For all cat lovers, a cat’s purr is the sweetest voice on Earth. As Barbara L Diamond rightly said,” If there were to be a universal sound depicting peace, I would surely vote for the purr”. Likewise, there would be countless other admirers of cat sounds.
However, what if this sweet voice gets interrupted by a periodic coughing sound? Of course, like humans, even cats cough, and it could be very disturbing as well as irritating to hear those coughing sounds.
However, it should be noted that their coughing is not always a matter to worry about, but sometimes it becomes absolutely necessary to give your cat medical aid.
Want to know more about cat coughing, its reasons, treatments, and other important things about which you’re still not aware? Then, you have landed on the correct page! So, take a pen and paper to note and read along!
Why Does A Cat Cough?
What happens when your airways become clogged with smoke? What do you do when you feel dust particles in your throat?
Obviously, cough! Similarly, cats also cough, as a reflex action, to remove irritants like dust, mucus, etc., out of their airways.
It is a necessary process to clear the foreign particles from the airways and making breathing easier.
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It is true that coughing is a reflex action, but this doesn’t approve of the fact that it should always be ignored. Coughing can be a sign of various problems in your feline’s body, including some serious ones as well!
Cat Coughing Causes
Generally, coughing arises due to some irritation in the respiratory system. However, the causes are not as easy to figure out as you’re thinking.
Other than problems in respiration, more causes can be attached to the same.
In fact, as cats can’t communicate their problems through writing or speaking, it becomes all the more difficult for the owners to recognize the root cause easily.
Well, here is the list of causes that would help you out to pick the right one for your furry. Have a look.
1. Hairballs
We all know that cats lick their coat in order to clean it. In this process, sometimes, a ball of hair collects in their stomach. This ‘ball of hair’ is referred to as ‘hairball’.
To get rid of them, cats first give a nagging sound, which we all know is very irritating, and then finally puke the hairball out.
Therefore, in this case, coughing could be a sign for you to get up and walk slightly away from your cat!
2. Upper Respiratory Infections
Upper respiratory infection is a common viral infection seen in cats. It affects their airways and nose badly and is often marked by the sudden onset of coughing in cats.
To make yourself sure of the cause, see if your cat’s coughing is accompanied by sneezing, running nose, congestion, nasal discharge, decreased appetite, and retching or choking.
The company of these symptoms would increase the probability of your cat suffering from an upper respiratory infection. Immediately take her to the vet if that’s the case!
3. Asthma
Yes! Even cats suffer from asthma, like humans. If your cat is coughing continuously for since long, then beware! Asthma can badly affect their immune system, due to which cats might feel inflammation.
The inner lining of airways in cats might swell up and produce mucus, making them feel difficult to breathe. This also makes their airways more sensitive than ever. In the worst case, this situation can also be life-threatening for your lovely Kitty.
4. Heartworms
These are some thread-like worms whose symptoms are similar to that of asthma (to the extent of confusing you, maybe!).
To give you another reason to hate mosquitos, heartworms spread from host to host through mosquito bites! Vomiting, loss of appetite, weight loss, etc., are some common symptoms in cats suffering from heartworms.
5. Lung Cancer
Other than coughing, is your cat facing difficulty in breathing? Is she losing her weight suddenly? If that’s the case, then immediately look out! It must be a sign that your cat is suffering from lung cancer.
Difficulty in breathing, rapid breathing, lethargy, coughing up blood, and sudden weight loss, when combined with coughing, boosts the idea of lung cancer in your cat. A proper medication by a veterinarian is the only rescue here.
6. Congestive Heart Failure
The function of the heart is to pump blood. What if the heart fails to pump blood as it should do! This happens in congestive heart failure.
Even in cats, this illness happens because of the thickening of the heart’s walls or high blood pressure, birth defects, or thyroid disease.
Due to the failure of the heart to circulate blood properly, the fluid gets back up in the lungs. This makes the cat drastically cough, feel short of breath, lose weight and appetite rapidly, and they can even- die!
When To Get Concerned?
