Choking cat

I am concerned about something that happened to my cat, Aramis, yesterday.  We are back home in Tx. now and brought with us a new addition, Tommy, who is now 4 mo. old.  We introduced him to our 4 other cats, one by one. Well, Tommy walked up behind Aramis while he was eating and Aramis was startled and hissed.  When he drew his breath back in he sucked a morsel of food down the wrong way and started choking.  I thought i was going to have do do the Heimlich manuever on him.  He finally stopped hacking and coughing but i worry that he might end up with pneumonia or some other pulmonary distress.  Has anyone ever had this happen to their cat?  

[Jade59]

How scary for you, Linda!  I can understand your concern.  How does Aramis seem?  You might give your vet a call with this question since I know inhaling like that could certainly cause a problem. Other than that, the introductions went well?  I'm glad you're home and Tommy got to meet everyone.  A cat coughing is such a scary sound, isn't it.  Jade was coughing way in the backyard a few weeks ago and I could hear her in the house and went running!

[nancyjac]

Unless he starts showing symptoms (hacking, wheezing, etc.), I think he will be fine.  My cats have done this from time to time and have just had food temporarily stuck in their throats.  They either spit it up or finally get it to go down.  

[zodiacqueen]

I agree w/ both girls!!  Don't freak out!!  Call your vet for reassurance and just keep a watchful eye on him over the next couple of days.  That's exactly what I would do!!!  

I think he'll be fine!!  =)

[LindaTX]

Hey thanks, you all.  It really was scary because I think it went farther than his throat.  He sucked it down his windpipe. He sputtered out a little but he really was in distress for a bit.  When I was holding him on my lap 10 min. later I detected a little wheezing so if I hear it any more I will take him in to be checked out.  Poor Baby....little Tommy caught him off-guard.

[Jade59]

Try putting your ear to his chest and listen.  I would think wheezing right at first after the episode would make sense, but a day after would be a bad sign.  

[zodiacqueen]

Linda, I don't like the wheezing.  Keep on putting your ear to his chest and keep listening.  If you here any more, I'd take him in.

[opus88]

I agree with ZQ LInda, if he aspirated anything into his lungs he can develop pneumonia...poor baby...how are they making out now?
BTW Welcome home!!!!!!!

[LindaTX]

Thanks, Opus. This morning he seems ok...no wheezing but I will do that for the next several days.  They are getting along suprising well with Tommy.  Heidi still hisses once in awhile...she doesn't really "like" anybody.  Aramis is being extremely tolerant, thank goodness.  I don't know what I'd do if they all hated each other. Tommy is staying in the front bedroom at night and Aramis usually chooses the garage for the solitude.  The others manage to "rough-it" in our metal bldg.  So all is great and I'm so glad to be back home!  :)

[PrettyKitty1]

I'm glad he is ok hon. Poor kitty must have been so scared when that happened. He is so pretty :-)

[LindaTX]

Hi PK...yes I think it did scare him.  Still no after-effects but I'm still listening to his chest.  He seems fine and is tolerating Tommy very well now....

[zodiacqueen]

Hi, hon!!

This is great news!!  I am very happy that Aramis is okay and that he's starting to accept Tommy!!

[LindaTX]

Thanks, ZQ....yes, he's doing fine.  Tommy tries to get Aramis to play with him but I guess Aramis thinks he's got better things to do, lol.  ;)