cats breathing

My 3 year old cat has been coughing for a day or 2. Not a lot but a couple of times. She coughs something up then swallows it. I put my head to her belly and I can hear a "squeaking" as she breathes. In the past when other cats ive had were sick they stopped eating and hid most of the day. I have noticed a difference in her but she is eating and drinking water. any help would me appreciated.

[opus88]

has your kitty ever coughed up a hairball? do you know what this sounds like? does she take hairball treatment?
this could well be a hairball that is lodged and she is trying to expel it....try some of the hairball treatments for a few days and see if this helps her.
otherwise its possibly kitty asthma. keep us updated and good luck.

[zodiacqueen]

I agree with Opus.  Try the hairball treatment every day for a couple of days and see if there's any improvement.

Also, I think it's awesome that you have your ear right up to her lungs to listen to her breathing.  You'd be able to hear wheezing and other sounds that may not be normal.  Good job!!!!  

Let us know how she does over the next couple of days, hopefully you will see some improvement.

[cptdunsal]

After buying a furr ball remedy in a tube and giving a small amount to my cat Fairy this morning I found she had thrown up. In the mess was a furrball the size of a stool. Ill be watching her breathing and personality to see I that was all it is and that she recovers well.
Thanks you both so much for taking the time to answer my question. I get very nervous and upset when my cats get sick and it was kind of you to help me.

[opus88]

good news, I hope thats all thats going on, yes keep watch. good idea to groom often and also give the hairball remedy once or twice a week to too keep those hairballs in control.
can also add abt 1/4 teas of raw egg YOLK to the canned food, a few times a week this will emulsify the hairball and than can easily pass in the stool. ..good luck♥

[zodiacqueen]

That really is great great news!!  My gut tells me that all of the symptoms are most definitely due to hairballs.  They really can be rough on their systems and sometimes, if the hairballs built up enough, they will lose their appetites.  

Keep up with the hairball remedy for the next few days.  And, for maintenance I would give hairball remedy two to three times a week.  I would also brush them every other day to prevent hairballs in the future.

Good luck.  I was so happy to read your reply!!!  =)

PS-I get nervous and upset, too when pets get sick.  Sometimes, it affects my sleep and can't concentrate at work.