Petco Text Logo
Petco Pet Logo

  • Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!

My cat is dry heaving/coughing. Is it a hairball? When to see vet?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Domestic Mediumhair | Male | neutered | 8 lbs

Lately in the morning my cat has been dry heaving/coughing. As if he's trying to get up a hairball. It'll start suddenly, go on for a minute, not usually much longer and then he'll be fine and come cuddle with me. I'm worried he has a hairball that just won't move. Is there anything I can do? Or should I bring him in to my vet?

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Image profile

Answered By Daniel Fonza, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on August 25th, 2018

Hi there and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to address your concern. If you suspect Mo has a hairball, you can use a supplement called Laxatone and see if this helps. You can find this online or at your local Petco. If this does not help or the coughing / heaving is worsening, I would recommend having a veterinarian take a look at him so that the most appropriate diagnostic and treatment recommendations can be made. I hope this helps! Please let me know if you have any other questions or concerns and I would be more than happy to help you further.

Vote icon

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Other Answers

  • Image profile

    Answered By Dr. Elizabeth

    Veterinarian

    Published on January 1st, 2020

    Dry heaving could be related to a hair ball, something stuck in the stomach or even coughing. If it happens again or if Lulu seems to be in distress, I recommend to have her examined by the veterinarian. If you can catch the behavior on video, that can help too. Each of these conditions is treated differently so you need to know what is happening. I hope this helps.

    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
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
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
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
My kitten had ringworm. Vet says in blood, untreatable, no meds?
Confused about your 6-month-old kitten's ringworm diagnosis, oral meds, or vaccinations? A trusted vet offers a second opinion on your pet's health concerns.
Updated on September 23, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
My cat has a weepy wound she keeps licking. Does it need stitches?
Is your cat's weepy wound concerning you? A certified vet offers guidance on home care, when to disinfect, and signs to watch for before seeking professional help.
Updated on September 23, 2025
image
Have A Vet Question?

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

Book Now

Sponsored