Cats and kittens can also get hiccups like humans do. The sound may be different but the reason why they get them is scientifically the same. Cats like humans have diaphragm muscle too that can suddenly contract and involuntarily react to irritation, resulting to hiccups.

While it is a normal behaviour among cats, a cat owner should also be cautious because not all noises or hiccup-like sounds that your feline pet creates are actually hiccups. Some may be a cause of more serious health problems of your cat.

Here are some important facts you need to know why your cat gets hiccups.

1. It is normal for cats to get hiccups.

2. Cats get hiccups commonly just after eating.

3. Ocassionally, it can happen if your cat didn’t chew her food thoroughly or gulped it too fast.

4. Hiccups can sometimes be a sign that your cat is sick.

5. If the coughing or hiccups persists for a long period of time and she looks distressed, better take your cat to the veterinarian.

6. Hiccups among cats can be attributed to a anatomical problem at the back of your cat’s throat. This can be cured by your vet.

7. Kittens can get hiccups more often than cats.

8. Cats can get hiccups because they are allergic to dusts or grass.

9. It can also be a sign that your cat has something stuck in her throat. Hairball is the common thing that a cat swallows that results to that.

10. The nerves extending from the neck to the chest of your cat may also be irritated that’s why she gets hiccups.

So how can you prevent your cat from getting hiccups? To control or minimize it, next time try to elevate her food dish or cat bowl. Since your cat exerts more effort to get her food, it will make your cat eat it slowly.

Pet Article courtesy of http://pet-articles.blogspot.com.

Image: http://icanhascheezburger.com