Aug 14, 2024
A cat's cough is a reflex action designed to get rid of any irritants or foreign objects that may cause irritation and inflammation to the throat. However, unlike a human cough, which is often loud and obvious, a cat’s cough can be subtle, sometimes mistaken for retching or gagging.
Coughing in cats can range from a mild, infrequent issue to a sign of a more serious underlying condition. While an occasional cough might not be a cause for alarm, persistent coughing should not be ignored, as it could indicate a more significant health problem.
What Causes Cat Cough
Several factors can cause a cat to cough. These concerns can be mild to serious, some even leading to some very deadly diseases. Here are some of the common reasons why your cat might be coughing:
Respiratory Infections
One of the most common causes of coughing in cats is respiratory infections. The causes can be from bacteria, viruses, or fungi. Conditions like feline herpesvirus, calicivirus, and Bordetella bronchiseptica can lead to upper respiratory infections, often accompanied by cat coughing.
Asthma
Feline asthma is another leading cause of coughing in cats. This condition is similar to human asthma and is characterised by the inflammation and constriction of the airways. Along with coughing, cats with asthma may also have wheezing, sneezing, and difficulty breathing.
Allergies
Allergens can cause your cats to cough. Pollen, mould, dust, and dirt are some of the common allergens present in a cat’s environment. They may also have allergies to the food they eat and the animals or people they interact with. Anything that can cause allergies and irritations to your cats can cause coughing and other symptoms like sneezing and itching.
Foreign Bodies
Sometimes, a cat may inhale or ingest foreign objects, such as grass, hairballs, or small toys, which can become lodged in the throat or airways, triggering a cough as the body attempts to expel the object. Anything that can get lodged up in their throats may cause coughing in your cats.
Lung Disease
Lung diseases, including bronchitis, pneumonia, or lung cancer, can also cause coughing in cats. These conditions are often present with other signs such as laboured breathing, wheezing, and weight loss.
Parasites
Internal parasites, particularly lungworms or heartworms, can infect a cat's respiratory system, causing coughing. These parasites can be contracted through exposure to infected prey or mosquito bites.
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease
Acid reflux can be the cause of your cat’s cough as it shoots up stomach acid into the oesophagus, which can cause irritation, inflammation, and coughing. While less common in cats than in humans, it can still be a factor to consider.
How to Diagnose Cat Cough
Diagnosing the cause of a cat’s cough requires a thorough examination by a veterinarian. Since coughing can be a symptom of various conditions, a step-by-step approach is often necessary to pinpoint the exact cause.
Medical History
Our veterinarians will start by gathering a detailed history of the cat's health, including any recent changes in behaviour, appetite, or environment. Information about the onset, frequency, and nature of the cough will also be crucial.
Physical Examination
A physical exam will help our vets assess the cat’s overall health and look for any obvious signs of illness. This may include listening to the cat's heart and lungs with a stethoscope to detect abnormal sounds such as wheezing, crackles, or murmurs.
Allergy Testing
We may conduct allergy testing to test for the triggers of your cat’s cough. This could involve blood tests or intradermal skin testing.
Diagnostic Tests
A series of tests will be done to determine the cause of the cough. The results will help us choose the best treatment option for your cat’s cough.
Blood Tests
Blood work can help identify infections, inflammation, or other issues that may be the cause of your cat’s cough. Blood tests help our vets get a deeper view of what’s happening inside your cats.
X-rays
Chest X-rays are often used to examine the lungs, heart, and airways. They can reveal the presence of fluid, tumours, or foreign objects, as well as signs of lung disease or heart problems.
Bronchoscopy
In some cases, a bronchoscopy may be performed, where a small camera is inserted into the cat's airways to directly visualise the respiratory tract and take tissue samples if necessary.
Faecal Tests
If parasites are suspected, a faecal test may be conducted to check for the presence of lungworms or other parasites.
Heartworm Test
If heartworm disease is a possibility, as specific procedure of blood testing will be conducted to check for any presence of heartworm antigens.
