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Cat gagging, thick drool, fast breathing: When to see a vet?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | American Shorthair | Female | spayed | 14 lbs

I heard my cat gagging and then she started walking around the house with thick drool coming out of her mouth. Even after it stopped she was licking her lips a lot and seemed to be uncomfortable. I wasn't near her when it started, so I'm not sure if she was choking or anything, but she seemed a bit panicked and her breathing has been shallower and quicker. Other than that, she's been acting like her normal self, I'm just wondering if i need to take her to the vet.

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Ana M, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on June 6th, 2018

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Ronde. I would recommend that she sees her veterinarian just to be sure she does not have anything stuck in her mouth and that she does not appear to be choking. Is there any chance she ate something that she shouldn't have? When something tastes bitter to a cat they will try to spit it out and will drool excessively. So this is a possibility too. I hope this information helps!

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    Answered By Stacey Anstaett, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    It sounds like Ronde is/was nauseated. Even if she didn't actually vomit, the gagging and thick slobber are very common when a cat is nauseous. It is also possible she was trying to get a hairball up. It is reasonable to give her 12-24 hours and see how she is doing. If she continues to do this, or actively vomits more than 2 or 3 times in the next 24 hours, or if at any point her breathing seems labored, take her to vet right away. If her breathing has not normalized by this evening, I would recommend you take her in. Good luck with her! Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

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