Why Do Cats Gag at Combs?

Concerned about why your cat gags at combs?

Wondering if it's a health or behavioral issue?

Well, hold onto your furballs because we're about to dive into the intriguing world of feline behavior. 🐱

Let's uncover the truth together, shall we?

Why Do Combs Make Cats Gag?

Do you ever notice that combs and cats just don't mix?

Ever wonder why that is?

Well, the answer lies in their natural hunting instincts.

You see, cats are fierce predators - it's what they're born to do!

Think about it for a second...

When a high-frequency sound, like the squeaking and calling of future prey, reaches their ears, it triggers something in them. It actually makes them gag!

It's as if they're simulating the capture of their next meal.

On top of that, combs produce an irritating high-frequency noise that instinctively makes cats want to get rid of it.

They're basically saying, "Hey, get out of my throat!"

But here's another thing to consider...

Imagine running your fingertips along the teeth of a comb.

It creates this scratchy sound that's similar to the gnashing of a tiny mouse's teeth.

Doesn't that give you chills?

Believe it or not, cats gag at that sound too!

So, what can you do about it?

Here's a simple tip to make everyone happy:

When grooming your cat, try not to rock the comb against each tooth with your nails.

Trust me on this one - your feline friend will really appreciate it if you keep those scratching noises to a minimum.

But let's remember one important fact - cats have incredibly sensitive ears.

So, let's show them some kindness and spare them unnecessary discomfort. 😺

Now, let's delve deeper into the factors that contribute to a cat's reaction to combs and why it can vary...

Are Certain Cats More Likely to React to Combs Than Others?

Age and Health Status can impact a cat's reaction to combs

You know, when it comes to cats and combs, age and health play a big role in how they react. As cats get older, their hearing changes and they become more sensitive.

This means that older cats may not like combs as much as they used to.

And just like humans, cats can develop different sensitivities as they age.

But that's not all...

Cats with underlying diseases, especially older ones, might have a harder time with combs.

They can experience Fear and Anxiety Related Events (FARS) more often.

So, if your cat is getting up there in age or has health issues, you should be extra careful when using combs on them.

You might even want to try different grooming methods instead.

Individual preferences and the mix of instincts influence a cat's reaction to combs

Here's something fascinating about cats:

They have this interesting combination of being domesticated and having wild instincts.

And because of that, every cat is unique!

What works for one cat may not work for another.

That fluffy Birman sitting next to you might have a completely different response to combs compared to your neighbor's Siamese.

It's just how cats are.

So what does this mean for you?

Well, it means that when you introduce combs to your cat, you should keep in mind that each cat is an individual.

Pay close attention to how they react, adjust your approach accordingly, and don't get discouraged if it takes some trial and error to find the perfect grooming routine for your furry friend.

Exposure and training also play a role in a cat's reaction to combs

Let me tell you something interesting - cats, just like us, learn and adapt based on their experiences.

This includes their encounters with combs!

If you've had your cat since they were a kitten and you've been consistently exposing them to combs and grooming routines, they are more likely to have a positive reaction.

On the other hand, if your cat has had negative experiences or hasn't been exposed to combs much, they might not be as enthusiastic.

Cats thrive on habits and routines. So, take it slow when introducing combs, use positive reinforcement, and make the grooming process enjoyable for both of us.

I highly recommend checking out my article Why Do Cats Lick Themselves After You Pet Them to understand why cats have the peculiar grooming behavior after being petted.

In this blog post, I delve into the possible reasons behind this behavior, addressing the curiosity and concerns that often arise.

Discover the fascinating insights that can help shed light on your feline friend's mysterious habits with my in-depth guide.

Is It Dangerous for My Cat to Gag at a Comb?

Have you noticed your cat gagging at a comb and wondered, Is it dangerous?

Well, let's get straight to the point.

Consistent gagging can irritate your kitty's throat and make them vomit.

And we definitely don't want that, do we?

Gagging at combs is no fun for cats. Poor things!

To give them some relief, try offering plain and easy-to-digest food like cooked chicken or white fish.

It might help soothe their irritated throat.

Keep it simple!

Now, listen up.

I've got something key to tell you:

Intentionally subjecting cats to high-pitched sounds or using combs to stimulate their gag reflex can be dangerous.

So, please avoid doing that!

Sometimes, excessive gagging in cats can be caused by medical conditions.

