I'm really hoping for some guidance here. I've got a pretty concerning situation with my sweet cat, Luna. She's about 4 years old and she's always been healthy, but over the past week, she’s started making this hacking sound—kind of like a cough or gag. At first, I thought she might be trying to cough up a hairball, but nothing ever comes out. It happens a few times a day, mostly when she's resting or right after she gets up. Her appetite is normal, and she’s still playing and being her usual cuddly self, but this hacking noise is freaking me out. I read somewhere that it might be asthma, which just sent me into a spiral of worry. Can anyone please share if they’ve experienced something similar with their feline friends? I made an appointment with the vet, but it's not for another week, and I'm just anxious waiting. Any advice or reassurance would be so appreciated. Thank you!
Hello there! It sounds like your kitty is going through something concerning, and I can understand why you’d want to get to the bottom of it.
A cough or gag in cats could be caused by several things. Cat asthma is certainly one possibility, which would involve inflammation of the airways, causing your cat to cough or wheeze. However, it could also be something like a hairball trying to make its way out, an upper respiratory infection, or even an irritant in the environment like dust or smoke. Less commonly, heart issues or parasites could be culprits.
For now, try to observe if there are specific triggers, like certain times of day or activities, and try to minimize any obvious irritants, such as air fresheners or cigarette smoke. Ensure your cat is in a calm environment and has plenty of fresh air.
Keep an eye out for any concerning signs like difficulty breathing, blue-tinged gums, lack of appetite, or persistent coughing, as these warrant urgent veterinary care.
While I hope it’s something minor, it’s always better to be safe. I recommend scheduling a video consult with Dial A Vet so we can get a clearer picture of what your feline companion might be experiencing and discuss the best steps to take next.
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