Hairball or Asthma?

*Beth* · Jul 20, 2022 at 04:17 PM

My cat London has been hacking for at least a week. There has been a day here and there when he didn't do it, but most days he hacks and stretches his neck as though he's trying to get rid of a hairball. I've been giving him different kinds of hairball stuff twice/day for 4 days. It doesn't seem to be helping. For the most part, London's had short episodes of hacking. One night he had what seemed like an attack of hacking that lasted for about 15 minutes.

Thankfully, London is eating, drinking, using the litter box normally.

I know that I need to take London to the vet. I don't have any money to do so until the beginning of August. My bank account at this moment is $90 in the red and I don't have any other resource.

I'm worried out of my mind and am hoping someone here has experience with this type of thing?
@BeyondtheRainbow How did you know your cat has asthma?

MuseumGhost · Jul 20, 2022 at 04:37 PM

Oh, that is distressing! That would have me frantic and sleepless, no doubt.

I hope it turns out to be nothing much---a hairball that you can shift at home.

May I stay in touch with you about this?

Worried for you both.

divine1966 · Jul 20, 2022 at 05:42 PM

My daughters cat did that. Hacking a lot and then being out of breath. The only way to know was take him to a vet. He was on meds for few years after vet diagnosed him. And then all of a sudden his asthma just disappeared. The vet guessed his asthma was environmental, they lived in a basement apartment which was damp and possibly moldy. He is perfectly fine now. No asthma and no coughing

You might have to take him to a vet in august to test him

I’ll PM you re vet visit

lizardlady · Jul 20, 2022 at 06:09 PM

If he is not hacking up any hairballs my guess would be asthma. My Mikey has asthma. Thankfully a round of prednisone will clear up an attack.

You mentioned not having the money to take him to the vet. Have you heard of Care Credit? It is a no/low interest credit care for low income folks to use for medical/vet care.

*Beth* · Jul 20, 2022 at 07:24 PM

Thank you, each of you, for sharing your support and information/experience. I am very grateful.

liz, yes, I know about CareCredit. It is essentially applying for a credit card, just with low (or no?) interest when it has to be repaid. I don't have "bad" credit, but I have "zero" credit because I've never had a credit card or anything to establish a credit rating. So CareCredit turns me down.

lizardlady · Jul 20, 2022 at 08:31 PM

Well, that sucks about CareCredit.

BeyondtheRainbow · Jul 20, 2022 at 09:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by *Beth*

I'm worried out of my mind and am hoping someone here has experience with this type of thing?
@BeyondtheRainbow How did you know your cat has asthma?

I thought at first it was hairballs but none came up. Then she started wheezing very heavily and making a honking noise at which time I made the vet appointment. I was very worried when it changed from "hairball" to "gasp for breath". I had to wait about 2 weeks to get in and she just got worse in that time. By then I was pretty sure because I had another cat several years ago who was asthmatic.

The only time she's had issues since has been when she was around a cleaner. I'm going to have to use unscented cleaners from now on. Event lemon juice is a problem. I need to stock up on vinegar and baking soda.

I hope this helps a little. Let me know if I can answer anything else. Poor London. It's no fun to be a sick kitty.

*Beth* · Jul 20, 2022 at 10:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BeyondtheRainbow

I thought at first it was hairballs but none came up. Then she started wheezing very heavily and making a honking noise at which time I made the vet appointment. I was very worried when it changed from "hairball" to "gasp for breath". I had to wait about 2 weeks to get in and she just got worse in that time. By then I was pretty sure because I had another cat several years ago who was asthmatic.

The only time she's had issues since has been when she was around a cleaner. I'm going to have to use unscented cleaners from now on. Event lemon juice is a problem. I need to stock up on vinegar and baking soda.

I hope this helps a little. Let me know if I can answer anything else. Poor London. It's no fun to be a sick kitty.

Thank you, Rainbow! Your experience is extremely helpful.

