Why Is My Cat Coughing a Lot? Causes, Symptoms, and Solutions
Coughing in cats is not just a minor annoyance—it often signals an underlying health problem requiring attention. Unlike dogs, cats are not prone to frequent coughing, so when it occurs, it's crucial to understand its causes and implications. This article will explore the possible reasons for feline coughing, help you distinguish it from other behaviors, and guide you in seeking appropriate veterinary care.
Common Causes of Coughing in Cats
- Feline Asthma: A chronic condition involving inflammation of the airways. Triggers include pollen, dust, and mold. Symptoms include wheezing, difficulty breathing, and sometimes bluish gums or tongue, particularly during attacks.
- Respiratory Infections: Viruses (like herpesvirus or calicivirus), bacteria (like Bordetella), fungi, and parasites can cause coughing along with sneezing, nasal discharge, and fever.
- Allergies and Irritants: Inhalation of smoke, cleaning products, aerosols, or dusty litter can irritate your cat's respiratory system, triggering coughing spells.
- Heartworm and Lung Parasites: These infections can lead to coughing, lethargy, appetite loss, and even weight loss, often transmitted through other animals or environmental exposure.
- Heart Disease: Conditions like hypertrophic cardiomyopathy may cause fluid buildup in the lungs, leading to coughing and breathing difficulty.
- Foreign Bodies: Inhalation of items such as grass or food particles can cause abrupt and persistent coughing, often requiring urgent veterinary intervention.
- Hairballs: Cats groom frequently, and hairballs are common. While occasional coughing to expel them is normal, repetitive unproductive coughing suggests other issues.
- Tumors and Polyps: Benign or malignant growths in the throat or airways can obstruct airflow, resulting in coughing and mouth breathing.
When to Visit the Veterinarian
- Persistent or recurrent coughing that doesn’t resolve after a few days.
- Coughing accompanied by open-mouth breathing, wheezing, or blue/gray gums.
- Weight loss, lethargy, or loss of appetite.
- Coughing up blood or frothy discharge from the mouth or nose.
- Cats in clear distress, struggling to breathe or positioning themselves abnormally (e.g., extended neck).
Veterinary Diagnosis
Your vet will begin by collecting a thorough medical history, including details like:
- When the coughing started.
- Frequency and duration of cough.
- Any recent environmental changes.
- Other signs like sneezing or gagging.
A physical examination will be followed by diagnostics that may include:
- Chest X-rays to assess lung and airway condition.
- Blood tests, possibly including heartworm screening.
- Fecal exams to detect internal parasites.
- Ultrasound of the heart or lungs.
- Bronchoscopy or airway fluid sampling for further analysis.
Treatment Options
- Antibiotics for bacterial infections.
- Corticosteroids and bronchodilators for asthma.
- Anti-parasitic medications for worm-related infections.
- Surgical removal in case of tumors or foreign objects.
- Supportive care like humidifiers and rest for comfort.
Always complete any prescribed medication regimen to ensure full recovery and prevent recurrence.
Home Care and Prevention
- Use unscented, dust-free litter to reduce respiratory irritants.
- Avoid smoking indoors and using aerosols around your cat.
- Install air purifiers to maintain clean indoor air.
- Keep your cat’s environment stress-free and clean.
- Feed a balanced, nutritious diet to promote strong immunity.
- Regularly groom your cat to minimize hairball formation.
- Schedule routine veterinary checkups for early detection of health issues.
Distinguishing Coughing from Similar Behaviors
- Hairball expulsion: Usually accompanied by retching and visible hair. Happens from the stomach, not the lungs.
- Sneezing: A forceful expulsion from the nose—shorter and sharper than a cough.
- Gagging: Resembles retching, often does not produce vomit and may involve excessive swallowing.
Conclusion
While an occasional cough may not be a cause for worry, frequent or severe coughing in cats should never be ignored. Always monitor for accompanying symptoms and consult your veterinarian promptly if your cat's health seems compromised. Early diagnosis and proper treatment ensure your feline friend stays healthy and happy.
