Daily Kitten Chat Forum » Purrs

1. 

   Hello-
   We just adopted an 8wk old kitten from a shelter. She is a beautiful Maine Coon named Sadie and she is a PURRING MACHINE!!! As soon as you start petting her the purr turns on! Problem is--- she will purr for about 20 seconds and then immediately dry heave and appears as if she is going to throw up. I have only seen her actually throw up 1 time since we've had her (5 days now). She eats, drinks, uses her litter box, no problem... just this purring thing.... It looks painful so I feel awful every time it happens, which is anytime anyone goes near her. I brought her to the vet and he said it could just be her getting used to herself purring, since she is so young, she doesn't really know what it is. I don't know if I can just accept this answer though because I hate to see her do it.

   Has anyone ever heard of this? If so, can you please give me some advice!!!

   Posted 1 year ago by Manda #

2. 

   Hi, Manda. Sadie sounds absolutely lovely! We have a TDKer who loves Maine Coones and has one called Max -- her log-on name is Lady Valkyrie -- and we have lots of other knowledgeable members so you have come to the right place. I think they will be logging on in several hours as it is their night-time now so you might need to be a bit patient...

   I'm afraid I cannot help. I have never had a cat who did this. However, if the vet's not worried, I honestly wouldn't worry too much either. At least you know she's happy, apart from the dry heaving.

   We would love to see pix, by the way, as we love to see and hear about other people's kittens and kitties. Good luck with little Sadie!

   Posted 1 year ago by jcat #

3. 

   Manda! I have a Coonie! He is about oh 6 months come the 12th! He does the dry heave cough choke thing occassionally too! SOmetimes he vomits. Most time it is a dry heave then I ususllay pet him and calm him and he stops. He does it about oh once or twice a month! My vet said it is the hair from the cleaning of his coat and sicne there is nothing in the vomit to be concerned about to jsut watch and make sure he recovers! He did it more often as a younger baby but as he's gotten older it is less frequent. He does not do this when petted luckily since he gets lovings quite often!

   My baby has a stage 2 heart murmur and he is anemic with an iron definceny!
   I suggest watching if you can record it on camera with sound and email to the vet! Sometimes seeing and hearing help better then you just saying blank happens.

   I hope your baby out grows this quickly as she gets older! When My Maxie Max does it my heart still restricts and I jump up and talk sootheningly and pet him low back!

   Posted 1 year ago by Momma to 2 MaineCoons #

4. 

   Ange! You have saved the day!

   Posted 1 year ago by jcat #

5. 

   Just thought does she get enough fluids? If she isn't doing the bowl thing invest in a fountain waterer. I am planning on that for my baby around christmas. Right now I change his water 2 times a day and add ice cubes mid day to encourage his desire to drink! If not the dry heave maybe the lack of enough fluids keeping the throat moist!

   Hey Jcat! It is about 9:22 pm here and I have until 10 then mandatory beddy by for me hahahah!

   Posted 1 year ago by Momma to 2 MaineCoons #

6. 

   Sounds like you had a great day with the kinder today, Ange. And work the rest of the week, woo hoo. Here's hoping they realise they can't do without you very soon!

   Posted 1 year ago by jcat #

7. 

   Oh also if she actually vomits look at it! I know gross! Check for bits of things you would not expect to see! If it is creamyish and looks like dry kibble then she may have eaten too quickly and or to much causing her to get rid of it! If it is clear but foamy take to vet! If she is a pure bred or half she could be predisposed to Maine coon's health problems.

   Occassionally when Max has done it he has and when vomited I'd find pieces of tiny wood chips he was eating off the fire place woodbox. Or he'd find something we tracked in on the floor! As kittens just like kids everything goes into the mouth!

   Posted 1 year ago by Momma to 2 MaineCoons #

8. 

   Thanks JCat it was a very good day! I work everyday this week and 3 out of 5 next week so far. Though next friday I can't work because I have to take Max-the boogie butt to the specialist to check his cbc and recheck his anemia and iron levels as well as if he is producing on his own baby red blood cells!

   Posted 1 year ago by Momma to 2 MaineCoons #

9. 

   Okay, too much information, I have to go cook dinner here!

   Posted 1 year ago by jcat #

10. 

    Heeheheh enjoy JCat!

    Just trying to cover all options for her! Oh and If you don't like what the vet said take her to another one and get a second opinion!

    Posted 1 year ago by Momma to 2 MaineCoons #

11. 

    Yay, Ange, that should help with the vet bills for your boy. Remind us to think of him next Friday and concentrate our energies on Max producing lots and lots of beautiful little baby red blood cells for the vet...

    Posted 1 year ago by jcat #

12. 

    Thank you all so far--- I checked her vomit the one time she puked and it was a very small amount and was probably 1 piece of food and then rest was like creamy chewed food. I wouldn't be as concerned with that if she didn't dry heave EVERY TIME we pet her.....

    Posted 1 year ago by Manda #

13. 

    Ok, I really do have to go cook dinner -- and it's started hailing outside -- where is spring???

    Posted 1 year ago by jcat #

14. 

    night JCat enjoy dinner!

    She is purty she is! SO she looks like a short hair? Hmmm so cleaning shouldn't be causing the problem.

    So not the food okay!

    I'd definietly ask for a second opinion. Call another vet's and ask if you could llive a note for a vet concerning a question and a second opion request! It means more money if you tak eher to another vet but better to be safe then sorry! Catch it early if it is something serious!

    Oh and JCAt I will remind everyone!

    Posted 1 year ago by Momma to 2 MaineCoons #

15. 

    Okay I am off to bed! Keep us informed Manda! Good luck with your baby!

    Posted 1 year ago by Momma to 2 MaineCoons #

16. 

    Manda, if I were you, I'd think about seeking a second opinion. Your vet might be right, but could also be wrong. There could be some sort of foreign body or small abnormal growth that doesn't bother her until she goes into full-on purr mode; but when purring, creates some sort of tickling sensation in the throat.

    To find out for sure, she might need an x-ray, or an endoscopic exam (when the vet would sedate her and maneuver a tiny camera to look down her throat).

    Posted 1 year ago by anncetera2 #

17. 

    I second the second opinion, just in case. My late Maine Coon, Jiggs, would swallow/gag a bit when he purred, but not all the time. I noticed that he would get a drink of water after it happened. I had him for 16 wonderful years; he had a heart murmur too, so though it may not be an issue, the second opinion would ease your mind and, more importantly, get some answers for you! Good luck. I miss my gentle giant very much; give Sadie a big hug for me!

    Posted 1 year ago by JoanfromNewJersey #

18. 

    Even though your vet said there was nothing to worry about, I also endorse the idea of a second opinion. You may be able to get it via the phone or the internet, but you'll probably have to take your baby in.

    It may be absolutely nothing, like the first vet said, but it certainly is odd and worth checking out.

    Posted 1 year ago by CheetahBoysmommy #

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