I had my cat to the vets a couple days ago for coughing. He said hairballs don't make them cough--and gave her an exam saying everything was ok--and advised in changing her litter because of the dust. He told me to get arm and hamer--but I think the baking soda is just as dusty-he says it's not the same. She's still coughing on and on--seems to be while she's sleeping and sometimes after she eats--but it's not a cold-cough--more like somethings stuck in her throat. Any ideas?
2006-09-13 03:40:40 · 10 answers · asked by katie 1 in Pets ➔ Cats
Sounds like a hairball to me. Why would the vet say hairballs don't make a cat cough? Of course they cough...and hork and posture and everything. If your vet has observed this cough and doesn't think it is anything to be concerned with I woudn't worry. I have a cat that has asthma and it presents as a dry cough here and there. For the most part coughing is NOT good and should be looked at immediately. If your vet has already seen her...and thinks it's a dusty litter reaction....you should try a dust free litter. Perhaps even a non-clumping litter. The rule of thumb is the bigger the granules the less dust. Good luck
2006-09-13 03:49:29 · answer #1 · answered by Jaded Ruby 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
To be on the safe side with the hairball thing - either buy some hairball remedy or give her a 1/2 - teaspoon of butter a day to see if it helps (I always used to put it right on my cat's paw so she could lick it off there).
A second opinion may be a good idea. How are her eating habits? Increased or decreased? How is her breathing (other than the coughing)? Elimination habits? There are tumors that can grow way in the back of the throat and are frequently missed on exams, especially if the cat isn't cooperating and allowing the doctor to get a good look down it's throat (very natural and not an un-usual thing to happen during an exam!!). Give her a few days with the hairball remedy and if the coughing doesn't lighten up, call the vet back or set up an appointment with another for a consult. Good luck.
2006-09-13 10:53:31 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
It is either hairballs or allergies. My cat has the same cough but it is from allergies. I would suggest giving your cat the hairball medicine or vasoline ( it is the same) to eliminate the possibilities of hairballs. If she is still coughing try putting her in the bathroom and getting it really steamy ( that helps my cat). If neither of those work take her to another vet and get a second opinion.
2006-09-13 10:53:20 · answer #3 · answered by Juniper 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
First, get a new vet. Hairballs DO make them hack and cough. Also, get the cat FIV/FELV tested. FIV is the equivalent of human AIDS and causes the cat to get sick from lack of immune system. Also, you may want to run a test for allergies. It can be sort of expensive in some areas, but it's the only sure way to know what your cat is allergic to, and what she's not.
2006-09-13 10:43:51 · answer #4 · answered by Sarah H 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The vet has an 'oil' of some type, to make them cough up hairballs.
2006-09-13 10:49:18 · answer #5 · answered by bettyboop 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm not sure, maybe try a second opinion. you can give her some hairball remedy or laxatone and see if that will help. you can ask your vet to give you something to give your cat for the cough, I think they do have a kitty cough syrup.
2006-09-13 10:46:48 · answer #6 · answered by macleod709 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Worm her and get some hair ball treatment that is in the cat food Ilse. It's like a treat for the cat. Also code liver oil is a good treatment for cats.
2006-09-13 10:44:58 · answer #7 · answered by etngapech 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There may be something of use here.
2006-09-13 10:42:55 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Tell your cat to give up the ciggarettes
2006-09-13 10:45:15 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 5⤊ 3⤋
maybe its to fat?
2006-09-13 10:51:56 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