Coughing Cat

Help My Coughing Cat

I have an 11-year-old male American Shorthair cat named Checkers. He is an indoor/outdoor cat, although lately he has been spending much of his time indoors. He has put on weight lately since he does not go outside as much as he used to.

For as long as I can remember he as made this hacking noise. It can go on for as long as a minute and a half, but no vomit or hairball ever appears.

The hacking happens almost every day. I have tried giving him oil since I heard that would help. He took it once, but has not been interested since. I feel so helpless when these episodes happen. He hacks and hacks, and his neck is bent down like he is trying to get something out, but nothing ever comes out.

The problem is he hates the vet. Do you have any advice on what is going on with Checkers ?

I also have one more question. Checker's 12-year-old mother Heidi used to live with me too, but she went to live at my mother's when my parents divorced. She didn't seem quite as happy there, so I brought her back home. The trouble is that now Checkers chases her under my bed whenever she wants to come out and roam the house. Should I take Heidi back to my mother's house, or should I be more stern with Checkers when he goes after her?

Thanks~~ Tonyalee

Expert Reply

Hi Tonyalee,

Let me address Checker's coughing first. Yes, there's a possibility that he is trying to cough up a hairball. When cats lick, they sometimes swallow a bit of fur and it winds up mixing with food particles in the tummy. These masses can be large and hard, sometimes too big to either cough up or pass on through the digestive system. When this happens, you need veterinary help to remove the fur ball.

If the problem is a furball, you can try feeding Checkers a couple spoonfuls of canned pumpkin to see if it helps move the mass through his system. This shouldn't hurt him even if it has no effect.

The coughing could also be a sign of a feline heartworm infection. It presents as a respiratory infection, rather than as a heart problem like it would in dogs. Symptoms include coughing and vomiting. Since your cat has spent a good deal of time outdoors, I think you really ought to have your vet take a look.

Now for Heidi. Moving is a big adjustment for any pet, especially an older one, and Heidi needs time to adjust to new territory. The problem now is that Checkers has gotten used to being king of your castle. If Heidi was reasonably happy at your mother's, it may be best to take her back there. At least she won't be chased and hassled.

Thanks for your questions~~ Kelly