Cat Coughing: Difference Between Cat Cough & a Hairball

When your cat makes a strange hacking sound, it can be tough to know whether they’re simply trying to bring up a hairball or if they’re actually coughing. Since both issues involve the respiratory system and can sound surprisingly similar, many pet owners aren’t sure how to tell the difference. If your cat is making frequent hacking noises or you’ve noticed changes in their breathing, it’s time to pay close attention. If you’re concerned about cat coughing vs. hairball symptoms, the knowledgeable team at Lincolnway Veterinary Clinic in Mishawaka, IN, can help address this problem. Please call (574) 256-1871 to make an appointment.

What a Hairball Sounds Like in Cats

Hairballs are common in cats—especially long-haired breeds or those who groom excessively. When a cat tries to expel a hairball, it usually starts with a deep, rhythmic hacking sound. You might see your cat hunch down with their neck extended and hear them gag, retch, or make a wet, gurgling sound. After several attempts, they’ll often produce a tubular clump of hair, along with some stomach fluid.

Why Hairballs Form

Hairballs are the result of loose hair that accumulates in the stomach after grooming. Most of the time, cats pass this hair through their digestive system without issue. However, when too much hair builds up, it may need to come out through the mouth instead. The act of bringing up a hairball isn’t typically a cause for alarm unless it becomes frequent or your cat seems distressed.

When to Be Concerned

If your cat is bringing up hairballs more than once or twice a month, it may be time to consult your veterinarian. While occasional hairballs are normal, frequent or difficult episodes may point to an underlying issue like excessive grooming, a gastrointestinal problem, or a respiratory concern that mimics hairball symptoms.

What Cat Coughing Looks and Sounds Like

Coughing in cats is different from the retching associated with hairballs. A cough comes from the lungs and airways, not the digestive system. When your cat is coughing, it might sound dry and harsh, almost like a human with a tickle in their throat. Some cats cough with their mouths open, and you may notice wheezing or labored breathing.

What to Watch For After a Coughing Episode

One way to tell the difference in the cat coughing vs. hairball confusion is to look for what happens after the episode. Cats rarely expel anything after coughing, whereas a hairball episode usually ends with the expulsion of fur. A coughing cat might crouch low to the ground, extend their neck, and produce repeated wheezing or raspy sounds—but nothing comes up.

Possible Health Concerns Behind Coughing

Coughing can signal several different health concerns. It could be related to allergies, infections, asthma, or heart conditions. If your cat is coughing frequently, especially without bringing up a hairball, that’s an important signal to make an appointment with your veterinarian. Lincolnway Veterinary Clinic can evaluate your cat’s respiratory health and recommend the right next steps. Call us today at (574) 256-1871.

Cat Coughing vs. Hairball: Key Differences to Watch

Understanding the difference between cat coughing vs. hairball symptoms starts with knowing what to look for during and after the episode. Although both may sound similar, the source of the noise and the outcome are quite different.

Duration and Frequency

Hairballs usually involve short episodes that resolve once the hairball is expelled. If your cat brings up a hairball once every few weeks, that’s generally within a normal range. In contrast, coughing episodes can last longer, and they may happen more frequently over several days. If your cat continues to cough without producing anything, it’s time to schedule a veterinary visit.

Posture and Behavior

During a hairball episode, your cat may arch their back or crouch with their head low and make rhythmic retching sounds. Afterward, they’ll often resume normal behavior. Cats who are coughing may stay hunched over longer, appear uncomfortable, and sometimes even avoid eating or playing. Watch for other changes like lethargy or hiding, which can point to something more than a simple hairball.

Sound and Volume

The sound of a hairball is usually wet, gag-like, and ends with an expulsion. A cough, on the other hand, sounds dry or wheezy and doesn’t typically produce anything. If you hear a repeated dry hacking sound without a visible hairball, you’re likely dealing with a cough rather than grooming-related vomiting.

Physical Signs

Along with coughing, you might notice other symptoms like open-mouth breathing, increased respiratory rate, or nasal discharge. These signs often don’t appear during hairball episodes. If your cat seems to be working hard to breathe or is breathing noisily, contact your veterinarian right away.

When to Call Lincolnway Veterinary Clinic

Hairballs, while unpleasant, are fairly routine for most cats. However, frequent coughing is not. If your cat is coughing often or showing signs of respiratory distress, it’s important to have them examined. Even if you suspect it’s “just a hairball,” consistent symptoms can sometimes mask more serious conditions.

Symptoms to Watch For

Respiratory infections, feline asthma, bronchitis, or even heartworm disease can cause coughing. These issues often develop gradually, so early detection is key. Your veterinarian can perform diagnostics such as a physical exam, x-rays, or lab work to determine the underlying cause.

How Lincolnway Veterinary Clinic Can Help

At Lincolnway Veterinary Clinic, we’re here to support your cat’s health with compassionate care and thorough diagnostics. If you’re unsure whether your cat is coughing or dealing with hairballs, we can help you find the answer. Please call (574) 256-1871 to schedule an appointment.

Preventive Care Can Reduce Both Hairballs and Coughing

You can help your cat stay more comfortable by keeping up with preventive care. While this won’t eliminate all risk, it can reduce the frequency of both hairballs and coughing episodes. Regular veterinary visits, updated vaccines, parasite prevention, and maintaining a healthy weight all contribute to better overall health and fewer complications.

• Managing Shedding and Grooming: Frequent brushing can help limit the amount of hair your cat swallows while grooming. This is especially helpful for long-haired breeds, cats that shed heavily, or those prone to hairballs. Brushing reduces the volume of loose hair and supports a cleaner, healthier coat.
• Monitoring Indoor Air Quality: Dust, smoke, and other airborne irritants can trigger coughing in sensitive cats. Using an air purifier, avoiding smoking indoors, and reducing strong cleaning chemicals can make your home more comfortable for cats with respiratory issues.
• Routine Vet Exams: Annual checkups are an important part of identifying early signs of illness. Your veterinarian can listen to your cat’s lungs, monitor their weight, and check for symptoms that aren’t obvious at home. Cats often hide discomfort, so a thorough veterinary exam is a good way to stay ahead of potential problems.

Why Differentiating Between Cat Coughing and Hairballs Matters

Understanding the signs of cat coughing vs. hairball symptoms can help you take action sooner—and that makes a big difference. What may seem like a simple grooming issue could be something more complex, and it’s better to be cautious when your cat’s health is involved. If your cat is coughing, seems uncomfortable, or shows any other signs of illness, call Lincolnway Veterinary Clinic at (574) 256-1871 to schedule a visit. Our team can help you navigate your cat’s health with confidence and clarity. While occasional hairballs are part of life for many cats, coughing is a sign worth investigating further.