hacking cough

my cat has been making this horrible hacking sound like he's coughing up a hair ball.  well no hair ball comes up.  Any ideas on what this could be?

[opus88]

IMO kitty could very well be trying to cough up a hairball and is unable to dislodge it...and this can be a problem, do you give kitty hairball removal gel?
If not please try some, avail anywhere pet foods are sold. he needs something to dislodge it and hopefully cough it up or pass it.
If that doesn't work I would suggest a Vet appointment, he may have something stuck in his throat.
keep us updated please!!

♥Opus