Why Is My Cat Coughing?

Coughing is generally uncommon in cats, so if your cat is coughing more than the usual efforts to throw out hairballs, you may want to know why that is happening. There are different causes of cat cough, which can be determined by identifying other symptoms present with coughing. 

The article discusses the various causes of cat coughing, associated symptoms, and treatment options to help you understand why your cat is coughing and when you should call your veterinarian.

What Is Cat Coughing?

Cat coughing typically occurs due to inflammation of the mucous membrane that lines the trachea, bronchi, and bronchioles to thrust out a foreign material or mucus. 

If your cat’s cough is rare then there is nothing to worry about; however, if your cat coughing but no hairball and it is persistent and severe, you need to get them checked with a veterinarian to identify the underlying cause because coughing itself may not be an illness, it can be a symptom of one. 

It's important to determine the cause of coughing in your cat for timely and appropriate treatment. 

Causes of Cat Coughing 

There are various reasons why cats cough, some obvious while others require a trip to a veterinarian.

Respiratory Infections

Respiratory infections due to bacteria and viruses can cause coughing in cats. Sometimes parasitic and fungal organisms may also be culprits.

Allergies

More often, allergies of different origins cause cat cough. 

Asthma

Asthma in cats causes narrowing and swelling of the airway and mucus accumulation due to some triggers, which results in cat coughing. The causes include:

• Pollen

• Cat litter dust

• Perfume

• Mold

• Cigarette smoke

• Stress 

• Obesity

Foreign Bodies

If your cat has inhaled a food particle of grass pieces, they will cough to throw the foreign material out. 

Heartworm

Feline coughing is one of the signs of heartworm in cats. This disease may not be common in cats, but when it happens the worms live in the heart and blood vessels, causing damage to the lungs and cardiovascular system. 

Lung Disease

Coughing can be a sign of lung disease such as pneumonia, which is inflammation of the lungs caused by infection. In this condition, fluid builds up inside the lungs, which leads to breathing problems. It can become severe if left untreated. 

Symptoms to Watch Out For 

It is crucial to look out for symptoms when your cat is coughing because that usually tells about the cause of the cough.

Persistent Coughing

If the cough is persistent and has been around for a long time, it can be due to inflammation and irritation in the trachea and upper airways. 

Wheezing or Labored Breathing

Wheezing is typically a sign of asthma, which comes with coughing and difficulty breathing. 

Sneezing and Nasal Discharge 

Cat sneezing and coughing can be due to an upper respiratory infection. Infection of the nasal passages causes sneezing and nasal discharge. When some discharge goes back into the throat, it causes a cough. 

Lethargy and Appetite Loss

You may also notice that your cat is resting more than usual and has lost appetite. It can happen because of the difficulty in breathing and the discomfort of coughing constantly.

Diagnosing the Cause of Cat Coughing

According to an article by the VCA Animal Hospitals, cat coughing is usually linked with other signs of respiratory infection, so a vet will see the full picture easily. But if the cough is persistent and has become severe, the vet will prescribe further tests to understand the cause of the cough. 

A detailed medical history inquiring when the cough started and how it progressed is the main requirement. The vet will also ask whether you have recently made any changes in the home environment or any other symptoms you may have noticed. 

The diagnostic tests include blood tests such as heartworm antigen tests, laboratory cultures of a sample from the lower respiratory tract, and X-rays. In some cases, an ultrasound of the heart is also advised. 

Treatment Options for Cat Coughing

Treatment options for coughing in cats depend on the diagnosis. If the cough is caused by your cat inhaling some irritants, removing them from the cat's environment will help solve the problem. In mild cases, decongestant medication can help. However, if your cat’s cough is due to viral, bacterial, or fungal infection, your vet will likely prescribe antimicrobials to speed up the treatment.  

According to an article by PetMD, in cases of asthma, the treatment involves removing potential triggers and giving inhaled or systemic medicines to dilate airways and lessen swelling and inflammation. If your vet has diagnosed fluid around the lungs, they will treat it by removing the fluid with a syringe and further treatment to prevent it from building up again.

If your cat inhales an object, the vet will perform surgery to remove it and prescribe antibiotics for secondary bacterial infection. Since treatment options for heartworm disease are few, heartworm prevention is essential.

Conclusion

You can reduce the chances of your cat coughing by not using perfumes or any other scent that triggers their cough, having them checked for parasites, keeping their weight normal, and their playtime, feeding routine, and environment the same. This helps keep them calm and distressed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my cat keep sneezing but seem fine otherwise?

It can be due to an allergen, irritant, or cold. However, if your cat is sneezing constantly, a veterinarian will be able to diagnose the cause.