8/5/2023 0 Comments My kitten sounds stuffy![]() ![]() While the odd hairball is normal, a cat throwing up hairballs daily is not! Healthy cats should only cough up hairballs once or twice each month. Some are larger than others and will take longer to cough up. ![]() However, don’t be alarmed if it takes a little while for the hairball to appear. These choking noises will also stop immediately after your cat has coughed up its hairball. You’ll know if this is why your cat is choking because a hairball will appear shortly afterward. In fact, this is one of the main differences between cat regurgitation vs vomiting – it will often be loud and your cat uses its stomach muscles to push the hairball up and out its mouth. This is because hairballs are a type of vomiting, which is an active process. When cats throw up hairballs, they often make a coughing choking sound. They’re also more common in long-haired cat breeds as they have more fur than short-haired cats. This usually happens more during hotter periods of the year when cats shed more fur. However, some hairballs will get large and the only way out is back through the mouth. Most hair that your cat ingests will be passed through their stools. This hair is ingested and will form small clumps inside your cat’s digestive system that need to be eliminated. These specialized tongues are great at picking up dirt, but they also collect loose hair from your cat’s coat. This is because cats love self-grooming and lick themselves all over with their sandpaper-like tongues. Your Cat is Coughing Up a HairballĪll cats get hairballs occasionally. ![]() Either your cat has a hairball that it is about to throw up, or your cat has ingested a foreign object that is now obstructing its windpipe. If your cat keeps making choking noises – be that hacking, gagging, retching, or coughing – it usually means one of two things. Is she just coughing up a hairball? If she choking on a foreign object? Is there another underlying condition that’s causing a gurgling sound in your cat’s throat? Let’s find out! Why Is My Cat Making a Coughing Choking Sound? ![]() In this article, I look at all the reasons why your cat is making a coughing choking sound. If left unattended, the problem will only worsen! However, it still indicates something is wrong that needs fixing. This is less alarming and doesn’t need immediate medical attention. On the other hand, some cats keep making choking noises even though nothing is blocking their throat. Keep reading for my step-by-step guide on how to help your choking kitty. Or, in the case of an emergency, you might have to do this yourself. No matter what is causing the blockage, choking can be pretty serious! In many cases, you’ll need to get the blockage removed by your vet. Similarly, a large hairball that is struggling to make its way out of your cat’s digestive tract can make your cat cough and gag. Cats are curious creatures and can ingest foreign objects which make them choke. Surgery may be required for the removal of polyps, tumors, or foreign bodies.When you hear your cat making a choking coughing sound, it can be pretty alarming.Antibiotics, nasal decongestants, antihistamines, appetite stimulants and/or subcutaneous or intravenous fluids may be needed.Treatment of Sneezing and Nasal Discharge in Cats Blockage of the nasal passage (e.g., polyps and foreign objects like grass awns).Inhaled irritants and allergens (e.g., smoke, dust, cleaning agents).Upper Respiratory Infection (most often caused by herpesvirus or calicivirus).Feed a strong smelling canned food (e.g., tuna, salmon), and warm it slightly.Ĭommon Causes of Sneezing and Nasal Discharge in Cats Your cat may not be able to smell his/her food as well as before.Gently wipe nasal discharge from your cat's nostrils with a soft damp towel.The use of a humidifier, a vaporizer, or the steam from a hot shower may help your cat breathe more easily.This will protect your cat's nasal and throat passages from further aggravation. Keep the living area clean and free of dust particles and foreign matter that can be inhaled.Sneezing and nasal discharge accompanied by other signs of illness (e.g., yellow/green eye discharge, coughing, decreased appetite, vomiting, lethargy).Color and/or consistency of the nasal discharge changes (i.e., it goes from clear in color and a liquid consistency to yellowish/green in color and a mucous consistency).Amount of sneezing and nasal discharge increases.Sneezing and nasal discharge that persists for more than just a few days.Signs that Your Cat Needs to See a Veterinarian Keeping your cat separate from other cats is recommended until a veterinarian gives the okay, since he/she may have a contagious upper respiratory infection. If your cat's sneezing and/or nasal discharge is mild and he/she has a normal appetite and energy level, it is okay to monitor him/her for the first couple of days. 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