1. Your Cat Coughs With No Hairball
If your cat is coughing with no hairball, then there might be something serious about it. This is a sign that coughing is occurring due to other problems, including feline asthma, respiratory infections, respiratory tract diseases, parasitic conditions, etc.
If your cat is coughing consistently, like few times a week or so, then it can be a sign of asthma! In addition, your cat might also crouch low to the ground with the neck facing upwards, trying to fill in as much air as possible while coughing. If ignored, it can turn out to be fatal for your cat.
2. Frequent Coughing By Your Cat
Have you ever noticed how frequently your cat coughs? If your cat is coughing very frequently and continues to do so for many days, then you need to take her to the vet.
If the situation is worsening day by day, then prompt action from your side is necessary. A little bit of negligence by the owner might cost a huge amount in the future. These frequent coughing could be a result of asthma or respiratory infection.
3. Your Cat Has A Wet Cough
If your cat produces a wet cough while coughing, phlegm or sputum, a mucousy substance, would also come out with it.
You can identify such a cough with a moist sound, which is capable of catching immediate attention. To scare you more, this can be the indication of a lower respiratory problem.
4. Wheezing Noise Comes In Between Coughs
Does your cat produce wheezing sounds in between coughs? Alert! It could be because of feline asthma. Actually, a wheezing sound arises when your cat is unable to receive enough oxygen.
This could be because of the contraction of air passages or/and swelling due to inflammation. The wheezing sound comes from lower airways in such a case.
5. Your Cat is Sneezing and Coughing
In some cases, coughing is accompanied by sneezing, so it makes the situation more troublesome. This horrific combination may point towards serious illnesses like respiratory infections or viral.
6. Your Cat Begins to Lose Weight
Is your cat losing her weight suddenly? Has she reduced her appetite for no reason? Other than coughing, if your cat has brought down her appetite and is losing a lot of weight in a few days, then you need to pay attention. These are the symptoms of parasites or infection, which shouldn’t be given a blind eye.
7. Your Cat Has Recurrent Cough
If your cat’s cough keeps on re-occurring, then a veterinarian’s aid is necessary. Only a vet can tell the correct reason, which is causing the cough to return back again and again.
Most of the time, it happens because of allergies or feline asthma, which has the potential to catch hold of your cat for a lifetime if not managed properly.
8. Bluish Tinge in Your Cat’s Gums And Tongue
While coughing, if your cat is showing a bluish or greyish tinge in the tongue or gums, then this could be an indication that your poor Kitty is unable to get enough oxygen. Take her to the vet immediately, even if she’s showing such signs for the first time.
Treating Your Cat’s Coughing
There are different treatments for different situations in cat coughing. If your cat was coughing due to a hairball, then it might stop immediately after her puking out of the same. However, in other situations, treatment by a veterinarian is a must.
Sometimes, owners take the onus of finding the root cause behind their feline’s coughing. They end up giving their own treatments and, finally, messing up with her health.
Take a note that always consults a vet before attempting to treat your cat yourself. A vet should be approached immediately after noticing peculiar behavioral changes in your cat.
Don’t try to jump directly to the treatment before diagnosing your cat because treatment without diagnosis might worsen the health of your dear feline.
Treating Cat Asthma And Respiratory Infections
You must be wondering that out of all illnesses, feline asthma and respiratory infections look almost incurable. However, fortunately, both of these illnesses are curable.
Specifically, for Feline asthma, there are two types of prescribed medications: corticosteroids for treating inflammation and bronchodilators for expanding airways.
To relax you more, also, these medications can be inhaled, taken orally, and even injected; however, inhaled medication is the one most preferred.
They must have high chances of side effects? Not really. Unlike systemic steroids, inhaled steroids aren’t metabolized by the body, and they directly target the lungs, reducing the chances of side effects.
Furthermore, Inhaler with an aerosol chamber is the most effective choice for inhaled medications. Can anti-histamines be used to treat asthma and bronchitis? There’s no evidence as such.
Preparations Before Visiting A Vet
Be ready to answer the bombardment of questions! If your cat is sneezing and coughing, finding difficulty breathing, losing a lot of weight suddenly, or maybe reducing her appetite, inform your vet about the slightest of information.
