Is this hairball related?

[Lori, Ashley & Gilbert]

I have noticed lately that Gilbert is sort of coughing/gagging a few times per day but nothing ever comes up and he doesn't seem to be in distress. He is otherwise totally normal. He is eating, drinking and eliminating perfectly normal and playing as much as ever. He has been shedding more than usual although I am trying to brush him once a day if he'll let me. He always wants to chew on the brush. He has never had a hairball before and I have never, ever seen him vomit. So should I just wait and see what happens or go ahead and get some hairball remedy (laxatone?) He is acting so healthy and vibrant, at this point I don't think a vet visit is at all necessary. Any hairball advice? This has been going on for about 2 weeks, off and on. Thanks in advance!

[jason]

brush regardless of his dislike for it at least once a day for a while and also start using laxatone as directed on the box.

if you begin to notice a decrease in activity/eating/drinking then you need to call your vet asap for a stronger version of what laxatone does (cant remember the name off-hand, had to use it on one of mine a couple times).

its most likely a hairball though.

[LisaLisa]

Hi,

You can always try the laxatone and see if it works and then if you don't see results, take him to the vet soon.

How often are you noticing the coughing occurring? Does it seem to occur at a specific time of day or night? Are you in the house most of the time to know how often it's occurring? Is there anything environmentally occurring in your house that can trigger the coughing such as cleaning detergents, smoking or dust??

My Smokey had a cough/gagging for almost a week. I thought he was trying to get up a hairball, unfortunately it turned out to be enviromentally induced asthma. I'll be the first to say that every kitty is different and this may not be Gilbert's problem, but to me, 2 weeks seems a bit long for this to be going on. It's a good sign that he seems healthy otherwise.

Please keep us updated. I hope it's hairball related...

[jason]

Lisa, your story somehow reminded me of rocky's latest hairball adventure. the hairball eluded the vets for a little while, the symptoms were a bit more severe than usual (it was a rather large ball of gunk).

all in all, that big chunk of hair cost me nearly $500.00 and all it took was a good helping of consistant laxatone...live and learn i guess.

[LisaLisa]

Jason,

Rocky keeps you on your toes in the same way Smokey keeps me on mine...Our 2 boys Gotta love them...

I'm glad it was just a hairball...unfortunately, an expensive one for you...

[Lori, Ashley & Gilbert]

Thanks! The only thing that might be causing this is the kitty litter we use in his downstairs (basement) litterbox. It is Scoop Away and it has a lot of dust. I know when I scoop it out it gets into my sinuses. We use Tidy Cats upstairs because it is more expensive and works better at controlling odor, and when I scoop it I have no problems. I really don't think it is the litter dust, though, because we have been using that litter for a while before this all started.

I am a stay at home mom and I am here most of the time, so I'll be able to keep a close eye on this. Thanks again!


PS--Gilbert doesn't mind being brushed, he just loves to play with the brush so much it is hard to actually brush him. I have tried to break him from playing with the brush but he is obsessed with it. I am going to get another brush so I can brush him while he chews on the old one. *L*

[jason]

Thanks! The only thing that might be causing this is the kitty litter we use in his downstairs (basement) litterbox. It is Scoop Away and it has a lot of dust. I know when I scoop it out it gets into my sinuses. We use Tidy Cats upstairs because it is more expensive and works better at controlling odor, and when I scoop it I have no problems.

[endless litter plug] i use fresh step and like the clumping and low dust [/endless litter plug]

PS--Gilbert doesn't mind being brushed, he just loves to play with the brush so much it is hard to actually brush him.

yep, rocky does that too. i find its best to brush him just as he is waking up.

[LisaLisa]

Lori, Ashley and Gilbert,

I did alot of research on kitty litter on the Internet when Smokey had his episode. I was using Scoop Away at the time and was concerned about the dust and chemicals that are present in the litter to control odor. I ended up switching to Swheat Scoop which is a little more expensive but environmentally safe...just my experience..I'm happy with it..

Thanks for keeping a good eye on Gilbert...let us know what happens with the your guy.