April 24, 2025, 12:37 pm | Read time: 6 minutes

Occasionally, people experience more or less loud hiccups, and some animal species, such as dogs, can also be affected by hiccups. But have you ever heard or, rather, seen your cat hiccup? PETBOOK provides an overview of this phenomenon and explains whether hiccups in cats can also be dangerous.

Can Cats Get Hiccups?

First off: Yes, cats can indeed get hiccups. Cat hiccups are quite similar to those in humans. However, not every cat owner immediately recognizes hiccups—especially since cats don’t necessarily make the typical “hic” sound that humans do. Perhaps that’s why the rumor persists that cats don’t get hiccups at all.

How Do Hiccups Manifest in Cats?

The phenomenon occurs in humans when the muscles in the diaphragm—the main muscle for breathing—contract uncontrollably. This leads to a sudden intake of air, followed by a closure of the larynx, producing the classic “hic” sound.

In cats, hiccups can manifest as short, jerky movements of the abdomen or chest, sometimes accompanied by a slight twitch of the head. Some cats make a soft, barely audible sound—others remain completely silent. It can easily be mistaken for gagging, coughing, or sneezing. Therefore, it’s important to closely observe the cat’s behavior.

Possible Causes of Hiccups in Cats

The causes of hiccups can be varied. Here we explain some of the most common reasons. Cats that gobble their food often swallow air while eating. This can lead to hiccups. Similar to humans, excitement or stress can also cause cats to breathe faster, which can trigger hiccups.

If a cat is suddenly exposed to cold air, it can lead to muscle contractions that trigger hiccups. Swallowing a foreign object, such as a blade of cat grass, can also irritate the sensitive muscles in the diaphragm and cause hiccups.

An irritated stomach, whether due to excessive gas formation or a reaction to certain foods, can trigger hiccups in cats. This also includes a sudden change in the cat’s eating habits. A change in diet can irritate their stomach and lead to hiccups. ¹

Hiccups Are More Common in Young Cats

Hiccups are not uncommon, especially in young cats. Their nervous system and respiratory muscles are still developing, which can lead to occasional, uncontrolled diaphragm movements.

Their curiosity—eating, playing, romping—also means they often swallow too hastily or inhale too much air. In most cases, this resolves itself as they age.

However, the myth persists that many owners believe that cats are growing when they hiccup and the contractions come from that. And this even happens when the animals are sleeping. There is no clear evidence for this connection, though. It’s likely more of a side effect and not directly related to growth itself.

How Long Can Hiccups Last?

Scientifically, the topic of cat hiccups has been scarcely researched—unlike in dogs or humans. In veterinary medicine, it is usually only considered a symptom in connection with other diseases. Accordingly, there is little reliable data on frequency, duration, or typical triggers.

Most information is based on veterinary experience and reports from owners. Not everything we observe has been thoroughly researched—making it all the more important to closely observe the animal. On the other hand, occasional hiccups that last only a few minutes and do not occur regularly are generally harmless.

However, if the hiccups last longer than a few hours or recur over several days, veterinary advice should be sought. Also, if the hiccups visibly bother the cat or cause pain, a check-up is advisable.

What Helps When the Cat Hiccups

If the cat has hiccups from eating too quickly, its food intake can be slowed by offering smaller portions. Special anti-gulp bowls or puzzle feeders can also reduce eating speed, preventing not only hiccups but also weight gain.

Various stress factors in the cat’s environment can also promote hiccups. Excitement and stress should be minimized around their sleeping area and food bowl. Both should not be placed in busy areas like hallways or next to the dining table.

Does Scaring Help with Cats?

For humans, there are many more or less effective methods to get rid of hiccups as quickly as possible. For example, drinking a large gulp of water while tilting the chin toward the chest or swallowing upside down.

Scaring is also still often used as a “home remedy” against hiccups. However, this should never be done with cats! The fright can lead to even more stress for the animal and even worsen the hiccups. Massaging the affected areas can also do more harm than good if there is a foreign object in the cat’s stomach or throat.

When Should You See a Vet?

If the hiccups persist and are accompanied by other unusual symptoms or worsen, a veterinarian should be consulted. This is especially important if the cat’s hiccups could be caused by a foreign object.

Some additional warning signs that require immediate veterinary attention:

• The cat shows signs of breathing difficulty or pants.
• There is simultaneous vomiting or diarrhea.
• The cat suddenly stops eating or drinks noticeably little.
• A wheezing sound is heard when breathing.
• The hiccups are accompanied by excessive drooling.²

Even though hiccups in cats are mostly harmless, they should be checked by a vet if they occur frequently or last a long time. Besides foreign objects in the throat, diseases such as parasites, tumors, heart disease, allergies, or asthma could be behind the hiccups. If in doubt, it’s better to visit the vet once more to rule out pathological causes.

Can Hiccups in Cats Be Prevented?

Completely preventing hiccups is, of course, not possible—especially in young, playful cats, it’s often part of their development. However, a few measures can reduce the risk:

• Choose high-quality, easily digestible food.
• Provide regular, small meals instead of one large portion a day.
• Ensure the cat doesn’t become too frantic or greedy during play, such as when chasing treats.
• Create a low-stress, safe environment—especially for sensitive animals.

More on the topic

Not Always Harmless Is Your Cat Suddenly Drooling? These Are the Possible Reasons

Also called trichobezoar Why Some Cats Do Not Produce Hairballs

Inflammation of the gastric mucosa Causes and treatment for dogs vomiting on an empty stomach

Is There a Connection Between Hiccups and Hairballs?

On this question, too, one must say: Yes, it’s possible, but not fundamentally researched. Cats often swallow a large amount of loose hair while grooming, which can form into so-called bezoars or hairballs in the stomach. If these then irritate the stomach or move in the esophagus, it can rarely lead to hiccups.

However, this usually manifests more as a gag reflex or cough—the line is blurred here and not always clear to laypeople. If the behavior becomes frequent, regular brushing and possibly anti-hairball food should be considered.