Lena Torres
Cats make a variety of sounds when dealing with hairballs. While coughing, gagging, retching, and vomiting are all common sounds associated with hairballs, some cats may also make a deep aaaackkkk sound from the diaphragm, or a cough-gag-retch as described by some owners. Although hairballs are generally harmless, frequent hairballs may indicate a problem with your cat's digestion or over-grooming. If your cat is frequently coughing or retching without producing a hairball, it is recommended to consult a veterinarian as it could be a sign of asthma, heartworm disease, or another respiratory issue.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Sound | Deep, rhythmic hacking sound, gagging, coughing, retching, gurgling, choking |
| Body Movement | Crouching with a low head, arched back, extended neck |
| Frequency | Occasional, less than once a month |
| Outcome | Expulsion of fur |
| Cause | Long-haired cats, over-grooming, fur length, stress |
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What You'll Learn
How to differentiate between a cat coughing and retching a hairball
It is essential to differentiate between a cat coughing and retching a hairball for the sake of your cat's health. While hairballs may seem like a typical cat occurrence, they shouldn't happen frequently. If your cat has a hairball more than once a month, it indicates digestion issues, overgrooming, or fur length.
Sound
The sound of a cat retching a hairball might seem like a cough to an inexperienced owner. A cat with a hairball will make a deep, throaty "ack aaaaaccckkk" sound. This sound comes from deep within the diaphragm. In contrast, a cat's cough will be a raspy, short "hack! HACK!".
Body Movement
Retching a hairball produces a smooth, repetitive contraction in the body. A cat will extend its neck, open its mouth, and arch its back as its stomach contracts. On the other hand, coughing produces a short, jerky shaking motion that affects the whole body. A coughing cat will be tensed up throughout its muscles and may hunch over for longer, appearing uncomfortable.
Duration
Hairball episodes are typically short and resolve once the hairball is expelled. If your cat brings up a hairball once every few weeks, it is generally within a normal range. Coughing episodes, on the other hand, can last longer and may happen more frequently over several days.
Outcome
Cats rarely expel anything after coughing. In contrast, a hairball episode usually ends with the expulsion of fur. If your cat is coughing frequently without producing a hairball, it could be a sign of asthma or other respiratory issues and warrants a visit to the veterinarian.
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How often cats should get hairballs
Cats are naturally very good at keeping themselves clean. They groom themselves by licking their coats, and it is during this process that they ingest loose hair, which can lead to hairballs. Hairballs are a normal by-product of cat grooming and occur when a collection of dead hair and digestive juices forms in a cat's stomach.
While hairballs are a common occurrence, they should not happen frequently. If your cat is getting hairballs more often than once a month, this could be a sign of a problem with their digestion, overgrooming, or fur length. In addition, hairballs that occur once a week or every two weeks could indicate food allergies, atopy (environmental allergies), or irritable bowel disease (IBD). Therefore, if your cat is experiencing hairballs too frequently, it is recommended to consult a veterinarian or feline wellness specialist.
It is important to be able to distinguish between a cat that is retching up a hairball and one that is coughing due to illness. A hairball will produce a deep "aaaackkkk" sound from the diaphragm, while a cough will result in a raspy, short "hack! HACK!" from the airways and lungs. Additionally, a cat that is coughing will exhibit short, jerky shaking motions that affect the whole body, while a cat with a hairball will have smooth, repetitive contractions in the stomach.
If you are concerned about your cat's health, it is always best to consult a veterinarian. They will be able to advise on the best course of action and provide treatment if necessary. In some cases, surgery may be required to remove a hairball if it has caused an intestinal blockage. However, this is rare, and therapy often involves using a laxative to help move the hairball through the digestive tract. To prevent hairballs, it is recommended to groom your cat regularly, feed them a diet formulated for hairball control, and provide supplements to reduce shedding and fur ingestion.
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What to do if your cat has hairballs frequently
Hairballs in cats are a normal occurrence resulting from their instinctive grooming routine. However, if your cat has hairballs frequently, it may indicate an underlying health issue, and you should consider taking them to a veterinarian for a check-up. Here are some steps you can take to manage and reduce frequent hairballs in your cat:
Consult a Veterinarian
If your cat is experiencing hairballs more than once a month, it's a good idea to take them to the vet. The veterinarian will examine your cat, ask about its health history, and may perform various tests to diagnose the cause of frequent hairballs. These tests may include skin scrapings, blood work, abdominal X-rays, and examinations of the gastrointestinal tract. The vet will then recommend appropriate treatments to address any underlying health or behavioural issues.
