If you’ve ever seen your cat make strange little jerking movements or soft “gulping” sounds, you might have wondered, do cats get the hiccups like humans do? While hiccups are common and usually harmless in people, they’re not as commonly associated with our feline friends. However, cats can experience hiccup-like episodes too. Understanding what causes these odd moments and whether they’re normal can help you better care for your furry companion. In this post, we’ll explore what cat hiccups are, how they differ from human hiccups, and when they might signal something more serious.
Can Cats Actually Get Hiccups?
Yes, cats can get hiccups, though it’s not as common or noticeable as it is in humans. A hiccup happens when the diaphragm, the muscle that helps with breathing, suddenly contracts. This involuntary spasm is usually followed by a quick closure of the vocal cords, which causes the characteristic “hic” sound.
In cats, hiccups tend to be much quieter and subtler. You may notice a small twitch in their belly or hear a faint sound when they breathe. These episodes are typically short-lived and not a cause for concern. However, since cats can also exhibit similar signs due to coughing, sneezing, or gagging, it’s important to recognize the difference.
While kittens are more likely to get hiccups due to their developing bodies and habits like eating too quickly, adult cats can experience them as well, often triggered by minor irritations or fast eating.
How Cat Hiccups Are Different from Human Hiccups
While both cats and humans can experience hiccups due to diaphragm spasms, the way they appear and sound can be quite different.
In Humans:
- Hiccups are usually loud, with a distinct “hic” sound.
- Often caused by overeating, carbonated drinks, or sudden excitement.
- Easily recognized and sometimes persistent.
In Cats:
- Hiccups are much quieter often just a soft gulp or slight twitching of the abdomen.
- May look like light, rhythmic jerks or small body spasms.
- Often mistaken for coughing, retching, or even purring quirks.
- Common in kittens due to immature digestive systems.
The biggest difference is how subtle cat hiccups are. Many pet owners don’t even notice them unless they’re paying close attention. Plus, cats can’t tell us what they’re feeling, so it’s important to observe closely to distinguish hiccups from other issues like respiratory problems or hairballs.
What Causes Hiccups in Cats?
Cat hiccups are usually harmless and happen for reasons similar to those in humans, typically due to minor irritation of the diaphragm. However, there are several common triggers that might cause your cat to hiccup:
1. Eating Too Fast
One of the most common reasons for cat hiccups is gulping down food too quickly. When a cat swallows air while eating, it can irritate the diaphragm and trigger hiccups especially in kittens who haven’t learned to pace themselves.
2. Hairballs
Cats groom themselves constantly, and in the process, they often ingest loose hair. This can accumulate and form hairballs, which irritate the throat or digestive tract. Sometimes, the movement or irritation caused by trying to pass or cough up a hairball may look like hiccups.
3. Stress or Excitement
Emotional triggers like sudden stress, anxiety, or excitement can cause changes in breathing patterns, which may lead to mild hiccup-like spasms in some cats.
4. Underlying Medical Conditions
Although rare, frequent hiccups could be a sign of:
- Asthma or respiratory issues
- Gastrointestinal discomfort
- Worms or parasites
If hiccups occur frequently or are accompanied by coughing, vomiting, or lethargy, it’s best to consult a veterinarian to rule out any underlying problems.
How to Tell if Your Cat Is Hiccuping or Coughing
It’s easy to confuse hiccups with coughing in cats because both can involve sudden body movements and odd noises. However, knowing the difference is important, especially if your cat may be showing signs of a health issue.
Signs Your Cat Is Hiccuping:
- Gentle, rhythmic twitching of the abdomen or chest
- Soft gulping or clicking sounds
- Usually occurs while resting or shortly after eating
- Episode is short and doesn’t seem to bother the cat
- No signs of distress or discomfort
Signs Your Cat Is Coughing:
- Louder, more forceful sounds (like choking or gagging)
- Neck may stretch forward while coughing
- May produce mucus, saliva, or even vomit
- Often accompanied by heavy breathing or wheezing
- Can happen frequently and look more intense or exhausting
If you’re unsure whether your cat is hiccupping or coughing, try to record a video and observe closely. If the behavior happens often or seems to cause your cat distress, it’s always a good idea to contact your vet for a professional opinion.
Are Cat Hiccups Normal or a Reason to Worry?
In most cases, cat hiccups are completely normal and nothing to worry about. Just like in humans, an occasional hiccup can happen due to minor, everyday triggers like eating too quickly or swallowing air. These episodes usually pass within a few minutes and don’t require any treatment.
However, hiccups can be a reason for concern if they occur frequently or are accompanied by other symptoms. Repeated or prolonged hiccup-like episodes might actually be signs of a more serious issue such as respiratory problems, gastrointestinal irritation, or even parasites.
Warning Signs to Watch For:
- Hiccups happening daily or multiple times a day
- Coughing, wheezing, or labored breathing
- Vomiting or attempts to expel hairballs frequently
- Lethargy, loss of appetite, or behavior changes
If your cat shows any of these signs, it’s best to schedule a check-up with your vet to rule out any underlying health issues.
When to See a Vet
Occasional hiccups in cats are usually harmless, especially if they’re brief and your cat seems otherwise happy and healthy. But if the episodes become frequent, severe, or come with other symptoms, it could be a sign of an underlying issue that needs professional attention.
You Should See a Vet If:
- Hiccups last longer than a few minutes or happen multiple times a day
- Your cat shows signs of difficulty breathing, wheezing, or gagging
- There’s vomiting, loss of appetite, or sudden weight loss
- You hear loud or wet-sounding coughs instead of soft hiccups
- Your cat seems lethargic, anxious, or in visible discomfort
Your vet may perform a physical exam and, if needed, run tests to check for conditions like asthma, digestive issues, or throat irritation. The good news is that in most cases, hiccups are completely benign but it’s always best to be safe rather than sorry when it comes to your pet’s health.
Conclusion
While it might seem surprising, cats can get hiccups though they’re usually subtle and nothing to worry about. Most hiccups in cats are caused by simple things like eating too fast or mild irritation, especially in kittens. Still, being able to recognize the difference between harmless hiccups and signs of a deeper issue is important for any responsible cat owner.
If your cat’s hiccups are occasional and they seem perfectly healthy otherwise, there’s no cause for concern. But if the episodes are frequent or accompanied by other symptoms, don’t hesitate to consult your vet. Staying observant and informed is the best way to keep your feline friend happy and healthy.