Cat Asthma or Hairballs? How to Tell the Difference

Many cat owners hear coughing, gagging, or wheezing and assume it is “just a hairball.” Sometimes it is. However, repeated coughing that does not produce a hairball may point to a breathing issue, including feline asthma or another lower airway problem.

For families in Akron, Fairlawn, and Copley, a coughing cat is a common reason to schedule a veterinary exam. At Copley Fairlawn Veterinary Clinic, we evaluate whether symptoms are coming from the stomach, throat, airways, lungs, or another medical concern.

Because cats can hide breathing difficulty until symptoms become more serious, it is important to understand the difference between hairball vomiting and true coughing.

What a Hairball Usually Looks Like  

A hairball episode usually involves retching or vomiting. Your cat may crouch, make repeated gagging sounds, contract the abdomen, and then bring up hair, fluid, or food.

Hairballs are related to swallowed fur from grooming. Occasional hairballs can happen, especially in long-haired cats or cats that groom heavily.



A true hairball episode usually ends with something coming up. If your cat repeatedly crouches, hacks, or wheezes but nothing is produced, it may not be a hairball.

What Cat Asthma Can Look Like  

Cat asthma often causes coughing, wheezing, or episodes where a cat crouches low with the neck extended. The sound may be dry, harsh, or repetitive.

Some cats have brief episodes and seem normal afterward. Others may cough more often, breathe faster, or become less active over time.

Cat asthma signs may include coughing without producing a hairball, wheezing, increased breathing effort, open-mouth breathing, or rapid breathing at rest.



Asthma involves inflammation and narrowing of the lower airways. That is why it can look like gagging at first but actually be a breathing problem.

Cat Coughing vs. Hairball Vomiting  

The biggest difference is what happens during and after the episode.

With a hairball, the abdomen often contracts like vomiting, and the episode may end with hair or fluid on the floor.



With coughing, the motion may come more from the chest. Your cat may crouch, stretch the neck, and make repeated hacking or wheezing sounds without producing anything.

Owners often describe it as “trying to cough up a hairball, but nothing comes out.” That pattern should be evaluated, especially if it happens repeatedly.

Other Causes of Coughing or Wheezing  

Asthma is not the only possible cause of coughing in cats.

Coughing or wheezing may also be linked to bronchitis, respiratory infection, heartworm-associated respiratory disease, lung parasites, pneumonia, airway irritation, smoke exposure, dust, or less common heart or lung conditions.



Because several conditions can look similar at home, diagnosis usually requires an exam and may involve imaging or lab testing.

What an Exam May Include  

Your veterinarian will ask what the episode looks and sounds like, how often it happens, whether anything comes up, and whether your cat has appetite, energy, or breathing changes.

Videos are very helpful. If you can safely record an episode, bring the video to the appointment.



The exam may include listening to the heart and lungs, checking breathing rate, evaluating gum color, reviewing weight and hydration, and looking for signs of infection or systemic illness.

How X-Rays Help  

Chest X-rays are commonly recommended when a cat is coughing, wheezing, or suspected of having asthma. X-rays can help evaluate the lungs, airway patterns, heart size, and signs of infection or inflammation.

Our Digital X-Rays services support evaluation of coughing, wheezing, and breathing concerns in cats.

X-rays do not always give every answer, but they are often an important first step in separating airway disease from other causes.

Additional Diagnostics That May Be Needed  

Depending on your cat’s symptoms, your veterinarian may recommend additional testing. This may include bloodwork, parasite testing, heartworm testing, respiratory testing, or other diagnostics.

Our Onsite Diagnostics services help evaluate whether coughing is connected to infection, inflammation, parasites, systemic illness, or another medical issue.

If a heart-related concern is suspected, advanced imaging may be discussed. Our Ultrasound and Echocardiogram services can support evaluation when heart structure or function needs closer assessment.

Treatment Depends on the Cause  

Treatment depends on what is causing the coughing or breathing signs.

Asthma may require medication to reduce airway inflammation and help open the airways. Other conditions may require antibiotics, parasite treatment, environmental changes, or additional care.



Do not give human cough medicine or inhalers unless directed by a veterinarian. Some medications are unsafe for cats, and the wrong treatment can delay proper care.

Home Management Until the Visit  

Keep your cat calm and indoors. Avoid smoke, dust, scented sprays, strong cleaners, candles, and dusty litter if breathing symptoms are present.

Do not force activity. If your cat is struggling to breathe, seek urgent care rather than trying home care.



If symptoms are mild but recurring, schedule an exam and bring notes about frequency, triggers, appetite, and energy level.

Frequently Asked Questions