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Original poster

Should I be worried about my cat?

30 replies

confusedofengland · 14/05/2019 21:01

My 3-year old Bengal keeps dry-heaving. So, he acts like he is going to be sick, but nothing comes out. He's been doing it a bit yesterday & today. He's fine in himself, usual eating & sleeping plenty & playing a bit. I don't know whether or not to be worried or if I can do anything about it!

Any advice gratefully received, thank you.

OP posts:
FlyingCat · 14/05/2019 21:05

How long has he been doing it? Sounds like he’s trying to bring up a hairball. If so He’ll get it out eventually. If he’s having trouble he may try and eat grass or some dinner to help it out.

But of course if you’re worried or it goes on for ages maybe take to the vets... after all we are just strangers on the internet.

Original poster
confusedofengland · 14/05/2019 21:08

He was doing it a bit yesterday, then I've only been here for a few hours in the middle of the day today but he wasn't doing it then. Then again a little bit just now. So it's very off & on, not constant.

I will take him to the vet if he's still doing it tomorrow I think.

OP posts:
Original poster
confusedofengland · 14/05/2019 21:28

This is the soppy thing 😻

Should I be worried about my cat?
OP posts:

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Cats
PawPawNoodle · 14/05/2019 21:42

Nothing to worry about I dont think, ours does it all the time. I dont think she's ever actually brought a hair ball up.

EnidButton · 14/05/2019 22:25

I'd take her to the vet tbh. Our dog did that and he had an obstruction. Probably just a hair ball in your cat's case but if it's unusual enough for you to notice then I think a trip to the vet tomorrow is a good idea.

Disclaimer; I know nothing about cat behaviour.

Mia184 · 15/05/2019 10:41

Hairballs can become dangerous if they become too large or there are too many.

My cat is an indoors cat and rarely throws up hairballs so I occasionally check her poop for any hair (digusting, I know Smile ) to make sure she gets rid of them. My vet has recommended malt paste or butter (half a teaspoon twice per week) to ensure my cat gets rid of any digested hair.

Mia184 · 15/05/2019 10:42

P.S. Gorgeous cat!

Davros · 15/05/2019 10:54

My Bengal is always doing it, she seems fine. I sometimes grow her some cat grass which I buy from Pets At Home. She loves it

Should I be worried about my cat?
TanselleTooTall · 15/05/2019 12:51

May I ask something, please? It's because of the photos.

They look like tabby cats..? Don't get me wrong they are very gorgeous tabby cats - my cat is a very pretty grey tabby, but Bengal cats look like real mini leopards with very distinctive and distinguished spot markings and their build is very slim and slender.
I'm just curious, I suppose.

Minkies11 · 15/05/2019 12:56

Hi - Bengals here too - when one of mine did that it turned out he had a massive blade of grass stuck down his throat that was starting to get infected. He still ate and ran around so probably best just to get him in to the Vet to eliminate that possibility if nothing else.

FunnyHappyGirl · 15/05/2019 13:18

My cat gets terrible furballs that cause this. Encourage your cat to eat some grass to try and clear it (I always know I've got a pile of sick coming when I see mine out in the garden chewing grass. He never throws up outside - comes back in to do it!).

Failing that, take him to the vet, just in case there is something else lodged in his throat.

FiremanKing · 15/05/2019 13:35

Help prevent hairballs by combing them regularly even if they are short hair. When they lick themselves ‘dead’ hair is swallowed so by grooming them you are removing the loose hair. It’s bettwe for your carpets and soft furnishings too!

Damntheman · 15/05/2019 13:47

I'd also assume hairballs and recommend you grow some cat grass inside if he's an indoor cat. It's worth getting him checked out if it's been going on a while just to rule out an obstruction :)

PeachMoon · 15/05/2019 13:48

I would try to get it on video to show the vet just in case it's something other than hairball - our cat has asthma, we thought it was hairballs but she was getting really down low on the floor and looks like shes heaving and wheezing. The video helped and then they did a chest x-ray to confirm.

PeachMoon · 15/05/2019 13:51
not my cat, but this is exactly how she is when her asthma is not under control.
GoldenGumballs · 15/05/2019 14:11

Could be furball coughing, could be upper respiratory obstruction, could be gastro-ent could be anything. Only vet can tell you not us.

FloofyDoof · 15/05/2019 14:15

I give my cat malt paste, because he likes to chuck up hairballs on his my bed otherwise. It's like cat crack, gets very excited when the tube comes out, and we have had no more hairballs since he started having it.

steppemum · 15/05/2019 14:33

TanselleTooTall
Bengals can come in different colour ways, striped (like a tabby) is one

Original poster
confusedofengland · 15/05/2019 16:46

Loving the Bengal love! My boy has leopard markings on his back & a spotty belly, but gorgeous big stripy paws. He is the most vocal & affectionate cat I've ever met!

He hasn't been doing it today, so I think he's ok now. Still keeping a close eye though. Thanks for all advice.

OP posts:
Horsemad · 15/05/2019 16:53

Where do you buy the malt paste please Floofy?

I have a Barfing Birman who regularly brings up hairballs, despite being on special diet & being brushed daily...

DontCallMeShitley · 15/05/2019 17:00

If you fed dry food it won't help, makes it harder to bring furballs up.

Horsemad - you can get malt paste from the vet, usually Katalax BUT it cost about 4 times more than buying from elsewhere, including Ebay.

I buy Beaphars as it is a lighter colour and seems to be more palatable than others, Johnsons is another one you could try. It is basically flavoured petroleum jelly. Also used for ferrets and can cost less if you buy for ferrets than for cats.

Davros · 15/05/2019 21:07

tanselle you are right, Bengals should generally be stripy,spotty and slim. I think ours is not a pure Bengal and suspect a rogue father. I always describe her as "a breed, not a pedigree" although I'm not sure how accurate that is! Some Bengals have amazing markings. What she lacks in looks, she more than makes up for in personality

Horsemad · 16/05/2019 23:39

Thanks @DontCallMeShitley, I'll try and get some.

Original poster
confusedofengland · 17/05/2019 20:31

All seems ok now, thankfully. I've invested in some hairball treats (containing malt paste) & he's happily scoffing a few of those each day, I figure it can't do any harm.

He's been sheltering in funny places our if the cold today!

Should I be worried about my cat?
OP posts:
Davros · 18/05/2019 00:37

Be careful. My aunt turned on the washing machine once with the cat inside, unknown to her obviously. Pleased he's feeling better, he looks very chipper

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