Key Takeaways
Cat cough can be categorized as either dry (harsh and hacking) or wet (moist and phlegmy).
It's often accompanied by other symptoms, such as gagging, wheezing, labored breathing, sneezing, nasal/eye discharge, bluish gums, lethargy, or loss of appetite.
The cause is diagnosed through a physical exam, bloodwork, chest X-rays, and bronchoscopy. Treatment will depend on the cause.
Summary
Cat coughing is the expulsion of air from the airways to clear irritants from the respiratory tract. The irritants can be anything from simple mucus to foreign material. Occasional coughing can happen, but when it becomes too frequent, it points to an underlying issue such as airway inflammation and irritation.
So, if you notice one or if a cough persists, it should be observed. Feline coughing is a symptom that should never be ignored.
Dry vs. Wet Cough
A dry cough usually sounds harsh, hacking, or wheezy. This type happens when the airways are irritated, inflamed, or narrowed. Some cats may stretch their neck forward or crouch low in response. This posture is similar to a cat gagging on a hairball.
A wet cough suggests that the lungs, throat, or lower airways are producing excess mucus or are affected by an ongoing respiratory infection or inflammation. It sounds moist and congested, often being "productive," meaning that the cat may swallow or expel phlegm after coughing.
Causes
One of the most common causes is feline asthma, which inflames and narrows the airways, leading to a hacking cough. A similar condition is bronchitis. Inhaled irritants and allergens such as dust, smoke, perfume, cleaning sprays, pollen, and strong scents are common triggers.
Bacterial or viral infections affecting the upper respiratory tract may make the airways hypersensitive, thereby easily triggering the reflex. They also cause excess mucus and phlegm. Diseases that can cause an upper respiratory infection include feline herpesvirus, feline calicivirus, and Bordetella.
Parasites such as lungworms and heartworms have differing mechanics. Lungworms cause direct physical irritation and an allergic response to the eggs and larvae. Meanwhile, heartworms trigger an intense immune response when the larvae migrate into the small blood vessels and airways of the lungs.
Other causes include acid reflux, foreign objects, and lung cancer.
When to be concerned
Seek veterinary care if severe symptoms are present. Look out for:
Persistent coughing and wheezing
Breathing difficulties, rapid breathing, or open-mouth breathing
Coughing up blood or blue gums (a medical emergency)
Nasal discharge, watery eyes, or a runny nose
Fever, lethargy, reduced appetite, or weight loss
Our veterinarians recommend monitoring starting from the onset of mild symptoms. If possible, write down the signs you observe and take a video.
How the cause is diagnosed
Physical exam, medical history, bloodwork, chest X-rays, and a bronchoscopy are used to determine why your cat is coughing.
Our vets will listen closely to the heart and lungs. We may also gently massage your cat's windpipe if this triggers a cough.
We will perform bloodwork to assess systemic infection and inflammation. Chest X-rays are an effective tool for visualizing your cat's lungs, helping us detect inflammation, fluid buildup, or airway blockages.
A bronchoscopy also allows us to directly visualize the airways, collect mucus samples, and remove foreign objects.
How is a coughing cat treated?
The treatment plan depends on the underlying cause of your cat’s cough.
For example, a case of feline asthma will be managed with corticosteroids to reduce inflammation and bronchodilators to open the airways.
Antibiotics will be prescribed for bacterial infections, while viral or fungal infections will be treated with antifungal or antiviral medicines.
Lungworms will be treated with fenbendazole or ivermectin. This can take several weeks to 2 months. For heartworm disease, there's no safe or approved drug for cats. The focus then shifts to supportive care and medications.
For foreign objects, safe removal under sedation will be performed.
Preventive Tips
It's best to schedule wellness exams at the clinic for veterinary advice and preventive care.
"The first step is to have your cat vaccinated as soon as possible, ideally at around 6-8 weeks of age. Vaccines are essential to safeguard your cat against deadly viruses, including feline calicivirus and feline herpesvirus," says Dr. Nenad. Keep these updated with annual boosters.
Minimize allergens at home and improve air quality through air purifiers and humidifiers. We also recommend cleaning your home regularly, especially carpets. Plus, focus on their litter box, bedding, and quiet space.
These will significantly improve your cat's breathing and reduce the risk of allergies and asthma attacks. If you notice severe symptoms, seek emergency vet care and attention immediately.
“A coughing cat needs help. Let's bring them to the clinic for a complete checkup and examination.”
- Dr. Lidija Krvavac
Frequent coughing in cats is never normal and often stems from respiratory issues, infections, and parasites. A veterinary checkup is always the safest next step. Once we find the cause, we'll help your cat recover smoothly and happily.
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