Your cat might be coughing for a variety of reasons, from simple hairballs to more serious illnesses like feline asthma or infections. A veterinarian is the best person to diagnose the exact cause of your cat’s cough through a physical exam, history, and potentially diagnostic tests. This blog post aims to shed light on the common culprits behind your feline friend’s persistent cough.
Deciphering Feline Coughing: A Closer Look
Seeing your cat cough can be worrying. You might observe your cat making strange noises, attempting to vomit, or experiencing difficulty breathing. These symptoms can range from a simple hack to a more serious distress. It’s crucial to identify the underlying cause to provide the best care for your beloved pet.
The Common Culprits: What’s Behind the Cough?
Many factors can lead to a cat coughing. These can be environmental, infectious, or even related to internal health issues. Let’s explore some of the most frequent reasons your cat might be experiencing this symptom.
1. Cat Hairballs: The Not-So-Surprising Suspect
Cats are meticulous groomers, and with that comes swallowing a lot of loose fur. While their digestive systems are designed to handle small amounts, larger accumulations can form hairballs. When your cat tries to expel a hairball, it often results in cat hacking or cat gagging that can sound like a cough.
How Hairballs Happen:
- Grooming: Daily grooming is normal, but shedding seasons increase the amount of fur ingested.
- Long-haired breeds: These cats are more prone to hairball formation.
- Digestive issues: Sometimes, underlying health problems can affect how efficiently hair moves through the digestive tract.
Signs of Hairballs:
- Hacking or gagging sounds.
- Bringing up a cylindrical mass of fur, often mixed with liquid.
- Occasional vomiting or loss of appetite if the hairball is particularly stubborn.
What You Can Do:
- Regular brushing: This is the most effective way to reduce hairball formation.
- Hairball remedies: Over-the-counter products can help move hair through the digestive system. Talk to your vet about safe and effective options.
- Dietary changes: Your vet might recommend a specialized diet to help with hairball control.
2. Feline Respiratory Issues: More Than Just a Cold
Feline respiratory issues encompass a broad range of conditions affecting the airways and lungs. Coughing is a primary symptom in many of these cases, indicating irritation or inflammation.
Cat Upper Respiratory Infection (URI): The Feline Cold
Just like humans, cats can catch colds. Cat upper respiratory infections are very common and are typically caused by viruses (like feline herpesvirus and feline calicivirus) or bacteria. While sneezing and nasal discharge are common, a persistent cough can also be a symptom, especially if the infection progresses to the throat or lower airways.
Symptoms of URIs:
- Sneezing.
- Runny nose (clear, yellow, or green discharge).
- Watery or conjunctivitis (red, swollen eyes).
- Coughing.
- Fever.
- Loss of appetite.
- Lethargy.
Treatment for URIs:
Treatment often focuses on supportive care. This can include:
- Rest.
- Keeping nasal passages clear: Gently wiping away discharge.
- Encouraging appetite: Warming food can make it more appealing.
- Antibiotics: If a secondary bacterial infection is suspected.
- Antivirals: In some severe cases.
Cat Pneumonia: A Serious Lung Infection
Cat pneumonia is a more severe condition where the air sacs in the lungs become inflamed and filled with fluid or pus. This can be caused by infections (bacterial, viral, fungal), inhaled irritants, or aspiration (inhaling foreign material into the lungs). Pneumonia can be life-threatening and requires immediate veterinary attention.
Signs of Pneumonia:
- Persistent, deep cough.
- Difficulty breathing or rapid breathing.
- Labored breathing (using abdominal muscles).
- Lethargy.
- Fever.
- Loss of appetite.
- Weight loss.
- Cat wheezing might also be present.
Veterinary Care for Pneumonia:
- Oxygen therapy: To help with breathing difficulties.
- Antibiotics: To combat bacterial infections.
- Fluid therapy: To prevent dehydration.
- Nebulization: To deliver medication directly to the lungs.
- Bronchodilators: To open airways if there’s bronchospasm.
3. Cat Asthma: The Feline Bronchial Disease
Cat asthma is a common cause of chronic coughing in cats. It’s an inflammatory disease of the airways, similar to human asthma. The airways become narrowed and inflamed, making it difficult for air to pass through. This often leads to wheezing, coughing fits, and shortness of breath.
