Do Cats Burp? Do Cats Fart? Do Cats Hiccup?

It might seem like a small thing, but it's a topic of much debate among cat owners: do cats burp? The truth isn't dramatic but is straightforward. Cats burp, but they don't do it that often. If it's so simple to answer, why is there so much debate around cats burping? We took a deep dive into this interesting debate and highlighted all our findings for you here.

The Argument for Cats Burping

Despite arguments to the contrary, sometimes from misinformed vets, cats do burp. If you've owned a cat, you might've heard a cat burp shortly after they eat. Like humans, it happens when they ingest too much air when they eat and need to get it out of their system. This is incredibly important with kittens because they need to burp after bottle feedings.

Once your cat grows into adulthood, the chance of them needing to burp is rare, and it might be a sign of an underlying condition, but they can still burp.

Why It's Rumored That Cats Don't Burp

The confusion seems to stem from the fact that it's so rare for a cat to burp. Also, if your adult cat burps often, it's usually a sign of a deeper problem. These problems are often digestive, and treating them may require a specialized diet or simply a switch in food.

Instead of explaining the difference to various cat owners, it might be easier for a vet to tell an owner that cats don't burp to ensure that they take the proper precautions and get the appropriate checks. While we don't advocate it, it can eliminate the concern that owners won't take cat burping seriously.

If your adult cat is burping regularly, you should get them checked out to see what's going on.

Do Cats Burp or Fart?

Yes, cats can burp and fart. While burping might be rare, farting is no rarer in cats than with any other mammal. It can smell bad and be annoying, but more often than not, it's just a fact of life.

If your cat is farting frequently, try changing their diet. It might help with some cats, though for others, it might not.

Can Cats Have Hiccups?

Absolutely! Cats can have hiccups for almost all the same reasons humans can, and it's usually no more alarming. However, many owners confuse cat hiccups for burping. A common cause of hiccups in cats is eating too fast and not chewing properly, which can result in diaphragm spasming.

The spasms lead to hiccups, and since it's right after eating, it can create the same unpleasant smell as burps. It can be hard to tell the difference, but if your cat is doing it repeatedly after eating and it's not a one-off occurrence, there's a good chance that they are just harmless hiccups.

Why Is My Cat Gagging?

One common noise from your cat's mouth is gagging. While there are various causes of gagging, most of the time, it comes from hairballs. Gagging is common in cats and is completely normal, but that doesn't mean it should happen all the time.

Expect your cat to have about one or two hairballs a month. If they're gagging and coughing up significantly more hairballs than that, it can be a sign of a deeper problem. Although a hairball might be the most common cause of gagging in cats, it's not the only one.

Other problems can include blockages in the throat, intestinal blockages, or food allergies. If you suspect any of these problems, you should take your cat to the vet as soon as possible to get them checked out.

Should I Worry If My Cat Is Sneezing?

It all comes down to how often your cat is sneezing. There are reasons your cat sneezes, and the occasional sneeze to clear their airway is nothing to worry about.

However, if your cat sneezes frequently, you should take them to the vet. Your cat might be suffering from allergies, have something in their environment that they're allergic to, or they might be coming down with a kitty cold.

The correct course of action depends on what's causing the problem. You might need to get your cat on medication if it's allergies. If they're allergic to something, you need to remove the trigger. If it's a kitty cold, they need a little time to get better. After a thorough examination, your veterinarian can provide an appropriate treatment.

Final Thoughts

Just because your cat is a mammal, that doesn't mean they share everything in common with you. Yes, your cat will burp, fart, hiccup, gag, and make just about every other vocalization that you can make. The occasional burp from your cat isn't a problem, but if it starts to happen frequently, it's time for a checkup.

• See also: Common Munchkin Cat Health Problems

Featured Image Credit: FellowNeko, Shutterstock