Petco Text Logo
Petco Pet Logo

  • Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!

Why is my cat coughing and throwing up? Hairballs or something else?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Female | spayed | 8 lbs

Hello, I cannot tell if my cat has a cough/ wheezing or hairballs. How can I tell the difference? She has only thrown up once however I know of cats who have hairballs that do not actuay throw them up

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Image profile

Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on April 16th, 2017

Great question! Severe coughing can cause a cat to vomit as well, so it could still be either causing Scarlet's symptoms. The best way to know for sure is to take her into the vet. The vet can auscultate her lungs, and listening to her lungs will be able to hear if there is congestion present or not. If there is congestion present, then she does have a respiratory infection and the vet can prescribe medications to help treat her symptoms.

Vote icon

2Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Other Answers

  • Image profile

    Answered By Jessica Keay, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on November 17th, 2017

    I am sorry to hear about Jude. I would definitely recommend an exam by a veteriniarian for Jude. In a cat that is having a continued "hacking" then it is not likely a hairball and can actually be a cough (often coughing in cats is mistaken for hairballs) and could be a sign of respiratory or cardiac disease including feline asthma, heartworms, heart disease, or respiratory infection. The vet can listen to your cat's lungs and heart and may recommend additional testing such as an x-ray to evaluate the heart and lungs.

    Vote icon

    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

See More Answers

Related Questions

Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
What to do if my cat has a small hole with pus coming from its ear?
Is your cat's ear hole oozing pus? A Petco vet explains potential infections like abscesses from bites, advising immediate vet care, antibiotics, and recovery.
Updated on September 23, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
My degu has trouble breathing, coughing, and nose discharge. Help?
Is your degu struggling to breathe, coughing, or have nasal discharge? A trusted vet offers vital guidance on respiratory issues like pneumonia and how to help.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
My puppy ate antifreeze and is having seizures. Can she be saved?
Is your puppy showing severe symptoms like seizures, vomiting, or stiffness after eating antifreeze? A certified veterinarian offers urgent guidance for this situation.
Updated on September 23, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Food & Nutrition
My cat is chunky. What food and steps can I take to help him lose weight?
Is your cat overweight? A certified vet offers guidance to help your tubby tabby lose weight. Get essential diet and food recommendations to slim down your cat!
Updated on September 23, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
My dog ate Nutella, threw up, and had diarrhea. Is she okay now?
Did your dog eat Nutella and get sick? A vet explains GI upset, toxicity, and pancreatitis risks from high-fat foods. Get expert advice for your pet's health.
Updated on September 23, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
Cat sick and still has fleas after vinegar treatment. What now?
Cat still scratching and not eating after vinegar flea treatment? A certified vet reveals why it fails and offers effective solutions for your cat and home.
Updated on September 23, 2025

Related Brands and Products

Cat Supplies Cat Food Cat Asthma Medication Vaccines and Shots for Cats Cat Medicine Cat Hairball Control Prescription Cat Allergy Medicine Cat Laxatives Cat Health & Wellness Heartworm Prevention for Cats Ventolin Cat Asthma Medication Ventolin Cat Medicine Albon Cat Asthma Medication Vet Worthy Cat Hairball Control Doxycycline Cat Asthma Medication ProAir Cat Asthma Medication Flovent Cat Asthma Medication Flovent Cat Medicine NaturVet Cat Hairball Control Baytril Cat Asthma Medication
image
Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Book Now

Sponsored