What Causes a Cat's Persistent Hiccups? A Vet Explains When to Take Your Cat to the Hospital

Have you ever heard a cat hiccup?

Most likely, you haven't. While human hiccups make a "hic-hic" sound, cat hiccups are silent and cause their abdomen to twitch rhythmically. Usually, hiccups resolve on their own within a few minutes, but it can be worrying if they last a long time.

This article explains the causes of persistent cat hiccups and symptoms that warrant a vet visit.

What is the mechanism of cat hiccups?

Hiccups occur when the diaphragm, a muscular membrane separating the chest and abdomen, spasms. The diaphragm plays a crucial role in breathing; respiration happens as it contracts and relaxes. The diaphragm is controlled by nerves originating from the brain, and electrical signals from the brain cause it to contract and relax. When these electrical signals are disrupted for some reason, the diaphragm spasms, resulting in "hiccups."

Are cat hiccups caused by stress?

The following are some potential causes of hiccups:

Overeating food

Hiccups are more likely to occur when the stomach is too distended and irritates the diaphragm. If the amount of food is moderate, hiccups are unlikely to occur, but if your cat eats more than usual, it can cause hiccups.

Some cats may hiccup even if they don't eat much. This is thought to be caused by food expanding in the stomach, which triggers hiccups.

If hiccups occur frequently after meals, re-evaluate the amount and type of food. Also, if there are other cats in the house, your cat might be eating their food too. It's necessary to set meal times and separate them into different rooms.

Eating too fast

Eating too fast increases the amount of air swallowed. The swallowed air distends the stomach, causing hiccups.

To prevent fast eating, it's a good idea to switch to a slow-feeder bowl. Some foods are designed with kibble sizes that require chewing before swallowing, which can also help prevent fast eating.

In multi-cat households, some cats may eat quickly because they don't want other cats to take their food. In such cases, make sure the fast-eating cat can eat calmly.

Strenuous exercise

Strenuous exercise after a meal can excessively stimulate the diaphragm's nerves.

Avoid inviting your cat to play after meals and let them rest quietly. If multiple cats are chasing each other after meals, it might be a good idea to put them in a cage to rest.

Disease

Hiccups occur due to nerve excitement in the diaphragm. If a disease occurs around these nerves, it can lead to nerve excitement and persistent hiccups.

Diseases include pneumonia, pleurisy, bronchial asthma, tumors around the diaphragm, and brain tumors.

Hiccups not caused by disease usually subside after a while, but hiccups caused by disease persist or reappear even after stopping.

What symptoms of cat hiccups warrant a visit to the vet?

Hiccups not caused by disease usually stop after a while and do not immediately restart. However, persistent hiccups may indicate an underlying disease and will always be accompanied by other symptoms. If your cat exhibits any of the following symptoms, consult a veterinarian immediately.

Hiccups lasting more than one day

If the hiccups are not problematic, they should stop after a while and not immediately restart. However, hiccups caused by disease can last for more than a day or repeatedly stop and start.

Coughing, sneezing, difficulty breathing

Hiccups can also occur with lung diseases. Lung diseases are often accompanied by coughing and sneezing. As lung disease worsens, it can lead to difficulty breathing.

Loss of appetite, vomiting, vomiting blood

Hiccups can also be caused by esophageal or stomach tumors. As these tumors grow, they can cause loss of appetite or vomiting after eating. In addition, bleeding from the tumor can cause your cat to vomit blood.

Lethargy

Any illness can cause lethargy. If hiccups persist and your cat also becomes lethargic, consult a veterinarian immediately.

Seizures, paralysis

Brain tumors can cause excessive excitement of the nerves leading to the diaphragm. As brain tumors grow, they can compress the brain and nerves, leading to seizures. Paralysis may also occur, making it difficult for the cat to stand up or causing them to move only in one direction. Headaches can also lead to lethargy and vomiting.

How to stop cat hiccups

For humans, you might often hear remedies like "holding your breath" or "drinking water while bending over" to stop hiccups. These are believed to suppress overexcited nerves by introducing different stimuli. While humans can do this voluntarily, cats cannot. In fact, it increases the risk of choking and should never be attempted.

When your cat is hiccuping, observe them for a while. They will usually stop on their own. If there are other symptoms, consult a veterinarian immediately.

If your cat eats too fast or overeats, take measures to prevent this.

Summary

Hiccups can occur even in healthy cats. If your cat is prone to hiccups, review their diet, food bowl, and living environment. This may help improve the situation.

Observe if there are any other symptoms besides hiccups, if your cat is eating, and if they are energetic. If anything seems off, consult a veterinarian.