Wheezing in cats sounds similar to wheezing in humans or similar to just before your cat coughs up a hairball. It usually sounds like a huffing or whistling noise as they inhale or exhale or a slight rattling of the breath. Heavy breathing could also be involved depending on the cause of the wheeze.

Besides, Why is my cat making weird coughing noises?

In cats, coughing is most often a sign of an inflammatory problem affecting the lower respiratory tract, especially some form of bronchitis. This inflammation is often due to an infection, particularly with viruses such as feline viral rhinotracheitis, or bacteria such as Bordetella.

Keeping this in mind, How do you know if your cat has a hairball stuck?
Gastrointestinal blockages require prompt surgical intervention, so if your cat has any of these symptoms of a possible blockage, see your veterinarian immediately:

  1. repeated unproductive retching.
  2. lethargy.
  3. lack of appetite.
  4. constipation.
  5. diarrhea.

How can you tell if your cat has a hairball?

Symptoms of Hairballs in Cats

The most visible hairball symptom you’ve probably noticed is the retching and gagging that usually precedes the actual vomiting of the hairball. In addition to retching/gagging, your cat may exhibit: Lack of appetite. Litter box troubles such as constipation or diarrhea.

How do you know if your cat has a hairball blockage?

If you notice the following hairball symptoms, be sure to contact your veterinarian, as they could indicate that a hairball has caused a potentially life-threatening blockage: Ongoing vomiting, gagging, retching, or hacking without producing a hairball. Lack of appetite. Lethargy.

Why is my cat gagging but not throwing up?

If an item is stuck in your cat’s throat, he may gag without ever vomiting. If there is a blockage in his digestive system, he may gag and vomit frequently and may have a swollen abdomen as well. Take him to the vet immediately if this occurs.

Why is my cat gagging and not meowing?

Laryngitis in cats may be one sign of several illnesses such as calicivirus or infectious rhinotracheitis. When a cat develops laryngitis, it may lose its meow for a few days. Pet parents may notice other signs, such as a cough, bad breath, or discharge coming from the cat’s eyes and nose.

Why does it sound like my cat is wheezing?

Feline Asthma

Like asthma in humans, it is thought that asthma in cats involves an allergic reaction to an inhaled trigger. This irritates the lining of the airways and causes an inflammatory response. When the airways become inflamed, they become constricted (resulting in the wheezing noise).

How do you help a cat with a stuck hairball?

A teaspoon of fish, safflower, or flax oil added to your cat’s food can coat a hairball, allowing it to pass through your kitty’s system. Another option is a hairball prevention jelly containing slippery elm, marshmallow, or papaya. These are usually given once or twice a week.

What can I give my cat to help pass a hairball?

Provide your cat with a small amount of canned tuna or sardines occasionally. Another effective option is to dip your cat’s paw into some petroleum jelly. They’ll lick it off, and the jelly will line the digestive tract to help the hair pass through their system.

How do you help a stuck hairball?

If a blockage is detected, surgery may be required in order to remove the hairball. More often, however, therapy will center on protecting the intestines through several days of clinical care that includes the use of a laxative to move the hairball through the digestive tract.

How do I help my cat pass a hairball?

A teaspoon of fish, safflower, or flax oil added to your cat’s food can coat a hairball, allowing it to pass through your kitty’s system. Another option is a hairball prevention jelly containing slippery elm, marshmallow, or papaya. These are usually given once or twice a week.

How do you treat a hairball blockage in a cat?

If a blockage is detected, surgery may be the only way to remove the hairball. More often, therapy will center on protecting the intestine through several days of clinical care that includes intravenous rehydration and the use of a laxative to move the hairball through the digestive tract.

How can I treat my cats hairballs at home?

Provide your cat with a small amount of canned tuna or sardines occasionally. Another effective option is to dip your cat’s paw into some petroleum jelly. They’ll lick it off, and the jelly will line the digestive tract to help the hair pass through their system.

What can you do for a cat with a hairball blockage?

If a blockage is detected, surgery may be required in order to remove the hairball. More often, however, therapy will center on protecting the intestines through several days of clinical care that includes the use of a laxative to move the hairball through the digestive tract.

How can I help my cat pass a hairball?

A teaspoon of fish, safflower, or flax oil added to your cat’s food can coat a hairball, allowing it to pass through your kitty’s system. Another option is a hairball prevention jelly containing slippery elm, marshmallow, or papaya. These are usually given once or twice a week.

How do I stop my cat from gagging?

Use your hands to gently but firmly push on her belly in a succession of quick, upward thrusts, about five times. If your first set of blows doesn’t dislodge the object, says PetCoach, hold your cat up by her back hips with her head down and gently sweep her mouth again.

What are the symptoms of a blockage in a cat?

Signs of intestinal blockage

So how do you spot an intestinal blockage in your cat? Common symptoms include diarrhea, vomiting, refusing to eat, weakness and lethargy, abdominal pain or swelling, cold body temperature, crying and even an unwillingness to lie down, among other issues.

How can I tell if my cat has something stuck in her throat?


Symptoms and Types

  1. Retching.
  2. Gagging.
  3. Loss of energy.
  4. Loss of appetite.
  5. Depression.
  6. Excessive salivation, drooling.
  7. Regurgitation.
  8. Restlessness.

Why is my cat randomly gagging?

Hairballs are the most common cause of gagging in cats. … Frequent hairballs could be a sign of food allergies, intestinal issues, hormonal problems, or sometimes other illnesses.

Why is my cat losing its voice?

Cat laryngitis is often the result of infectious diseases such as upper respiratory infections (cat cold or URI), calicivirus, or rhinotracheitis however there are a number of other conditions that can cause your cat to lose their voice including: Inhaled irritants, such as smoke or dust. Blockage in the larynx.

Is cat wheezing normal?

Wheezing can be described as a whistling sound when your cat is breathing, and in some cases it may seem like your pet is having an asthma attack. Although this can be alarming, in most cases there is no need to panic. Many causes of your cat wheezing can be cured easily by your vet.

How do I know if my cat has fluid in his lungs?


Symptoms of Collection of Fluid in the Lungs in Cats

  1. Labored or difficulty breathing with deep, rapid breaths, especially when inhaling.
  2. Open-mouth breathing with crackling noises.
  3. Wheezing.
  4. Dry cough.
  5. Increased respiratory rate (more than 30 times a minute when at rest)
  6. Blue or grey discoloration of the mucous membranes.

What does a cat with asthma sound like?

During an asthma attack, your cat may be coughing or hacking. A coughing cat sounds a bit different than a coughing human—it will sound like your cat is trying to pass a hairball.