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Why is my cat gagging, coughing, and vomiting so much? What's wrong?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Why is my cat gagging, coughing and vomiting so much the last few days?

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Christie Long, DVM

Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist

Published on October 24th, 2015

Hi, thanks for your question. It's unusual to see vomiting and coughing at the same time, although it's possible. Typically, though, the cat is just retching and nothing is coming up. It's likely, especially if your cat is bringing up stomach contents from time to time, that this is solely a GI problem.

Vomiting can have a number of causes. Depending on how old your cat is, whether it goes outside, etc, one possibility might be more likely than another. Here are some possibilities: parasites, food intolerance/dietary indiscretion (eating something that made her sick), exposure to a toxin, a blockage either in the stomach or intestines, kidney disease, liver disease, diseases of the pancreas, inflammatory bowel disease, and cancer. As you can see these are all very different diseases. Your vet can help you figure you what's going on with a good physical exam and some tests, probably blood work and x-rays to start with. Get your cat seen as soon as you can.

18Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Andrea M. Brodie, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on April 28th, 2018
Your cat maybe trying to regurgitate a hair ball. Cats who suffer from hair balls often cough and then regurgitate food or fluid and hopefully a hairball as well. If she is otherwise happy and eats and drinks and does not appear ill, then you do not need to worry. You may want to get some Hair Ball Remedy and give that to your cat as prescribed on the tube. Your vet or a pet shop should be able to sell you some.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Jeffrey Milner
Veterinarian
Published on April 29th, 2017
Occasional vomiting in a cat is not terribly unusual, Cats can vomit for a variety of reasons include general gastrointestinal disturbance, foreign body, hairballs, stress, or a long list of serious illnesses. If this is just an isolated incident that is not followed by any more vomiting, I would simply withhold food for the next 12 hours, and then feed something very bland for the next day or so afterward. If the vomiting continues or you begin to see any other clinical signs of illness, I would get her to the veterinarian for an examination.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS
Veterinarian
Published on July 23rd, 2018
It sounds like your cat could have a respiratory infection, and when cats cough hard enough, it can lead to vomiting. I do think having her seen by a vet is best. The vet can confirm if she does have a respiratory infection, and can prescribe medication to help her symptoms. Best of luck, I hope this helps!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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