Why Is My Cat Coughing Like Something Is Stuck in His Throat?
It's concerning when your cat begins coughing as if something is lodged in its throat. Unlike dogs, cats don't cough frequently, so when they do, it's often a sign that something's wrong. Understanding the root causes of coughing and recognizing when to seek veterinary care is vital for maintaining your cat’s health.
Common Causes of Coughing in Cats
- Feline Asthma: One of the most common reasons for a cat’s persistent cough. Triggered by allergens such as dust, pollen, or mold, feline asthma involves inflammation and constriction of the airways. Symptoms may include coughing, wheezing, rapid breathing, and even blue-tinged gums during severe attacks.
- Respiratory Infections: Viral infections (like feline herpesvirus or calicivirus), bacterial (such as Bordetella), or fungal infections can inflame the airways. These often come with sneezing, nasal discharge, and fever.
- Airborne Irritants and Allergens: Household cleaners, smoke, essential oils, and dusty litter can irritate a cat’s lungs, leading to coughing. Identify and minimize exposure for improvement.
- Heartworm or Lungworm Infections: Parasites may cause coughing along with lethargy and weight loss. Transmitted by mosquitoes or ingestion of infected prey, these require thorough deworming treatment.
- Heart Conditions: Diseases like hypertrophic cardiomyopathy lead to fluid accumulation in the lungs, causing coughing and trouble breathing. These cases merit urgent cardiac evaluation.
- Foreign Bodies: Inhalation of small items like grass or food particles can trigger sudden, intense coughing. A veterinary visit is essential to remove obstructions safely.
- Hairballs: Cats naturally groom themselves and ingest hair, leading to occasional hairballs. However, persistent coughing without producing hair may indicate an underlying medical issue.
- Tumors and Polyps: Benign or malignant growths in the throat or airways may cause chronic coughing, particularly in older cats.
Recognizing Symptoms That Require Veterinary Help
While minor, self-resolving coughs don't always demand immediate care, there are warning signs that indicate a more serious issue:
- Coughing that is persistent or recurrent
- Breathing with an open mouth or labored respsiration
- Presence of wheezing or blue/gray gums
- Coughing up mucus, blood, or foam
- Lack of appetite, lethargy, or sudden weight loss
Diagnostic Steps Your Vet May Take
Your veterinarian will perform a comprehensive evaluation, often beginning with history taking:
- When did the cough start? Is it dry or wet?
- Does it happen after activity or rest?
- Are there environmental changes, such as new triggers?
From here, diagnostic testing might include:
- Chest X-rays to look for blockages, masses, or fluid buildup
- Blood work including heartworm screens
- Fecal tests to detect parasites
- Ultrasound of chest or specific organs
- Bronchoscopy or airway fluid sampling for further analysis
Treatment Options Based on Diagnosis
- Antibiotics if a bacterial infection is identified
- Corticosteroids or bronchodilators to manage asthma
- Anti-parasitic medications for worms
- Surgical removal of foreign bodies or tumors
- Symptomatic support like humidification and rest
It’s crucial to follow treatment protocols exactly and attend all follow-up appointments, especially for chronic conditions.
Home Care and Preventive Tips
- Use unscented litter and avoid air fresheners or essential oils
- Maintain clean, low-dust environments
- Groom your cat regularly to minimize hair ingestion and hairballs
- Feed a balanced diet and keep stress levels low
- Ensure regular vet check-ups for preventive care
How to Tell Coughing Apart from Other Sounds
- Hairballs: Retching followed by hair expulsion
- Sneezing: Sharp nasal expulsions without deep chest sounds
- Gagging: Neck and mouth movements similar to retching, often dry
When to Call the Vet Immediately
Seek emergency care if your cat:
- Shows signs of distress or open-mouth breathing
- Has blue or pale gums
- Is coughing up blood
- Has sudden, severe coughing fits
Quick intervention can save lives and prevent worsening health problems.
Conclusion
Coughing in cats is never truly 'normal'. It signals irritation, inflammation, or intrusion into the respiratory tract. From infections to asthma or foreign bodies, identifying and treating the underlying cause is critical. Always monitor for additional symptoms and seek prompt veterinary guidance when necessary to ensure your feline friend remains healthy and comfortable.
