can cause this involuntary action to happen.
In humans, hiccups typically occur by overeating, drinking, or eating fast. Carbonated drinks, alcohol, and chewing gum may also lead to this phenomenon. This is quite a usual experience for us as human beings.
What To Do when my cat gets hiccups?
First of all, there is no need to worry because it is an entirely natural phenomenon. It will happen and then disappears too soon. You need to comfort your baby gently and make them feel relaxed.
If your cat is on a scheduled diet and you are giving them proper time and attention, then a casual hiccup won’t bother them. However, consider these tips to ensure your cat’s speedy recovery if the problem persists.
1. Offer Water
The first and foremost aid you can provide while hiccupping is to offer water to your kitty. Just like humans, cats also recover quickly from hiccups when consuming water. So, drinking water will be enough to heal soon whenever your cat gets hiccups.
2. Monitor Eating Disorder
If your cat is eating and drinking too fast, try to make him adapt to the slow and formal way of taking food and water. A lot of air is trapped during eating and drinking abnormally, leading to symptoms like hiccups.
If overeating derives the problem, limit their food to the only amount they require for the time being, and also use a smaller-sized food bowl for your kitty.
To avoid your cat catching this involuntary action, you need to monitor their eating style properly and quit their habit of rapid consumption. In addition, cut hard-food items into smaller slices for smooth engulfing.
3. Maintain Proper Diet
I am sure that you are preserving a proper diet schedule for your cat, and you are offering plenty of food to them. However, if you suspect any specific food item which results in unusual hiccupping, restrain from that food item to avoid the risk.
4. Hairball in Throat
If you are a regular cat owner, you probably witness your cat grooming themselves. While grooming, it is most likely that they will swallow their fallen hair.
Unfortunately, these start to stick and accumulate in the trachea, resulting in hairballs in their throat. In an attempt to eliminate this clumsy burden, they may start to get hiccups.
You need to regularly groom your cat using brushes specially designed for cats to ensure your cat’s safety and avoid such unpleasant situations. Then, dispose of the eliminated hair far away from your cat.
If you are confident your cat’s esophagus has accumulated hairballs, try a supplement of Laxatone to get rid of the issue. However, consulting your vet would be best for a live check-up.
Similar Article: Why do cats eat their hair? And How to Stop
5. Relieve Stress and Anxiety
Last but not the least; a cat may also fall into this phenomenon if they suffer from excessive stress and anxiety, although it is infrequent.
If your kitty has an anxiety disorder, first evaluate the underlying cause and then proceed accordingly. In addition, if your cat is feeling bored and has nothing to do, it may lead to stress. Please provide them with interactive cat toys to eliminate their boredom.
If you are the one who hardly manages time to play with their cats, they may ultimately get anxious. Therefore, it is suggested that you do your best to spare time for their entertainment.
How long should a cat hiccups last?
It occurs involuntarily and disappears within a few moments. Unfortunately, kittens fall victim to this more than adult ones.
According to pet expert Townsend “If a cat regularly gets hiccups after eating, that can be attributed to eating too much or too fast, but should still be monitored,”
A normal hiccup should not last longer than a day; cats usually recover quickly after experiencing it a few times a day. So, if the hiccup is short-lived and disappears too soon, then let them exercise their muscles. But, if your pet is going through the situation longer than a day or hiccups continue more than usual, it could be symptoms of Asthma.
We strongly recommend booking an appointment for your cat in severe circumstances because you are supposed to bear no compromise on your queen’s health!
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Conclusion
Finally, I hope it is now understood that a cat hiccup is as normal as we humans do. So, there is nothing to worry about. Let them enjoy this harmless practice to relax their body.
However, if you feel concerned, apply homemade remedies, and they will work perfectly. In addition, approach your veteran if the situation deteriorates.