Don’t assume any detail to be useless by yourself; leave it to the vet. If you’re still unsure of noting everything, then record a video of your cat coughing at home and show it to the vet. All the details are necessary for the vet to diagnose your cat correctly.
You should be ready with the answers of questions like, ‘is the cough wet or dry?’, ‘how frequently does coughing occur?’, ‘does your cat go outside?’, etc. Finally, speak what you’ve noticed and don’t cook the symptoms by yourself.
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Conclusion
Generally, cat coughing is not a serious problem and is rather very common. However, sometimes it can be very serious and, in fact, is capable of taking your cat’s life!
Always take a veterinarian’s advice before jumping to treat your feline by yourself. Just one wrong step of yours may cost your Kitty’s life.
Therefore, it is necessary that you meet the vet even when your cat isn’t coughing very frequently.
Don’t ignore small behavioral changes like reducing your cat’s appetite, physical activity, etc., and increase in breathlessness, recurrence of coughing, etc.
Please take a note of them and inform them all to the vet. Last but not least, be a cautious and concerned owner to have a healthy and happy feline!
Here are some FAQs about cat coughing:
1. Why is my cat coughing?
Coughing in cats can be caused by a variety of factors, including:
- Hairballs: Cats often cough when trying to expel hairballs from grooming.
- Respiratory infections: Viral or bacterial infections, such as feline upper respiratory infections (URI), can cause coughing.
- Asthma: Feline asthma is a common condition that can lead to coughing and wheezing.
- Allergies: Cats may cough due to environmental allergens like dust, pollen, or smoke.
- Heart disease: Congestive heart failure can lead to coughing as fluid accumulates in the lungs.
- Parasites: Lungworms, heartworms, or other parasites can cause coughing.
- Foreign objects: A lodged object in the throat or airway may trigger coughing.
2. What does a cat’s cough sound like?
A cat’s cough can sound different depending on the cause. It may be:
- Dry and hacking: This is common with hairballs or asthma.
- Wet and phlegmy: This may indicate a respiratory infection or fluid in the lungs.
- Gagging or retching: Often related to hairballs or a foreign object in the throat.
3. Is coughing in cats normal?
Occasional coughing in cats, especially due to hairballs, can be normal. However, persistent coughing or coughing accompanied by other symptoms like wheezing, labored breathing, or lethargy is not normal and requires veterinary attention.
4. When should I worry about my cat’s coughing?
You should be concerned if your cat’s coughing is:
- Frequent or occurs over several days.
- Accompanied by wheezing, labored breathing, or blue gums.
- Related to vomiting, weight loss, or lethargy.
- Wet or productive, indicating possible fluid in the lungs.
- Associated with a known history of asthma, heart disease, or allergies. If any of these symptoms are present, it’s important to take your cat to the vet for diagnosis.
5. Can cats have asthma?
Yes, feline asthma is a common condition, especially in middle-aged cats. It is an inflammatory disease of the airways that causes coughing, wheezing, and difficulty breathing. Asthma attacks in cats can range from mild to severe and require veterinary treatment.
6. How can I tell if my cat has asthma?
Signs of asthma in cats include:
- Coughing (usually dry and hacking).
- Wheezing or difficulty breathing.
- Open-mouthed breathing or panting.
- Lethargy or reluctance to play. If you suspect your cat has asthma, a vet can confirm the diagnosis with a physical exam, x-rays, and other tests.
7. What are common respiratory infections that cause coughing in cats?
Common respiratory infections include:
- Feline viral rhinotracheitis (FVR), caused by feline herpesvirus.
- Feline calicivirus (FCV).
- Bordetella bronchiseptica (kennel cough in cats).
- Chlamydia felis. These infections often cause sneezing, nasal discharge, and coughing. In more severe cases, they can lead to pneumonia.
8. Can hairballs cause coughing?
Yes, hairballs are a common cause of coughing in cats. Cats ingest hair while grooming, and when it accumulates in the stomach, they try to cough it up. The cough may sound gagging or hacking, and you might see your cat eventually expel the hairball.
