Cat cough or sneeze?

Lately my little cat, (gray Tabby), has been doing a kind of wheezing thing.  I can't tell if she's getting ready to sneeze, if she's trying to cough up a hair-ball... I just don't know.  She does not do this continuously, but 2 to 3 times a day, each "spell" lasting up to 30 seconds.  Matilde is my cat's name, but she really only answers to "Kitty".  I think sh'e about 9 years old now.  I've had her for 8 years.  Do these symptoms sound familiar to anyone?  What's going on with Matilde?  

[opus88]

does a sneeze actually happen or just the wheezing 'sound'?
does it appear like she is gagging/trying to vomit?...if so i would definitely suspect a hairball and in this case get her some HAIRBALL REMEDY a mixture of (white petroleum jelly and malt extract...) kitty should have some of this every week, its avail anywhere pet food is sold or thru your Vet.
If it isn't a gagging and hairball problem than your cat needs to see a Vet, it could be related to some serious illnesses that cats get, has your kitty had all it vaccines?
Anyone else have some thoughts on this?
Please keep posting and let us know how Matilde is doing OK.