One of these conditions is called Feline Audiogenic Reflex Seizures (FARS).

And guess what? Older cats and certain breeds are more prone to these seizures.

Oh dear!

Remember this:

Cats are our companions, and we should always prioritize their well-being.

Here's an important tip to remember:

It's not recommended to rub fingers against the teeth of combs, especially with older cats.

Bent combs can cause harm, my friend!

If your cat frequently gags, it's best to seek advice from a vet or schedule a checkup.

Better safe than sorry, right?

But wait.

Let me emphasize something crucial here:

Combs aren't the only reason for gagging.

Medical conditions can play a role too.

So, look out for other signs or symptoms.

Lastly, don't keep trying the comb trick as it can trigger the gag reflex and make your poor feline throw up.

You wouldn't want to clean up that mess, would you?

Take care of your furball, my friend!

And it gets even more fascinating...

Have you ever wondered how cats' sensitive hearing allows them to detect prey and predators?

In the next section, we will explore the incredible evolution of cats' auditory sense and delve into their remarkable abilities that go beyond what humans and dogs can perceive.

Get ready to be amazed!

The Impact of High-Pitched Sounds on Cats and How to Minimize Them

Cats have incredible hearing.

Better than humans or dogs.

That's how they find prey and avoid danger. But here's the thing - cats hate high-pitched sounds.

And you know what really gets them?

Combs.

Some cats gag or cough at the sound of someone combing their hair. It might seem weird, but usually nothing to worry about.

High-pitched sounds are part of a cat's survival skills. They keep them alert and on guard.

But sometimes, it can be too much and cause stress and health problems.

Especially for cats that are deaf, partially deaf, or getting older.

If your kitty has hearing issues, you need to be careful with loud noises.

Now let's talk about indoor cats. They spend most of their time in the same place, so you should create a comfortable environment.

One way to do this is by minimizing loud sounds that bother them.

Those sounds can really agitate cats.

Vacuum cleaners, hair dryers, and loud music are common offenders.

Instead, try adding calming sounds to your cat's surroundings. Think squeaky toys, crinkly materials, bells, and rattles.

You can even play music designed specifically for cats.

Nature sounds like rain, streams, birds chirping, or wind rustling are also soothing.

By creating a quieter atmosphere, you'll make your cat happier and more relaxed. Remember, cats rely on their hearing, so being aware of the sounds around them improves their quality of life.

What Other Sounds Can Make a Cat Gag?

Discovering what sounds can make a cat gag is crucial.

These can be things like squeaky toys, vacuum cleaners, crinkling aluminum foil, rattling keys, heavy metal music, sharp and loud noises like thunder or fire alarms, hissing sounds, and certain electronic noises. Recognizing these auditory triggers helps you establish a more peaceful environment for your feline companion to thrive.

The Potential for a Comb to Induce a Seizure in a Cat

Combs don't usually make cats have seizures, but it's not impossible.

Especially older Birman cats may develop seizures when they hear comb sounds, although this is rare.

But listen, if your cat does have a seizure from a high-pitched sound, you need to take it seriously, my friend.

Take them straight to the vet!

The seizures usually last about a minute or two, so keep an eye on the clock. You have to let your vet know how long the seizure lasted and what your cat was doing before, during, and after the episode.

Now, there are medications available to treat this condition. Phenobarbital and levetiracetam can help control these seizures.

And guess what?

Levetiracetam is even better than phenobarbital because it has fewer side effects.

It's a win-win situation!

Not all cats will gag when they hear high-pitched sounds, but it often happens.

Just something to bear in mind, okay?

Here's a quick tip:

If your cat has a big seizure, get in touch with your local vet as soon as possible. Finding out the cause is crucial, my friend.

Oh, and here's something key to know—regular seizures can lead to serious health issues later on. More than half of cats who have seizures for over two years start showing signs of decline, like loss of appetite and weakening limbs. That's pretty concerning, right?

So if your adorable little kitty has a seizure, stay calm and keep track of how long it lasts.

This information will help the vet figure out what's going on.

And that wraps up today's article.

If you wish to read more of my useful articles, I recommend you check out some of these: Why Does My Cat Follow Me Then Run Away, Why Do Cats Close Their Eyes, Why Does My Cat Slap Me With His Tail, Why Do Cats Yowl at Each Other, and Cat Humping While Kneading

Talk soon,

-Sarah Davis