Even babies know that cats say ‘meow,’ but feline fans can think of lots of other sounds that cats make, too. A cat’s sweet purring is the ultimate compliment, and their chirps can make anyone smile! Although most cat sounds couldn’t be cuter, some of their noises raise alarm bells for veterinarians like @dr.tannetje.crocker.
Dr. Crocker is both a vet and a cat mom, which is why she sprang into action when her black cat began making a concerning sound. She shared a video to educate pet parents about how an innocent noise can sometimes indicate a much bigger problem. If your cat makes this sound, you should “call your vet” right away!
That doesn’t sound comfortable at all. Still, many cat parents would pass this off as a sudden, random cough, but Dr. Crocker saw red flags as soon as she put two and two together. As she explained in the video’s description, the hacking sound combined with an outstretched neck and hunched posture is a key indicator of feline asthma.
“Many owners come in worried their cat is trying to vomit when they look like this,” the veterinarian explained. “Please bring a video to your vet visits of any frequent abnormal sounds like this!”
Related: Tabby Cat at Veterinarian Makes Herself So Mad with Funny Hand Santizer Mishap
Recording a video may not seem like the most logical thing to do when a cat is feeling sick, but it can help your vet give the most accurate diagnosis. If it is a case of feline asthma, there are many medications that can help.
Coughing Cats
Several pet parents shared their own stories of coughing cats and the reason behind their hacking. Asthma wasn’t always the culprit!
@Stephaniek1989 wrote, “My cat did this. I thought it was asthma. It actually turned out to be histoplasmosis, a fungal infection in the lungs. Thankfully, she’s better now after a year of antifungal medication.” That’s a relief!
Another cat mom shared, “Mine did this. He was allergic to chicken and had to change his diet.” There are so many reasons why a cat could have trouble breathing clearly, which is why a trip to the vet is always warranted. Soon, your silly cat will feel better than ever!
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This story was originally published by PetHelpful on Apr 5, 2026, where it first appeared in the Pet News section. Add PetHelpful as a Preferred Source by clicking here.