How can I tell if my cat has asthma or hair balls?

About 1% of cats suffer from asthma. If it's a hairball, your cat will respond to hairball medications or simply place a bit of vaseline on the mouth or paws for your cat to lick off. That will get rid of the hairball. If the hairball is not coughed up in a day or 2, take your cat to the vet to be examined. Your vet will listen to chest sounds and can determine if the problem is asthma, which is also treatable.