Self-inflicting gagging (Cat)

[marcaurele]

My cat has a weird fetish...  whenever there is an open edge (i.e. boxes)... she leans her neck over it and pushes down until she starts gagging... she self-inflicts it... likes the feel of it or something?   Is this normal?  She does not throw up (I usually stop her as soon as I hear it)...  she rarely if ever gets hair balls (short-haired), so I don't think that is the issue.  It does not occur at certain times (i.e. after eating)... it is very sporadic.    Obviously, I try not to leave anything out that could allow her to do this... but, the minute there is something... within seconds she is self-inflicting the gagging???   Thoughts?

Thank you
Andrea

[Jade59]

Hi marcaurele, I get the magazine, Cat Fancy and just today is an article on gagging so I thought I'd pass it on to you.  The question posted was similar to yours.  I also wonder if your cat eats hard or soft food?  If hard, you might switch to soft (which is infinitely better for your cat anyway) and see if the gagging stops.

It was suggested in the mag that this could be an oral problem such as some sort of inflammatory condition in the throat.  If kitty is 10 or older, she is at risk for cancer since oral and throat cancer are *potential* problems with gagging.  Gagging can sometimes be a sign of a problem in the esophagus, too.  I would suggest your vet examine the inside of your kittys mouth just to be on the safe side.  She would need to be mildly sedated so the vet can examine the throat as well as all the teeth and gums.  An xray of the throat is also suggested.

I don't know how old your kitty is and my post is only a suggestion of what could be wrong if anything IS wrong which I hope not.  I just began reading the question/answer and thought of your post immediately.  

[nancyjac]

I think it is more likely that she looking for a neck scratch.  She is expecting the edge to give enough to rub along the edge of her jaw/neck.  Some cats will do this with door frames, pickets on a wooden fence, etc. and they will press/rub quick vigorously.  Cats also have scent glands in this area and often do this to mark territory or to attract the opposite sex when in heat.

[marcaurele]

No - she leans her neck down onto the edge and pushes down until she starts gagging. You mentioned that you did not think that the gagging was the intended result...what do you think it is?  The way she does it, it really seems like she is looking for the 'gagging' ... but not sure if for a reason. So strange :).   Thank you for your thoughts.

[marcaurele]

Yes - I definitely agree short-haired cats shed, I find many shed worse than long haired cats.  Very rarely have I found throw up due to a hair ball. I am just not sure, that is what it is... because when there is no edge/box available... I don't see her finding alternative ways to get the hair ball up (if that is what it was)... hmmmmm, just don't know.  I could definitely try the hairball treatment, it can't hurt. Thanks for your thoughts.

[nancyjac]

Do you mean she is taking the corner into her mouth, or just rubbing her neck against it?  If the latter, this is quite normal behavior and the gagging is not her intended result.

[opus88]

well thats another new one to me!!..........however Andrea IMO cats won't do something like this if there wasn't a reason.....even short haired cats will get hair balls they shed too...I've seen many a huge hairball from a short haired cat.
Do you occasionally give a remover treatment? this certainly would be worth a try...just in case there is one lodged deep that is really bothering kitty....in any case it wouldn't hurt kitty.
good luck, keep us updated and welcome!! ♥