9. How can I help my cat with hairballs and coughing?
To help your cat with hairballs:
- Brush your cat regularly to remove excess fur.
- Use hairball control treats or lubricants to help pass hairballs through the digestive system.
- Ensure your cat is well-hydrated, as dehydration can make it harder to pass hairballs. If the coughing persists or your cat is unable to expel a hairball, consult your vet.
10. What are some home remedies for cat coughing?
Some home remedies that may help with mild cases of coughing include:
- Using a humidifier: Adding moisture to the air can help ease coughing, especially if it’s due to dry air or allergies.
- Regular brushing: Reducing hair ingestion can prevent hairball-related coughing.
- Air purifiers: These can help remove allergens like dust or pollen from the air. However, it’s important to consult a vet before trying home remedies, especially if the coughing is persistent or severe.
11. Can allergies cause coughing in cats?
Yes, cats can develop allergies to environmental factors like dust, pollen, mold, or cigarette smoke, which can lead to coughing. Allergic reactions can also cause sneezing, itchy skin, and watery eyes. Your vet can help identify and treat allergies in cats.
12. Can heart disease cause coughing in cats?
Yes, certain forms of heart disease, particularly congestive heart failure, can cause coughing in cats. This happens when fluid builds up in the lungs or around the heart, leading to difficulty breathing and coughing. If your cat has heart disease, it’s important to monitor them closely for coughing and other symptoms like lethargy and reduced appetite.
13. What are the symptoms of a cat with lungworms?
Lungworms are parasites that infect the respiratory system, causing coughing, wheezing, and difficulty breathing. Cats with lungworms may also show signs of lethargy and weight loss. If your cat has been outdoors or exposed to slugs, snails, or other animals carrying lungworms, this should be considered as a possible cause of coughing.
14. How are lungworms treated in cats?
Lungworms are typically treated with antiparasitic medications prescribed by a veterinarian. Treatment may include dewormers such as fenbendazole or ivermectin. A vet will diagnose the condition through tests, including fecal analysis and imaging.
15. Can heartworms cause coughing in cats?
Yes, although heartworms are more common in dogs, they can also affect cats. Heartworms can cause respiratory symptoms like coughing, difficulty breathing, and wheezing. Cats with heartworm disease may experience sudden respiratory distress, which requires immediate veterinary attention.
16. What should I do if my cat is coughing up blood?
If your cat is coughing up blood (a condition called hemoptysis), it is a serious issue that requires immediate veterinary attention. Causes may include:
- Trauma to the chest or throat.
- Severe respiratory infections.
- Lung cancer.
- Heart failure.
- Foreign objects in the airway. Prompt medical evaluation is essential.
17. How is cat coughing diagnosed?
To diagnose the cause of coughing, a veterinarian may perform:
- Physical examination.
- X-rays or ultrasound of the chest to check for fluid or abnormalities.
- Blood tests to rule out infections or other systemic issues.
- Fecal tests to check for parasites like lungworms.
- Bronchoscopy or tracheal wash to examine the airways and take samples for testing.
18. Can secondhand smoke cause coughing in cats?
Yes, secondhand smoke can irritate a cat’s lungs and lead to coughing, wheezing, and other respiratory issues. Cats exposed to cigarette smoke are also at higher risk of developing asthma, bronchitis, and lung cancer.
19. How is feline asthma treated?
Feline asthma is often treated with:
- Bronchodilators to open up the airways.
- Corticosteroids to reduce inflammation in the lungs.
- Inhalers or nebulizers to deliver medication directly to the lungs. Long-term management of feline asthma may also involve reducing environmental triggers like smoke, dust, or allergens.
20. How can I prevent my cat from coughing?
To reduce the likelihood of coughing in your cat:
- Keep your home free of dust, smoke, and allergens.
- Provide regular grooming to minimize hairball formation.
- Maintain a healthy diet and exercise routine for your cat to prevent obesity and related respiratory issues.
- Ensure your cat is vaccinated against respiratory infections.
- Regularly deworm your cat to prevent parasitic infections.
