Can Cats Get Hiccups?

Hiccups often make us chuckle when they sneak up on us, but anyone who has shared their home with a feline friend knows that cats sometimes make strange sounds too. So can cats get hiccups? The short answer is YES, cats of all ages can experience an involuntary “hic” caused by spasms of the diaphragm. While usually harmless and short lived, understanding what causes cat hiccups, how to spot them and what you can do to prevent them can help you keep your kitty comfortable. As cat lovers and makers of eco friendly pet products, we at Michu want Australian pet parents to feel confident about their cat’s health and to know where to find the supplies that make care easier.

What Are Hiccups, and Do They Happen to Cats?

A hiccup occurs when the diaphragm > the dome shaped muscle that helps breathing > contracts involuntarily while the glottis (the opening at the back of the throat) momentarily closes. This contraction forces a quick intake of air and produces that characteristic “hic” sound. Cats have the same basic anatomy as humans, so they can hiccup in the same way. However, cat hiccups sound more like a soft chirp or squeak than a loud human hiccup, and sometimes there is no sound at all; you may only notice a slight spasm of the throat or abdomen.

How to Recognise Cat Hiccups?

• Sudden, rhythmic “hic” noises accompanied by a small head jerk.
  
• Subtle spasms in the throat or belly without sound.
  
• Your cat should otherwise seem normal and relaxed; there should be no coughing, sneezing or breathing trouble. If you see those signs, contact your vet immediately.
  

Why Do Cats Get Hiccups?

Overeating or Eating Too Quickly

The most common cause of hiccups in cats and kittens is gulping down food or water too quickly. When a cat eats fast, they swallow extra air along with their food. That swallowed air can irritate the nerves that control the diaphragm and trigger spasms. Kittens are especially prone to hiccups because their nervous systems are still developing.

What you can do: Offer smaller, more frequent meals or use a feeder that slows down eating. Our range of cat bowls and feeding accessories includes wide, shallow bowls that prevent whisker fatigue and feeders designed to encourage slower, healthier eating. Puzzle feeders and automatic feeders can also slow your cat’s pace the Michu cat grass kit doubles as an enrichment feeder when you sprinkle kibble among the shoots.

Hairballs and Grooming

Another frequent cause is hairballs. As cats groom themselves, they ingest fur. If the hair doesn’t pass through their digestive tract, it can form hairballs that irritate the throat or oesophagus. Cats may hiccup while trying to move the fur along.

Regular brushing removes loose fur before it can be swallowed. Our cat grooming accessories include shedding rakes and slicker brushes that make grooming easy and help prevent hairballs. Providing fibre rich plants like our cat grass kit aids digestion and is a natural remedy for hairballs. For an in depth look at hairballs and how to manage them, see our article “Why Do Cats Have Hairballs and How Can We Help Them?.”

Emotional Stress or Anxiety

Less commonly, hiccups may be linked to emotional stress or anxiety. Cats experiencing separation anxiety or environmental stressors may display odd physical symptoms, including hiccups. Daily playtime, a stable routine and safe hiding places can help. Our collection of toys and wooden cat trees provides enrichment that reduces stress and encourages natural behaviours like climbing and scratching.

Underlying Health Issues

Occasional hiccups are generally harmless, but frequent or prolonged hiccups can indicate a medical condition. Older cats that suddenly start hiccupping or do so more often might have underlying disorders such as asthma, heart disease, tumours, parasites or food allergies. Neurological problems, organ disease or ingestion of a foreign object can also cause chronic hiccups. If you notice hiccups persisting beyond a day, or if they occur with vomiting, drooling, lethargy or breathing difficulty, see your veterinarian.

How Long Should Cat Hiccups Last?

Normal hiccups in cats are short lived. Most episodes last only a few minutes and resolve on their own. PetMD notes that normal hiccups should disappear within a day, while Cats Protection says hiccups usually last no more than a few hours. Hiccups that continue for longer than a day or become frequent warrant a veterinary check up.

What to Do When Your Cat Has Hiccups?

• Stay Calm and Observe: Keep an eye on your cat to make sure they aren’t choking or coughing. If the hiccups are mild and your cat acts normal, they will likely pass quickly.
  
• Provide a Quiet Space: Cats often benefit from a calm environment during a hiccup episode. Provide a cosy hideaway like a semi closed litter box or wooden cat tree shelf where your cat can relax.
  
• Ensure Access to Water: Keeping your cat hydrated can ease diaphragm spasms. Consider a fresh flowing fountain or place water bowls throughout the house. Our feeding range includes ceramic bowls and portable water bottles for adventuring cats.
  
• Slow Down Eating: Use slow feeder bowls or puzzle feeders to reduce gulping. Our feeding accessories and cat treats can be used in training games that reward small bites. For multi cat households, feed cats separately to prevent competition.
  
• Groom Regularly: Brushing your cat weekly prevents loose hair from being swallowed. Choose our gentle shedding rake or natural pet shampoo for luxurious coat care.
  
• Evaluate the Litter Box: Sometimes hiccups are tied to minor respiratory irritation from dusty litter. Switching to low dust options like our natural tofu litter, mixed tofu litter or wonder cassava litter can reduce throat irritation. For kittens, our kitten tofu litter provides safe, gentle pellets.
  
• Monitor for Health Changes: Prolonged hiccups accompanied by vomiting, lethargy or weight loss could signal disease. Health monitoring litter like our pH sensitive indicator litter helps detect urinary tract issues early.
  

Preventing Hiccups: Practical Tips

• Feed Smaller Meals: Divide daily rations into multiple portions. Automatic feeders or our slow feed anti whisker fatigue bowls force cats to take smaller bites.
  
• Use Interactive Toys and Enrichment: Bored cats may gulp food for entertainment. Rotate toys, provide climbing opportunities with cat trees and engage your cat in play before meals to burn off energy.
  
• Offer High Quality, Easily Digestible Food: Digestive upset can irritate the diaphragm. Our range of wet food and treats are made with wholesome ingredients for sensitive stomachs.
  
• Groom Regularly and Provide Fibre: Brush cats frequently and give them access to safe greens via our cat grass kit. Fibre helps fur pass through the digestive system and reduces hairball related hiccups.
  
• Create a Stress free Environment: Enrichment, routine and safe spaces can reduce anxiety related hiccups. Provide hiding spots, scratch posts and comfortable sleeping areas. Our deluxe litter boxes and semi closed litter boxes are designed for privacy and comfort.
  

When to Visit the Vet?

Most hiccups are harmless and self limiting. However, you should consult a veterinarian if:

• Hiccups last longer than 24 hours.
  
• The frequency suddenly increases.
  
• Your cat shows signs of illness such as vomiting, drooling, loss of appetite or lethargy.
  
• Hiccups occur alongside wheezing, trouble breathing or chronic coughing.
  

Your vet may check for underlying issues like parasites, asthma, heart disease or foreign objects. Early diagnosis and treatment are key to keeping your feline friend healthy.

Conclusion: A Gentle “Hic” Doesn’t Have to Be Scary

To answer the question, yes, cats do get hiccups, and in most cases they’re nothing to worry about. Hiccups are usually caused by eating too fast or by hairballs, and they often disappear as quickly as they appear. By slowing down meals, grooming regularly, and providing quality nutrition, we at Michu believe you can minimise the chances of hiccups and enhance your cat’s overall well being. When you notice unusual or persistent hiccuping, it’s always wise to contact your veterinarian to rule out underlying health problems. With the right care and the help of our eco friendly products from litter solutions to grooming tools and feeding accessories you can keep your furry mate comfortable, healthy and hiccup free.