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My cat is dry heaving, coughing, and sneezing. Should I see a vet?
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Pet's info: Cat | Domestic Shorthair | Female | spayed | 3 years and 6 months old | 8 lbs
Hello, my cat Ali has been dry heaving /coughing and congested-sounding sneezing sounds about once or twice a day for about 4 weeks. She seems 100% fine besides that — appetite is fine, she’s acting happy and normal, her litter box activity is fine. Outside of this month, she usually vomits somewhat regularly which vets have told me is no big deal. Since the dry heaving, she has vomited only a couple times and only once it had hair in it. Do you think I need to take her to the vet?
2 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
Answered By Dr. Massimo Orioles, DVM, Cert AVP, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Published on February 1st, 2020
This sign could be compatible with an upper respiratory tract inflammation/infection or possibly to a rhinitis (inflammatory, allergic, infective). A clinical examination at your local veterinarian is essential to confirm these clinical suspicions and treat appropriately. Antibiotics may be needed.
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1Pet Parents found this answer helpfulRelated Answers from Veterinarians
Answered By Daniel Fonza, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on April 13th, 2018
Hi there and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to address your concern. Fillies may have an upper respiratory tract infection along with a urinary tract infection. I would recommend having the veterinarian recheck him and consider putting him on a course of an oral antibiotic and check a urine sample for infection or other abnormalities. Many times the upper respiratory infections are viral. Duralactin with L-lysine, which can be found online, can be beneficial for decreasing the severity and duration of a viral infection. I hope this helps! Please let me know if you have any other questions or concerns and I would be more than happy to help you further.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful