How To Tell The Difference Between Cat Hairball And Cough
Distinguishing between a cat's hairball and a cough involves distinct clues. Hairballs create a deep, repetitive 'aaaackkkk' from the stomach with smooth retching. Coughs produce a raspy, quick hack from the airways with jerky movements and tense muscles. Hairballs stem from the digestive system, while coughs relate to the respiratory tract. Look for a cough sound from the diaphragm, hunched back, and undulating body for coughing. For hairballs, observe the clean retching and extended neck. Recognizing these signs can aid in proper identification and care for your feline friend's well-being.
Key Differences Between Hairball and Cough
The distinction between a cat's hairball and cough lies in the specific sounds and physical cues exhibited during each episode. Hairballs produce a deep 'aaaackkkk' sound from the stomach, while coughs result in a raspy, short hack sound from the airways.
Retching motion during hairball episodes is smooth and repetitive, involving the digestive system, whereas coughing is characterized by jerky movements and tension in most muscles, related to the respiratory tract.
Recognizing Cat Hairball Symptoms
Upon observing your cat, one may notice distinct symptoms that indicate the presence of a hairball. These can include respiratory issues, such as a coughing kitty, which may be mistaken for conditions like congestive heart failure or cat asthma.
The coughing sound is deep and throaty, originating from the diaphragm, accompanied by clean, repetitive retching motions, extended neck, hunched back, undulating body movements, and an open mouth with the tongue out.
Identifying Cat Coughing Signs
When observing feline behavior closely, one can discern distinct signs of cat coughing that differ from other respiratory conditions.
Cat coughing signs include a hoarse or hacking sound with extended head and neck, snaking side-to-side movements, swallowing once or a couple of times during the episode, and a coughing episode that may end with a gagging sound and foamy white liquid.
Typically, nothing is produced during a cat coughing episode.
Managing Hairballs in Cats
To effectively manage hairballs in cats, it is essential to implement a proactive approach that includes regular grooming and the use of appropriate over-the-counter products.
| Management Tips for Cat Owners | |
|---|---|
| Regular grooming and brushing help reduce hairballs. | Use over-the-counter products like Laxatone. |
| Monitor frequency of hairballs (more than once a month may indicate issues). | Address coughing in cats promptly to rule out kennel cough. |
Are Symptoms of Cat Fever Similar to those of Hairball or Cough?
Symptoms of cat fever differ from those of hairball or cough. If you wonder how to check cat fever, watch for high temperature, lethargy, loss of appetite, and panting. Hairball symptoms include gagging and retching, while a cough is characterized by a hacking sound. Veterinary help is vital for proper diagnosis.
Treating Coughs in Felines
In addressing coughs in felines, it is essential to identify the underlying cause accurately for effective treatment and management. Cats cough due to various reasons like feline asthma, infections, bronchitis, and rarely, heart disease. Seeking veterinary care right away for chronic coughs lasting over two weeks is important.
Tailored treatments, such as antibiotics for infections or steroids for bronchitis, are necessary for addressing different causes of coughing in cats.