![\"cat](\"\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/Untitled-design-2022-07-27T150314.839.png\")
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Causes for gagging can vary. If your pet is experiencing the following symptoms, please utilize our Fast Track Triage system and always call ahead of your arrival so the veterinary team knows to expect you:<\/p>\n
So, you\u2019re hanging out at home with your cat and then suddenly they start gagging! What do you do?<\/p>\n
Overall, there are many potential causes for gagging in a cat. It can be as simple as something that they licked causing oral irritation or a more complex issue like dental disease<\/a>, upper airway congestion, foreign material ingestion<\/a>, nausea from metabolic disease (liver\/kidney issues), heart disease<\/a>, respiratory disease<\/a>, oral masses<\/a>, or even neurologic conditions<\/a>.<\/p>\n If you know your cat licked something toxic or ingested a foreign substance or object, it is best to call ASPCA Poison Control Center<\/a> or Pet Poison Helpline<\/a> for advice on if they should be seen right away.<\/p>\n If your pet continues to gag, refuses to eat, is lethargic or hiding, an exam is recommended. Other signs to watch for include breathing changes<\/a> (fast or open mouth breathing) and neurologic signs (acting drunk or off-balance).<\/p>\n First, we\u2019ll get a complete history from you. Our team will ask about potential exposures, any symptoms that you were seeing prior to the gagging, and other changes at home. It can be helpful to take a video to show the doctor what you saw.<\/p>\n Next, we will perform a complete exam. Often, this will require sedation to get a good look in the mouth and throat. We will look for evidence of inflammation from caustic exposure, foreign material, abscesses or infections, or even masses.<\/p>\n Pending findings, we may recommend bloodwork and radiographs. If signs continue and we are unable to determine a cause, examination with a specialist<\/a> may be needed and even advanced imaging<\/a> (MRI, CT and\/or endoscopy).<\/p>\n Treatment really depends on what we find as a cause. For instance, ingestion of an irritant, such as plant material, may result in mild signs that will resolve with anti-nausea medication. However, more serious causes can require surgery, many days of treatment and supportive care, and even feeding tubes for nutritional support while the body is healing.<\/p>\n If you have any questions or concerns about your cat\u2019s health, contact your family veterinarian or local animal emergency hospital. Animal Emergency & Referral Center of Minnesota<\/a>\u2019s Oakdale and St. Paul emergency facilities are both open 24\/7, every day of the year.<\/p>\n More Reading:<\/em><\/p>\n![\"cat](\"\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/Untitled-design-2022-07-27T150917.066.png\")
<\/p>\nWhen to go to the ER…<\/strong><\/h4>\n
![\"cat](\"\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/Untitled-design-2022-07-27T150757.113.png\")
<\/p>\nWhat will happen at the ER?<\/strong><\/h4>\n
![\"cat](\"\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/Untitled-design-2022-07-27T151504.563.png\")
<\/p>\nHow will we treat it?<\/strong><\/h4>\n
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