Jan 7, 2025
If your cat begins coughing, it can be a worrying sign. Occasional cat coughs might not be something you should be alarmed about. However, it could be a sign of a more serious problem when it happens too often.
When this happens, it’s important to figure out what’s causing your cat to cough, how to diagnose it, and how to treat it properly. In this article, we’ll discuss the different reasons why your cat may be coughing and the best ways to help them feel better.
Common Causes of Cat Cough
Cats cough for several reasons, ranging from mild to serious cases, some even leading to fatal diseases. Understanding the root cause of your cat’s cough is important to get them treated effectively and immediately.
Respiratory Issues
One of the most common causes of cat coughing is respiratory problems, such as infections, asthma, and lung diseases. Bacterial, fungal, or viral infections can cause coughing, which may also be accompanied by stuffy nose, sneezing, and other symptoms.
Feline asthma is the inflammation and tightening of the airways, which can make breathing difficult for your cat. Your cat’s asthma attacks may also appear with coughing and wheezing.
In worse cases, lung disease might cause coughing in cats. Conditions like bronchitis, pneumonia, or lung cancer can affect the lungs, causing coughing, difficulty breathing, and weight loss.
Environmental Factors
Certain factors in your cat’s environment may irritate your cat’s respiratory system and lead to coughing. Allergens like dust, mold, or some specific foods can cause allergic reactions, triggering coughing, sneezing, and other symptoms.
Tiny objects like grass, fur, or small toys can be inhaled or swallowed by your cat. These items can also cause coughing in your cat as the body tries to expel them.
Parasitic Infections
Parasitic infections can also cause coughing in your cat. These parasites that affect the lungs are often contracted by cats through mosquito bites and ingesting infected animals.
When the parasites, like lungworms and heartworms, reach your cat’s respiratory system, one of the symptoms that will appear is coughing.
Digestive and Systemic Conditions
Cat cough can sometimes be caused by health issues beyond the respiratory system. Acid reflux can irritate the throat and trigger coughing. It might not be too common, but you might need to consider GERB if your cat’s cough tends to happen after meals or drinking.
Other conditions that affect the digestive system, heart, or your cat’s metabolism can also cause coughing as a symptom. If your cat’s cough is persistent or accompanied by other symptoms, your vet will diagnose your cat to rule out these causes.
When Should You Be Concerned About Cat Cough?
Not all coughs are concerning, but there are signs that you should monitor. When your cat’s coughing is accompanied by the signs below, you must consult a cat veterinarian immediately.
Coughing without hairballs may indicate an infection or asthma.
Persistent coughing for days can be a serious health concern.
A wet cat cough, often with mucus, may signal pneumonia or bronchitis.
Wheezing and coughing could point to asthma or other lung issues.
Coughing with sneezing or weight loss suggests a serious condition.
If possible, write down the symptoms and the timings of your cat’s coughing. During your cat’s health checkup, give the list of observations to your vet to aid in a more accurate diagnosis of your pet’s condition.
How to Diagnose Coughing in Cats
A thorough health check by the veterinarian is needed to determine why your cat is coughing. Your vet will perform a physical exam to detect any clinical signs of lung problems and other diseases.
Blood tests can be recommended by the vet to rule out infections or inflammations. Chest X-rays can also help diagnose the lungs and heart, showing possible blockages, tumors, or lung conditions. A bronchoscopy can also be used to examine your cat’s airways more closely.
Vets may use additional tests like heartworm screenings and fecal tests to detect parasitic infections. Together, these methods allow vets to accurately diagnose the root cause of your cat’s cough and create an effective treatment plan.
How to Treat Cat Cough
Once your vet identifies the cause of your cat’s cough, a tailored treatment plan will be created to target the cause of the symptom.
Antibiotics will be prescribed for bacterial infections, while viral or fungal infections will be treated with antifungal or antiviral medicines. If your cat has asthma, medications to reduce inflammation and ease breathing will be prescribed. The medicines can be administered orally or through an inhaler.
For allergic reactions, your vet will identify your cat’s triggers so you can prevent exposure for your pet. If a foreign object is causing the cough, it may need to be removed via surgery. Parasites can be treated with medications and managed through deworming.
In cases of digestive issues, combining diet adjustments and medicines can reduce the stomach acid in your cat’s body, which may help ease the cough. It’s essential to provide enough hydration and a stress-free environment while your cat recovers from any illness.
Preventing Cat Cough
It may be impossible to monitor your cat 24/7 to prevent all dangers and health risks. But there are a few steps you can take to reduce the chances of your cat getting sick, which can result in coughing.
Regular Vet Checkups – Annual checkups allow your vet to monitor your cat’s health and catch health issues early. This can prevent coughing and other problems from becoming more serious.
Cat Vaccinations – Keep your cat’s vaccinations updated to protect them from respiratory infections. This reduces the risk of illnesses that can lead to coughing.
Parasite Prevention – Use parasite preventatives to protect your cat from harmful parasites like lungworms and heartworms. Parasite management helps keep your cat’s respiratory system safe from infestations.
Weight Management – A balanced diet and maintaining weight supports your cat’s overall health. This is especially important to keep their respiratory system strong and disease-free.
Environmental Control – Keeping your home clean and minimizing allergens like pollen and dust can reduce coughing triggers. You can use an air purifier at home to improve the air quality for your cat’s breathing.
Stress-Free Environment – Create a calm and quiet space for your cat to feel comfortable and safe. Reducing stress can help lower your cat’s risk of respiratory issues and other health problems.
Conclusion
Cat coughing can be caused by various health problems, ranging from minor dust irritations to serious lung disease. Knowing when to seek veterinary care is crucial so your cat can be diagnosed and treated immediately.
By following the treatment plan created by your vet and taking preventive steps, you can help your cat reduce the chances of dealing with persistent coughing in the future.