Can swallowing hair cause coughing?

Hi everyone. I have some doubts regarding my lovely 10 year old tabby, Gatsby. We relocated internationally and both cats had to fly cargo according to UK regulations. After that he started pulling the fur off his belly due to stress. We have tried Feliway with no success (a surgery recovery suit is on its way to try and prevent the fur pulling).

I have noticed him coughing more often since. It's a dry cough, producing no mucus and happening maybe once or twice every couple of weeks. After coughing he will drink or nibble on food as if he wanted to "soften" his throat.

He doesn't show any other symptoms, eats and plays normally, so it has me wondering if the fur swallowing could be causing it? As if hair got stuck in his throat...

I'm taking him to the vet next week but figured I'd ask if someone had any similar experience. Thanks in advance

So it's not a prolonged coughing spell when it happens, or what's it like?  Cats can cough for a number of reasons.  Allergies, asthma, heart issues, hairballs.

You can youtube all of the above and see if any of them match what is going on.  If not, then I'm not really sure what it could be, but since you relocated, I'm thinking it might be allergies.

It's not long spells. It does sound like asthma from videos I've seen but I'd expect asthma to be more severe.

Thanks for the reply, I'll see what the vet says.