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Why is my cat dry heaving after playing? Should I see a vet?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | American Longhair | Female | spayed

My one year old cat has been dry heaving for a while now. I've been grooming her, giving her a different bowl so she will eat slower, adding wet food to her dry food, and been giving her stuff for hairballs. She normally starts dry heaving after playing with my other cat. However, nothing has ever come out before. What should I do?

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2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Linda G, MS, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on October 4th, 2019

Hello. If Pepper has been doing this for a while, it is time to let your veterinarian evaluate her. I wonder if she is actually coughing ( which can sound like gagging in cats ), & if she may have some degree of asthma or bronchitis. There really is not much you can do at home that is safe. I hope you can have her seen soon. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

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    Answered By Dr. Elizabeth

    Veterinarian

    Published on October 4th, 2019

    It's hard to know if Pepper is dry heaving or coughing. If she is dry heaving, this could be related to hairballs (even though you are giving her a supplement, changing her diet may be a better option), esophagitis, a foreign object lodged in her stomach or an infection. Coughing is commonly related to an infection or less commonly, allergies. Try to record the behavior on a video and then have Pepper examined by the veterinarian. This may help to doctor know know which one is occurring so that they know what best to recommend. I hope this gets figured out quickly and please feel free to post any additional questions.

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