What should I do if my cat retches without vomiting?

Cat dry heaving without vomiting may be caused by improper diet, hairball syndrome, parasite infection, or other reasons. First, poor diet habits can affect normal digestion and cause dry heaving, which is a normal phenomenon and generally does not require special treatment. If the cat has abnormal dry heaving without vomiting accompanied by other uncomfortable symptoms, such as acid reflux, heartburn, etc., it is recommended that the owner take the cat to a regular pet hospital promptly for diagnosis and treatment.

1. Improper diet

Overfeeding or eating too fast can stimulate the esophagus and gastric mucosa, causing dry heaving. In normal life, the feeding amount should be reduced, and attention should be paid to eating small meals frequently. Overeating can alleviate the cat's discomfort, and generally no special treatment is required.

1. Hairball syndrome

If a cat often licks its own hair, it can lead to hair entering the stomach, which cannot be directly absorbed or excreted by the body. Long-term accumulation in the gastrointestinal tract can form hairballs, which may affect normal digestion and cause dry heaving. However, there will be no vomit, and the cat can take digestive enzymes under the guidance of the doctor to improve the condition.

1. Parasite infection

This may be caused by eating raw meat or unclean food, which can lead to a large number of parasites in the intestines, such as roundworms, hookworms, etc. The cat may show symptoms such as loss of appetite, diarrhea, weight loss, and dry skin. As the number of parasites in the body increases, it will affect the speed of gastrointestinal peristalsis, causing frequent dry heaving. The cat needs to take parasite-killing drugs according to the doctor's advice. If the condition continues to worsen, the owner should take the cat to the hospital promptly for treatment, otherwise it may lead to disease aggravation and affect recovery.