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Cat Coughing
Cats coughing can be worrying for pet parents, especially when you don’t know what’s causing it. A cat’s cough is usually the body’s natural reflex to clear irritants from the airways, but it may also signal something more serious like asthma, infections, parasites, or even heart disease. Since cat coughing can look and sound very different from human coughing, many owners often confuse it with gagging, vomiting, or reverse sneezing. While some cases are minor and resolve quickly, others can be life-threatening and require immediate veterinary care. Understanding the causes, symptoms, and treatments for cat coughing can help you protect your feline friend and know when it’s time to see the vet.
What Is Cat Coughing?
Cat coughing is a reflex designed to protect the respiratory system by expelling irritants, mucus, or foreign material from the lungs and airways. Unlike a sneeze, which clears the nasal passages, a cough originates deeper in the throat or chest. Depending on the cause, a cat’s cough may sound dry and hacking, wet and phlegmy, or wheezy. Some cats even crouch with their necks extended while coughing, making it appear as though they’re trying to vomit. This can make it difficult for pet parents to distinguish between coughing, gagging, or hairball regurgitation.
If you notice additional signs such as bluish gums, open-mouth breathing, lethargy, or blood-tinged mucus, treat it as an emergency and seek veterinary help immediately.
Common Causes of Cat Coughing
If you’re asking yourself, “Why is my cat coughing?” there are several possible reasons. Here are the most common ones:
1. Collapsing Trachea
Although more common in dogs, some cats may have a narrowed or weakened trachea (windpipe) that restricts airflow. This often produces a harsh “goose honk” type cough.
2. Bronchitis
Feline bronchitis is inflammation of the bronchial tubes inside the lungs. Cats with bronchitis usually develop a persistent, dry, hacking cough that may worsen with activity.
3. Upper Respiratory Infections
Bacterial and viral infections, such as feline viral rhinotracheitis, can cause airway irritation. Depending on the severity, the cough may sound dry or wet and often occurs alongside sneezing, nasal discharge, or fever.
4. Heartworm Disease
Though less common in cats than dogs, heartworm disease can still occur. The parasites inflame the lungs and heart, leading to coughing, wheezing, and sometimes sudden collapse.
5. Parasites
Roundworms and lungworms can migrate through the respiratory system, triggering coughing as the body reacts to the irritation.
6. Allergies
Just like people, cats can develop environmental allergies. Pollen, dust, smoke, and even certain cleaning products can inflame the airways, leading to coughing and wheezing.
7. Foreign Objects
A blade of grass, dust, or tiny object inhaled by accident can irritate the throat or lungs, making your cat cough until the object is expelled.
8. Asthma
Feline asthma is a chronic condition that causes airway inflammation, narrowing, and spasms. Cats with asthma often have recurring dry coughs and may crouch low to the ground during episodes.
9. Tumors
Though rare, tumors in the chest or airways may obstruct breathing and cause coughing, sometimes with blood-tinged mucus.
When To Worry About Cat Coughing
A single cough here and there may not be concerning, but persistent coughing or coughing combined with other symptoms means it’s time to act. Seek emergency veterinary care if your cat has:
- Bluish or pale gums
- Open-mouth breathing or abnormal breathing patterns
- Blood in the mucus
- Sudden lethargy or collapse
- Loss of appetite alongside coughing
Diagnosing Cat Coughing
Your veterinarian will begin with a physical exam, listening to the chest and possibly stimulating a cough to evaluate its sound. Depending on findings, they may recommend:
- Chest X-rays – to detect bronchitis, asthma, tumors, or fluid buildup.
- Ultrasound – to look for abnormalities like fluid pockets or masses.
- Blood tests – to check overall health and screen for infections or heartworm disease.
- Stool analysis – to identify intestinal parasites like roundworms.
- Bronchoscopy – using a thin camera to visualize the airways and collect fluid samples.
- Thoracocentesis – removing chest fluid for testing under sedation.
Treatment Options for Cat Coughing
Treatment depends entirely on the cause. Some common veterinary approaches include:
- Antibiotics for bacterial infections (e.g., Clavamox).
- Anti-inflammatories like prednisolone to reduce airway swelling.
- Bronchodilators such as albuterol to open the airways, especially for asthma.
- Antiparasitic medications (e.g., Revolution) to eliminate worms or mites.
- Surgery if a tumor or foreign object is the culprit.
Home Remedies and Care for Coughing Cats
While medical treatment is often necessary, you can support your cat at home by:
- Using a humidifier to add moisture to the air and ease breathing.
- Keeping your cat in a quiet, stress-free environment with plenty of rest.
- Providing fresh water and a balanced diet to support recovery.
- Avoiding smoke, strong perfumes, or dust that may worsen coughing.
Cat Coughing FAQs
What should I do if my cat is coughing?
Monitor your cat closely. If coughing persists or is accompanied by other symptoms, schedule a vet visit right away.
Why does my cat cough like something is stuck in their throat?
This may be due to a foreign object, airway inflammation, or even hairballs. If the coughing doesn’t stop, consult your vet.
My cat is acting normal but coughing occasionally—should I worry?
Some cats cough occasionally due to irritants, allergens, or dry air. However, if the cough becomes frequent or intense, it’s best to get them checked.
What does it mean if my cat sounds like they’re coughing but nothing comes up?
Dry, unproductive coughs are often linked to asthma, bronchitis, or allergies. These conditions require veterinary care for proper management.