can cats have hiccups

Cats can indeed have hiccups, similar to humans. Hiccups in cats are caused by involuntary spasms of the diaphragm muscle, which lead to a sudden intake of air that is abruptly halted by the vocal cords closing, creating the hiccup sound. They are more common in kittens but can occur at any age. Typical causes include eating too quickly or overeating, swallowing air, hairballs irritating the throat, and sometimes stress or excitement. In most cases, cat hiccups are harmless and pass quickly on their own. However, if hiccups are frequent, prolonged, or accompanied by other symptoms like coughing, lethargy, or changes in appetite or breathing, it could indicate a more serious health issue requiring veterinary attention.