Use Hairball Products or Laxatives
There are several over-the-counter hairball products available, such as Laxatone, which act as mild laxatives to help hairballs pass through the digestive tract more easily. These products lubricate the stomach's contents and may contain mild laxatives to speed up the passage of hair through the intestinal tract. Always follow the instructions provided with these products and consult your veterinarian before administering any laxatives to ensure they are suitable for your cat's health condition.
Grooming and Brushing
Regular brushing and grooming can help reduce hairballs by removing loose fur from your cat's coat before it can be ingested during grooming. If your cat is resistant to being brushed, consider taking them to a professional groomer. Keeping their coat trimmed can also help prevent hair from tangling in hairballs and increase the chances of it passing safely through their system.
Dietary Adjustments
Feeding your cat a balanced diet with the right nutrients can help address hairball problems. There are specific cat foods designed for hairball control, such as Purina ONE® Coat and Hairball, which are high in fibre to aid in the passage of hair through the digestive system. These specialised foods also contain vitamins and minerals to improve coat health and reduce shedding.
Discourage Excessive Grooming
Pay attention to any excessive grooming behaviours in your cat, as this can lead to increased hair ingestion and more frequent hairballs. Excessive grooming may be due to underlying issues such as pain, anxiety, or stress. Consult your veterinarian if you notice overgrooming, as they can help identify and address the root cause.
Remember, while occasional hairballs are normal, frequent hairballs can indicate a problem in your cat's gastrointestinal tract. Taking proactive steps to manage and reduce hairballs can help improve your cat's health and wellbeing.
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What a hairball sounds like
Cats are naturally predisposed to producing hairballs, especially those with longer fur, such as Persians and Maine Coons. While hairballs are a typical occurrence, they should not happen frequently. If your cat has a hairball more than once a month, it could indicate a problem with their digestion or stress.
When a cat tries to expel a hairball, it usually starts with a deep, rhythmic hacking or gagging sound. Cats may arch their backs, crouch with their heads low, and extend their necks while making retching or gurgling sounds. The sound of a hairball being brought up is often described as a "cough-gag-retch" because it involves coughing from the lungs, gagging in the throat, and retching from the stomach. This process is completely normal for cats and helps them keep their fur in good condition.
The sound of a hairball being expelled is typically wet and gag-like, ending with the expulsion of fur. In contrast, a cough from the lungs and airways tends to sound dry, harsh, or wheezy, and does not usually produce any visible expulsion. Cats with a cough may crouch low, extend their necks, and produce repeated wheezing or raspy sounds without bringing anything up.
It is important to monitor your cat's behaviour and frequency of hairball expulsion. While hairballs are generally not a cause for concern, frequent coughing or respiratory distress may indicate a more serious condition. If you are ever concerned about your cat's health, it is always best to consult a veterinarian for professional advice.
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What a cat looks like when it has a hairball
Cats typically swallow a lot of loose hair during their grooming routine. This hair accumulates in the stomach and forms a hairball, which the cat will eventually regurgitate. While hairballs are a normal occurrence, they can sometimes cause health issues.
When a cat has a hairball, they will often gag and retch as they try to bring it up. This can be distressing to watch, but it is perfectly normal behaviour. Cats may also cough, wander around the house, or stretch their neck as they attempt to expel the hairball.
Fresh hairballs usually have a tubular or cylindrical shape, like a cigar or sausage, rather than being round. They are often wet and can contain clear or brown liquid. However, they can dry out quickly if left unnoticed. Hairballs can sometimes be confused with cat faeces or vomiting, which typically involves food, bile, or foam.
If a cat is struggling to pass a hairball, they may show signs of lethargy and loss of appetite. Their abdomen may also appear swollen or bloated. In some cases, hairballs can get stuck in the intestinal tract, causing constipation and hard faecal material. This can be a serious condition that requires immediate veterinary attention.
To summarise, a cat with a hairball may exhibit gagging, retching, or coughing behaviour, and their hairball will typically have a tubular shape and be wet. If the hairball is stuck, the cat may show additional signs of discomfort and require veterinary intervention.
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Frequently asked questions
Cats will usually crouch with their necks extended and make gagging, coughing, or retching sounds. They may also be wheezing.
A cat with a hairball may make a deep "aaaackkkk" sound from the diaphragm, as opposed to a cough, which is a raspy, short "hack! HACK!" that affects the airways and lungs.
Give your cat plenty of space and try not to get too distressed. Most cats will gag several times before successfully bringing up a hairball.
Cats should only get hairballs occasionally, usually less than once a month. Frequent hairballs (more than once a month) may indicate a problem with digestion or over-grooming.
If your cat is retching without producing a hairball, it could be a sign that the hairball has moved from the stomach to the intestine, or it could be a sign of asthma. Take your cat to the vet immediately.
