My cat is coughing up white stuff

Question
I'm pretty sure there is an answer to my kitty Jack's problem, but I don't want to use up time. My Jack has been feeling "sick" for the past week. He sneezes and has a VERY bad cough. I tell him to puke it up...and he finally did today...it's white. That is all I know so far because he lives with my boyfriend's mom. He also has a male friend who lives under the house with him...we named him Jim, but Jim isn't sick like Jack is. Do you have an answer to our problem? Thank you. Hope to hear from you too.

Trisha

Answer
Hi Trisha,

Sorry it took me so long to get back to you, I had computer problems. The white stuff you see is probably phlegm. This is a mucous coating that the body makes to cover the throat and air ways when they are irritated. Jack could have many things wrong with him from just a simple cold to a more deadly disease. If he has had all his vaccines then I wouldn't worry about the bigger diseases. But if he hasn't, and has been in contact with other stray cats, then I would get him to a vet to be checked out.
The reason the other guy doesn't show any symptoms could be because he's had it and gave it to Jack. Or hasn't caught it yet, whatever it is. Take Jack to the vet to make sure it's just a cold. Good luck.

Ciao, Karen