In the last 5 days Scratch & Tickle, both 5 months old, are coughing, particularly after waking up. I say coughing, it's more like retching, although they are never actually sick. They crouch down and stretch out their necks, while their little stomachs heave. This lasts for about 1 minute and they don't seem to be distressed or in any pain. At their check up 10 days ago, the vet had checked them and said all was OK with their lungs, they've had all their vaccinations and are both wormed. Initially, I thought it might be hairballs but now I'm not sure. They have never coughed anything up. Any ideas? Thanks.

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There are so many things it could be that really the best thing is to pop them back to the vets for a checkover.

Coughing isnt normal, and if you dont think its hairballs (they shouldnt take that much shifting if it is one) then a trip to the vet is in order.

So, your saying its not really coughing?

Kittens can do this 'clearing their throat thing' where it looks like they are gonna be sick, its actually that while grooming a hair gets stuck at the back of the throat and irritates them and does look like heaving. I am pretty sure that this is what it is, considering you have just been to the vets with them and no cat flu symptoms are present.

Actual 'coughing', usually indicates heart failure or lung disease (both rare in young healthy kittens-more an older cat thing). Which you would have to be really unlucky to be happening with them both.

If you continue to worry about this, call your vets and ask their opinion! Cos you have already been so recently, they will offer free help over the phone. Let them decide if you need to go back with them!

Coughing can be a symptom of cat flu, including bordetella (kennel cough, yes cats do get it!) - usually there would be other symptoms as well as a cough, but I'd suggest a vet visit as whatever it is doesn't sound normal.

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thats the trouble

kennel cough
cat flu
gongestive heart failure
viral infection (too many to name)
asthma
other bacterial infection (too many to name)
paracites
obstruction or something caught in their throat (grass seed etc)
hairballs

sooo many possibles, that its impossible for anyone here to diagnose, were not qualified enough, and even if we are an online diagnosis is unprofessional...

This isnt aimed at being nasty to the op... but hopefully the next person coming accross thisthread with acoughing cat will go directly to the vet, wont pass go and wont collect their £200

Which is why I told the OP to call the vets

snap!