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My cat is coughing & gagging, no hairball. Is it serious or asthma?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Male | neutered | 10 years and 4 months old | 13 lbs

My cat has been having what looks to me like coughing/gagging fits today. And the day before he was sneezing a bit. When he gets in his coughing fits it looks similar to gagging up a hairball but nothing comes out. It lasts about 20 seconds, and has happened 5 times in the 90 minutes I've spent with him throughout the day. Sometimes it looks like he can't breathe. I am wondering if these are signs that his airways are blocked or something very serious.

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Rebecca, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on May 31st, 2017

I'm sorry Sacha isn't feeling well. There are several possibilities for respiratory disease in cats. Cats can develop asthma, get heartworms or have allergic bronchitis. Any of these conditions require a trip to the vet for diagnosis. Especially if you feel she is having trouble breathing please take her soon before this turns into an emergency. Your vet may recommend X-rays or bloodwork after doing an exam on Sacha

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Emily, DVM
Veterinarian
Hello!
What you're describing could indicate a hair ball but could also indicate an airway problem like asthma or even heart disease.
With those possible causes further tests are needed, like xrays, to assess Sacha. Depending on how he is acting you can continue to monitor for further episodes or go ahead with having a veterinarian examine him. If he has any episodes of collapse, facial swelling/pawing, increasing cough, increased breathing rate/effort or other changes he should be seen as soon as possible by a vet. Also note that with asthma and heart disease that those conditions can progress rapidly and require emergency care so really keep a close eye on Sacha if you want to wait on seeing your vet. I recommend keeping him indoors if possible and away from any other pets.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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