I'm really worried about my four-year-old cat, Mittens. She's been having these strange episodes every day where she coughs, sneezes, and even gags, and I'm not sure what's causing it. It's breaking my heart to see her go through this. I've scheduled a vet appointment, but it's not for another week. Does anyone else have experience with this? I've attached a few videos showing what happens—usually, it starts with a sneeze, then turns into hacking like she's trying to cough up a hairball, but nothing comes out. She's still eating and playing, but these episodes are happening more frequently, and I can't figure out what's triggering them. I'm so anxious and could use some advice or reassurance while we wait to see the vet. Thank you so much in advance.
Thanks for reaching out with your concern about your cat's coughing, sneezing, and gagging episodes. It sounds like this has been worrying for you both!
These symptoms in cats can be due to a range of issues, such as respiratory infections, allergies, asthma, or even a foreign object stuck in the throat. Since you have an appointment coming up, you're on the right track to getting this sorted out. In the meantime, here are a few at-home care tips:
1. Make sure your home is dust-free and consider using an air humidifier to help ease any breathing difficulties.
2. Try to identify any new cleaning products or air fresheners that might be irritating your cat, and eliminate them if possible.
3. Ensure your cat has plenty of fresh water available and encourage them to stay hydrated, as this can help ease throat irritation.
Keep an eye on a few key signs that indicate a trip to the vet might need to be sooner rather than later. If you notice your cat having difficulty breathing, displaying a bluish tint to their gums, or they’re showing significant lethargy, please seek immediate veterinary care.
To gain more insights into what's happening, I recommend booking a video consult with Dial A Vet. It’ll allow us to see what you're experiencing firsthand and advise you further.
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