Cat asthma symptoms often include:
- Cat hacking: Similar to hairball hacking, but often with a wheezing sound accompanying it.
- Cat gagging: Can occur during a coughing fit.
- Rapid breathing or difficulty breathing.
- Open-mouth breathing: A sign of significant distress.
- Blue-tinged gums: Indicates lack of oxygen, a medical emergency.
- Lethargy.
Diagnosing Cat Asthma:
Diagnosing asthma can be challenging as symptoms mimic other conditions. Veterinarians may use:
- Physical examination: Listening to the lungs for wheezing.
- X-rays: To rule out other causes and look for characteristic changes in the lungs and airways.
- Bronchoscopy: A procedure to visualize the airways directly.
- Response to treatment: Improvement with asthma medications can be indicative.
Managing Cat Asthma:
While there’s no cure for asthma, it can be managed effectively with medication and environmental control:
- Corticosteroids: To reduce inflammation in the airways (oral or inhaled).
- Bronchodilators: To open up narrowed airways during an attack.
- Environmental control: Minimizing exposure to irritants is crucial.
4. Cat Heartworm Disease: A Preventable Threat
While more common in dogs, Cat heartworm disease is a serious and potentially fatal parasitic disease that can affect cats. Heartworms are transmitted by mosquitoes. Even a single heartworm can cause significant damage to a cat’s heart and lungs. Coughing, difficulty breathing, vomiting, and weight loss are all potential signs.
Key Points about Cat Heartworm Disease:
- Mosquitoes are the vector: Cats can get heartworm from mosquito bites.
- Fewer worms, but more severe disease: Cats are more resistant to infection than dogs, but even a few worms can cause severe illness.
- Symptoms are varied: Coughing, asthma-like signs, vomiting, lethargy, and sudden death.
- Diagnosis can be tricky: Standard heartworm tests for dogs are not always reliable in cats.
Prevention is Key:
- Heartworm preventatives: Your veterinarian can prescribe monthly preventatives that are safe and effective for cats. This is the best way to protect your cat.
5. Cat Environmental Irritants: The Unseen Triggers
Cats have sensitive respiratory systems, and various cat environmental irritants can trigger coughing. These can include:
- Dust: From litter boxes, dusting, or construction.
- Smoke: Cigarette smoke, fireplace smoke, or smoke from cooking.
- Aerosol sprays: Perfumes, air fresheners, cleaning products.
- Strong fumes: Household cleaners, paint fumes.
- Mold or mildew.
- Pollen and other allergens.
Minimizing Exposure:
- Avoid smoking indoors.
- Use dust-free or low-dust cat litter.
- Ventilate your home well.
- Opt for natural, unscented cleaning products.
- Use air purifiers.
6. Other Potential Causes of Coughing in Cats
While the above are the most common, other less frequent but serious conditions can cause coughing:
- Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP): A serious viral disease that can affect various organs, including the lungs.
- Parasites: Certain intestinal parasites, if they migrate to the lungs, can cause coughing.
- Heart conditions: While less common than in dogs, some heart diseases can lead to fluid buildup in the lungs, causing a cough.
- Cancer: Tumors in the chest or lungs can cause coughing.
- Foreign body aspiration: Inhaling a small object into the airways.
When to Seek Veterinary Help
It’s always best to err on the side of caution when your cat is coughing. You should contact your veterinarian immediately if you observe any of the following:
- Persistent or worsening cough.
- Difficulty breathing, rapid breathing, or open-mouth breathing.
- Lethargy or weakness.
- Loss of appetite.
- Blue-tinged gums or tongue (cyanosis).
- Coughing up blood.
- Coughing that seems to be accompanied by pain.
The Diagnostic Process: What Your Vet Might Do
When you bring your cat in for a cough, your veterinarian will conduct a thorough examination. This will likely involve:
History Taking:
Your vet will ask detailed questions about:
- When the coughing started.
- How often it occurs.
- The character of the cough (hacking, gagging, dry, moist).
- Any other symptoms you’ve noticed (sneezing, lethargy, appetite changes, vomiting).
- Your cat’s environment (indoor/outdoor, presence of other pets, exposure to irritants).
- Vaccination and parasite prevention history.
