Cat Throat Problems

Hello,

I have two indoor cats that are sisters from the same litter. They are about 10 yrs old. One of them is having some sort of throat/respiratory problem where she heaves as if she is going to throw up, but most times nothing happens. It's as if there is a permanent hairball in her throat.

The Vet took X-Rays and everything seems fine. We tried this "gel" that I tried giving her to swallow which didn't go well (she hated it), and although trying that it didn't seem to help.

Anyone have a similar issue? I can post a video if this site allows.

Thanks.

Welcome to TCS!     I wish it were under better circumstances, but hopefully you can get some ideas here that will help you figure out what's going on.  In the meantime, what are their names?  And do you have photos?  We love photos, here.  As for posting a video, you should be able to do it - here's a tutorial that might help.
[article="24985"]Image And Video Tutorial  [/article]
It sounds like your vet suspects the problem is hairballs if he has prescribed a gel.  There are several out on the market so if your kitty hates the one you have, you might try another.  For example, Nutri-vet, which is commonly used for this problem, has two flavors:  chicken and salmon.  http://www.nutri-vet.com/hairball-paw-gel-for-cats-salmon-flavor/   Dr. Fosters' Laxatone, which is a similar product, comes in maple, tuna and catnip.  http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=19963   

I'd recommend you call your vet and explain the problem with the gel and see what (s)he recommends in terms of another flavor.

Just a personal anecdote:  My Milo used to do something very similar to what you are describing.  In his case, it turned out to be asthma.  Did your vet evaluate your girl for that?  

I hope you can find a quick solution for her.  All that coughing and hacking can't be comfortable!   

Hi and thank you for the response. Their names are Kally and T.K. Here are 2 videos of the problem with T.K.. One looks as if she's throwing up but most times does not, the other looks like a painful throat/swallowing issue:

https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B5av-tptTIyNc0F5bDliUWdiNkU

https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B5av-tptTIyNSlJpMnp4YWFlMEU

Based on the video above does that look similar to the asthma problems your Milo had? My Vet did x-rays and saw nothing, but I don't know how or if she checked for asthma.

Thank you.

californiacat said:

Hi and thank you for the response. Their names are Kally and T.K. Here are 2 videos of the problem with T.K.. One looks as if she's throwing up but most times does not, the other looks like a painful throat/swallowing issue:

https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B5av-tptTIyNc0F5bDliUWdiNkU

https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B5av-tptTIyNSlJpMnp4YWFlMEU


Based on the video above does that look similar to the asthma problems your Milo had? My Vet did x-rays and saw nothing, but I don't know how or if she checked for asthma.

Thank you.

Click to expand...

I can't open the videos. It says I need permission, which probably means you have your videos set to private instead of public. Not sure how google videos work.

This link should be public. It contains both videos: https://drive.google.com/folderview?id=0B5av-tptTIyNd1lRR20xcW5CZWc&usp=sharing

Thanks!

californiacat said:

This link should be public. It contains both videos: https://drive.google.com/folderview?id=0B5av-tptTIyNd1lRR20xcW5CZWc&usp=sharing

Thanks!

Click to expand...

Yes, that works.

The second video does look very much like Milo's behavior - the breathy coughing sound and head jerking are almost identical.  The first video, not so much.  Since your vet took x-rays, she probably  checked for asthma, but you can certainly call her back with a follow-up question after an appointment.  Ask her if she saw any indications of it.

Were you able to get a gel that T.K. will tolerate?  

Did you show the vet these videos or did T.K. "perform" at the vet so she could actually see what's happening?  If not, I would definitely send these videos to her.  The swallowing problem in the first video doesn't look very much like my experience with cats coughing up hairballs, but I've only had two cats who ever did so - my experience is limited.  To me, it seems like T.K. has problems with nausea.  Nausea can be a symptom of several medical disorders - did your vet do any blood work?  And were the x-rays only of the lungs?  

T.K. is a beautiful cat, btw.  I love black cats, too.  

Hi, and thanks for the advice. I believe she did blood work but I will check. I showed her at least one of these videos, if not both. This was actually awhile ago and I thought the problem subsided but I think it is just because I am home less often to see it. Since I started noticing it again I realize this is an ongoing thing and want to find a solution. I just started using some hairball medication, she doesn't care for it but we're getting it down so I'll try this for awhile. If nothing changes I'll bring up your message to the Vet and see what she thinks.

Thank you!

I would also say have her checked for asthma. I remember Lorie figuring this out with Flowerbell. I will mention her, so maybe she can compare & give her opinion. She is more knowledgeable than I am.  

@LDG, Maybe you can lend your experience with this issue.   

I'll look into that. Thank you.