Coughin' Kitty

Dear Coughin':

I think a visit to the veterinarian is in order for you. It certainly doesn't sound like an upper respiratory ailment is your problem, but seeing you in person will allow your doctor to be sure. Most likely your cough is caused by one of two common problems. You could have ascarids, or round worms, the most common intestinal parasite. An infestation would cause a cough like you've described - some cats will even vomit some of the worms, which would resemble thin noodles. Don't panic - I know it sounds awful, but your doctor will prescribe the proper medication if this is your problem and fix you right up. Perhaps you simply have hairballs. When cats groom themselves they tend to ingest some of the loose hair that all that licking pulls out of their coats. Sometimes the hair forms a large mass in your stomach that cannot be digested, causing coughing, gagging and eventually spitting up the hair. If it turns out this is your problem, the doctor can supply a tube of good-tasting gel that your owner will give you. This will prevent the hairballs and allow any hair that you do ingest to pass through your digestive system with no problem. Daily brushing will also cut down on the amount of hair that you swallow. Remember, my comments are only a few guesses as to what is causing your cough. It is most important that your veterinarian take a look at you and make sure that your problem is a minor one.

Fall 1990