Physical Examination:
This will include:
- Listening to the heart and lungs: Using a stethoscope to detect abnormal sounds like wheezing, crackles, or decreased lung sounds.
- Checking temperature and vital signs.
- Assessing for signs of discomfort or pain.
- Examining the nose and throat.
Diagnostic Tests:
Depending on the initial findings, your vet may recommend one or more of the following tests:
- X-rays (Radiographs): To visualize the lungs, heart, and airways. They can help identify pneumonia, fluid in the lungs, airway narrowing, or potential masses.
- Bloodwork:
- Complete Blood Count (CBC): To check for infection or inflammation.
- Biochemistry Profile: To assess organ function and overall health.
- Fecal Examination: To check for intestinal parasites that could be migrating to the lungs.
- Heartworm Test: Essential in areas where heartworm is prevalent.
- Bronchoscopy with Bronchoalveolar Lavage (BAL): A more invasive procedure where a small camera is inserted into the airways to visualize them directly, and samples of fluid are collected for analysis to identify inflammation, infection, or cancerous cells. This is often used for diagnosing asthma or pneumonia.
- Allergy Testing: If environmental allergies are suspected.
- Echocardiogram: An ultrasound of the heart to assess cardiac function if a heart condition is suspected.
Treatment Strategies: Tailored to the Cause
The treatment plan will be entirely dependent on the diagnosed cause of the cough.
| Cause of Cough | Common Treatments |
|---|---|
| Cat Hairballs | Regular grooming, hairball remedies, dietary changes, laxatives. |
| Cat Upper Respiratory Infection | Supportive care (rest, fluids), nasal cleaning, antibiotics (if bacterial), antivirals (rare). |
| Cat Pneumonia | Oxygen therapy, antibiotics, fluid therapy, bronchodilators, nebulization. |
| Cat Asthma | Corticosteroids (oral/inhaled), bronchodilators, environmental management. |
| Cat Heartworm Disease | Preventative medication, supportive care for symptoms, potential (risky) adulticide treatment. |
| Cat Environmental Irritants | Removal of irritant, air purifiers, ventilation. |
| Heart Conditions | Diuretics, heart medications, dietary management. |
| Parasites | Deworming medication. |
Preventing Coughing: Proactive Pet Care
While some causes of coughing are unavoidable, proactive care can significantly reduce the risk:
- Regular Veterinary Check-ups: Early detection of issues is crucial.
- Vaccinations: Protect against common respiratory viruses.
- Parasite Prevention: Monthly heartworm and intestinal parasite prevention.
- Good Grooming Practices: Brush your cat regularly, especially long-haired breeds.
- Minimize Environmental Irritants: Keep your home clean and well-ventilated, avoid strong scents.
- Monitor Your Cat’s Health: Be aware of any changes in behavior or physical condition.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Can a cough be a sign of something serious in cats?
A1: Yes, while some coughs are minor, they can also indicate serious conditions like pneumonia, heartworm disease, or severe feline asthma. It’s important to consult a vet to rule out any life-threatening causes.
Q2: My cat coughs when they eat or drink, what does that mean?
A2: Coughing during or after eating/drinking can suggest a problem with swallowing or aspiration. This might indicate neurological issues, esophageal problems, or even a risk of aspiration pneumonia. A veterinary examination is highly recommended.
Q3: How can I help my cat stop coughing?
A3: The best way to help your cat is to identify the cause of the cough with a veterinarian and follow their recommended treatment plan. This might involve medication, dietary changes, environmental adjustments, or grooming.
Q4: Is it normal for cats to gag and cough like they are trying to bring something up?
A4: This is often associated with hairballs. However, if it happens frequently, is accompanied by other symptoms, or if your cat is not successfully bringing anything up, it warrants a vet visit to check for underlying issues like asthma or obstructions.
Q5: My vet diagnosed my cat with asthma. What does this mean for my cat’s life expectancy?
A5: With proper management, including medication and environmental controls, many cats with asthma can live normal, happy lives for many years. Regular veterinary check-ups are essential to monitor their condition and adjust treatment as needed.
In conclusion, a cough in your cat is a symptom that should not be ignored. By partnering with your veterinarian and being observant of your cat’s health, you can ensure they receive the appropriate diagnosis and care, leading to a happier and healthier life.