RollercoasterLover · Jul 20, 2022 at 11:55 PM

I don't have a cat, but I live near a college the has a free pet clinic at their veterinary medicine school. The clinic also provides basic pet meds such as antibiotics for free or at cost. My little dog just had a tick removed from his ear, along with a test for Lyme disease and a month of antibiotics. I paid nothing.

If you live near a college/university. It may be worth checking to see if they have a clinic.

Hope your cat is feeling better soon.

*Beth* · Jul 21, 2022 at 01:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RollercoasterLover

I don't have a cat, but I live near a college the has a free pet clinic at their veterinary medicine school. The clinic also provides basic pet meds such as antibiotics for free or at cost. My little dog just had a tick removed from his ear, along with a test for Lyme disease and a month of antibiotics. I paid nothing.

If you live near a college/university. It may be worth checking to see if they have a clinic.

Hope your cat is feeling better soon.

Thank you. I love roller coasters, too

I actually live near the largest Veterinary Medicine university in the world. You would think they'd offer some free or low-cost animal care. Nope. They charge an absolutely outrageous amount. It's sickening, really.

Kudos to the college near you that is so generous.

*Beth* · Jul 21, 2022 at 09:36 AM

I literally feel sick with worry. This morning London ate really well, then was playing and running. He suddenly stopped and did the "honking" thing. That happened several times. He does stretch his neck out while it's happening, but I don't think his mouth is open and it doesn't sound like he's wheezing. And it's not a cough. The sound is honking and somewhat snorting. Afterwards, he got quiet. He doesn't hide, but he does fall asleep. London is very sensitive to anxiety. He gets worried when people walk past our apartment, he worries when there's a strange object on the floor that he hasn't seen before...even if a shoe is in an unusual place. I'm wondering if his tendency to be anxious is stressing him and causing asthma.

Fuzzybear · Jul 21, 2022 at 10:27 AM

Beth

gentle scritches to London

divine1966 · Jul 21, 2022 at 12:47 PM

Do you use nextdoor app? Ask if anyone in the neighborhood knows cheap vet clinic. We used to have a vet by us who saw pets for more than half off normal price. He was very old and clinic was not particularly fancy but the care was fine. You could see him and get all you need and meds all less than $100. He was always packed solid because everyone would drive far to see him due to low price. You might have someone cheap by you? It’s not usually advertised, I found it out by accident when I had a cat. Nextdoor usually knows everyone and everything

BeyondtheRainbow · Jul 21, 2022 at 12:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by *Beth*

I literally feel sick with worry. This morning London ate really well, then was playing and running. He suddenly stopped and did the "honking" thing. That happened several times. He does stretch his neck out while it's happening, but I don't think his mouth is open and it doesn't sound like he's wheezing. And it's not a cough. The sound is honking and somewhat snorting. Afterwards, he got quiet. He doesn't hide, but he does fall asleep. London is very sensitive to anxiety. He gets worried when people walk past our apartment, he worries when there's a strange object on the floor that he hasn't seen before...even if a shoe is in an unusual place. I'm wondering if his tendency to be anxious is stressing him and causing asthma.

This sounds a lot like Abby did. Not that I can diagnose, but it just sounds familiar. And it was very stressful waiting for the vet so I understand that too. If it helps I don't think she is in pain when she has an episode, she just is tight when she tries to breathe.

lizardlady · Jul 21, 2022 at 02:00 PM

Excellent suggestion Divine!

Beth it is worrisome when one of the furbabies is sick. For what it's worth Mikey does what you describe. Heck, so do I! (I have asthma too) He usually has a nap after an episode. Sending you and London good thoughts.

*Beth* · Jul 21, 2022 at 07:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fuzzybear

Beth

gentle scritches to London

You're precious, Fuzzy Dear. I will give London gentle scritches from our most favorite bear in the world.

