Cats hiccup just like people
If you’ve ever noticed your cat hiccupping, it’s natural to take out your phone and start filming.
When cats hiccup, it usually happens for similar reasons in people, like eating or drinking too fast. In cats, hairballs are another common cause of hiccups. Cat hiccups typically last only a few minutes, and are more common in kittens than adults. They’re usually harmless and resolve on their own.
Feline hiccups are caused by the same mechanism as human hiccups: involuntary spasms of the diaphragm, the muscle that helps control breathing.1 These spasms cause the vocal cords to snap shut, creating the characteristic "hic" sound. In cats, this often sounds like a chirp or squeak.2
How to help your hiccupping cat
Like in people, it’s hard to get rid of a cat’s hiccups so it’s best to just let them run their course. If you want to help your cat be more comfortable, here are two behaviors to watch out for and how to address them.
- Eating too fast: If your cat gulps down their food, try these to slow them down:
- Feed smaller meals throughout the day
- Use a timed or automatic feeder
- Use a food puzzle or lick mat
- Grooming: If your cat gets hiccups from hairballs, try these tips to help:
- Brush or comb your cat
- Switch to food that reduces hairballs
Feed a hairball-reducing supplement
When to call your vet about hiccups
If your cat occasionally has hiccups, it’s completely normal. However, there are some cases when hiccups could be a sign of underlying illness. For example, cats can also make sounds that are similar to hiccups with conditions like asthma, parasites, or even heart disease.2
Schedule a checkup if you notice these symptoms:
- Symptoms lasting longer than a few minutes
- Frequent, persistent episodes of hiccupping
- A sudden increase in hiccups
- Changes in eating or activity levels
- Hiccups associated with vomiting, drooling, lethargy or seizures
It’s important to always have your cat checked by a veterinarian if you notice unusual symptoms, or just have questions about their health overall.
When hiccups could mean something more
It’s important to know that hiccups alone are not a sign of health issues. In rare cases, hiccups could be a sign of feline heart conditions, like hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). More common symptoms of HCM include difficulty breathing, lethargy or changes in their behavior.3 Some cats with HCM may not have any symptoms at all.
Because HCM is so unpredictable, it’s important to schedule annual checkups for your cat. This will give your veterinarian the opportunity to monitor your cat’s health over time, and catch any potential issues early.
Bottom line: cat hiccups are normal
Now that you know cat hiccups aren’t unusual, don’t stress about getting your phone out for a cute video the next time your cat has them. Remember, you know your cat best so if something feels off, don’t hesitate to contact your veterinarian any time you notice a change in your cat’s behavior or health. They’re here to help your cat live a long, healthy life (hiccups and all).
Frequently Asked Questions
References
1 “Cat Hiccups: Our Vet Explains Causes and What to Do.” Catster.com. 19 June 2025.
2 "Can Cats Get Hiccups? Here’s What You Need to Know.” Cats.com. 6 August 2025.
3 “Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy.” Cornell Feline Health Center. May 2025.