How to Treat Cat Cough
The treatment for a cat’s cough will depend on the underlying cause. Once a diagnosis is made, our veterinarians will develop a tailored treatment plan.
Antibiotics
If we think bacteria is the cause of your cat’s cough, antibiotics will be prescribed. Antibiotics are an effective method to treat cat coughs but It’s important to complete the full course of antibiotics even if the symptoms clear away.
Antifungal or Antiviral Medications
When viruses or fungi are deemed to be the cause of your cat’s coughing, appropriate antifungal or antiviral medications will be administered for fungal or viral respiratory infections. Along with this, we’ll help you with the optimal schedule for taking the medications.
Asthma Management
For cats diagnosed with asthma, treatment usually involves the use of bronchodilators and corticosteroids to reduce inflammation and open up the airways. These medications can be administered through an inhaler or orally. Inhalers specifically designed for cats are available, and we will guide you on how to properly use them.
Allergy Management
If the cat’s cough is due to allergies, identifying and avoiding the allergen is the first step. In cases where this isn’t possible, antihistamines or corticosteroids may be prescribed to manage symptoms. In some cases, allergy shots or immunotherapy may be recommended to help your cat recover from coughing.
Removal of Foreign Bodies
If a foreign object is causing your cat’s cough, it will need to be removed. This may require a bronchoscopy or, in some cases, surgery. After removal, your cat may need antibiotics and other medications to prevent secondary infections.
Parasite Treatment
In cases where parasites are the culprits for your cat;s cough, antiparasitic medications will be used. These medications target the specific parasites identified in diagnostic tests. Regular preventive treatments can help protect the cat from future infestations.
GERD Management
If GERD is diagnosed, treatment may involve dietary changes. We’ll recommend methods such as feeding smaller, more frequent meals and medications to reduce stomach acid production. In some cases, prokinetic drugs that help move food through the digestive tract more efficiently may be prescribed.
Supportive Care
Regardless of the cause, supportive care can help your cat recover from its cough. This may include providing a stress-free environment, ensuring the cat stays hydrated, and offering a nutritious diet. Humidifiers can also help keep the airways moist and reduce coughing.
How to Prevent Cat Cough
Preventing a cat cough involves a combination of good health practices, regular veterinary care, and a safe living environment. Several steps are needed to keep your cat healthy, happy, and safe.
Regular Vet Checkups
Regular vet checkups can help prevent health issues. Routine checkups can catch potential problems before they become serious and ensure that any underlying conditions are managed effectively. Preventing your cat’s cough starts with a good checkup.
Vaccinations
Keeping up with vaccinations can prevent many respiratory infections that could lead to cat coughing. Cat vaccines are available for common feline respiratory pathogens like feline herpesvirus and calicivirus.
Parasite Control
Regular use of parasite preventives can protect against internal parasites such as lungworms and heartworms, which can cause respiratory issues. Consult with us about the best preventive measures for your cat based on their lifestyle and environment.
Diet and Weight Management
Keeping your cat’s diet and weight in check can support overall respiratory health. Obesity can contribute to respiratory problems, so ensuring your cat stays at a good weight is important for keeping it healthy and happy.
Environmental Control
Keeping your home clean can help prevent any smoke, dirt, dust, and strong chemicals from harming your cat. Use air purifiers and cat pheromones to help keep your cat smell calming scents that help it prevent any coughing.
Stress Reduction
Stress can weaken your cats and keep their bodies vulnerable to diseases and other health issues. Keeping a stress-free home and a comfortable place for your cat to stay helps keep their mental and physical health in check.
Heartworm Prevention
In areas where heartworm is prevalent, regular administration of heartworm-preventive medication is crucial. Even cats staying indoors can be at risk, as heartworms are transmitted through mosquito bites.
Conclusion
Cat coughing is a symptom that presents a range of underlying health issues, from mild irritations to serious diseases. Understanding the potential causes of cat cough, getting an accurate diagnosis, and following the appropriate treatment plan is key to ensuring your cat's well-being. Preventive measures, such as regular vet visits, vaccinations, and a great lifestyle helps keep your cat cough-free. Let’s keep our cats healthy and happy!