*Beth* · Jul 21, 2022 at 07:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by divine1966

Do you use nextdoor app? Ask if anyone in the neighborhood knows cheap vet clinic. We used to have a vet by us who saw pets for more than half off normal price. He was very old and clinic was not particularly fancy but the care was fine. You could see him and get all you need and meds all less than $100. He was always packed solid because everyone would drive far to see him due to low price. You might have someone cheap by you? It’s not usually advertised, I found it out by accident when I had a cat. Nextdoor usually knows everyone and everything

Thank you, divine. I do know just what you mean. In my hometown (actually, home city) there was an elderly vet, he ran a very plain, old-fashioned clinic. He saw pets for next to nothing. He was generous about such things as selling a great, big bottle of an antibiotic to me when 3 of my cats had respiratory infections...the man would need to see only one cat, rather than making me drag all 3 cats in and charging me accordingly. I have fond memories of him. Wonderful sense of humor and so gifted with animals.

Anyway, I drifted off onto memory lane, there.

I am on Nextdoor, yes, and belong to several cat groups. It's unfortunate that there are no low-cost vets in my town. What there are are three clinics; two are standard veterinary offices with kindly vets and the usual costs. The third is an upscale affair where the staff does such things as serve clients (the people) little water bottles. Not my style and certainly not in my budget. I'm fine with bringing my own water bottle, thanks.

*Beth* · Jul 21, 2022 at 07:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BeyondtheRainbow

This sounds a lot like Abby did. Not that I can diagnose, but it just sounds familiar. And it was very stressful waiting for the vet so I understand that too. If it helps I don't think she is in pain when she has an episode, she just is tight when she tries to breathe.

London seems disturbed by the episodes but not in major discomfort or pain, thank God. He doesn't wheeze, but "honks" and does some gulping. "Tight" is a good description. Afterwards is when he seems fatigued and falls asleep.

*Beth* · Jul 21, 2022 at 07:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lizardlady

Excellent suggestion Divine!

Beth it is worrisome when one of the furbabies is sick. For what it's worth Mikey does what you describe. Heck, so do I! (I have asthma too) He usually has a nap after an episode. Sending you and London good thoughts.

Thank you so much, liz

Victoria'smom · Jul 22, 2022 at 07:30 AM

Do you have a clinic nearby. ASPCA usually has them and depending on your income they provide financial assistance. If they don't have one call your local shelter and ask about vets that provide financial assistance. They should have a list. Vet iq/ pet iq charges $30 for a vet visit unless you get there health plan which is $80 plus $28 a month for unlimited vet visits, shots, routine tests.

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MuseumGhost Grand Magnate Member Since Apr 2012 Location: Ontario, Canada Posts: 3,257 12 12.3k hugs given	Jul 20, 2022 at 04:37 PM #2 Oh, that is distressing! That would have me frantic and sleepless, no doubt. I hope it turns out to be nothing much---a hairball that you can shift at home. May I stay in touch with you about this? Worried for you both.
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lizardlady Legendary Member Since Nov 2002 Location: Mid World Posts: 17,483 (SuperPoster!) 21 7,513 hugs given	Jul 20, 2022 at 06:09 PM #4 If he is not hacking up any hairballs my guess would be asthma. My Mikey has asthma. Thankfully a round of prednisone will clear up an attack. You mentioned not having the money to take him to the vet. Have you heard of Care Credit? It is a no/low interest credit care for low income folks to use for medical/vet care.
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lizardlady Legendary Member Since Nov 2002 Location: Mid World Posts: 17,483 (SuperPoster!) 21 7,513 hugs given	Jul 20, 2022 at 08:31 PM #6 Well, that sucks about CareCredit.
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Fuzzybear Wisest Elder Ever Member Since Nov 2002 Location: Cave. Posts: 96,325 (SuperPoster!) 21 81.2k hugs given	Jul 21, 2022 at 10:27 AM #12 Beth gentle scritches to London __________________
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lizardlady Legendary Member Since Nov 2002 Location: Mid World Posts: 17,483 (SuperPoster!) 21 7,513 hugs given	Jul 21, 2022 at 02:00 PM #15 Excellent suggestion Divine! Beth it is worrisome when one of the furbabies is sick. For what it's worth Mikey does what you describe. Heck, so do I! (I have asthma too) He usually has a nap after an episode. Sending you and London good thoughts.
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