Why Is My Cat Coughing And Wheezing? Causes, Signs & Treatment

A coughing or wheezing cat can be worrying for any owner. Yes, your cat might be coughing or wheezing due to various reasons, ranging from simple allergies to serious medical conditions like asthma or infections. This guide will help you decipher why your feline friend might be experiencing these respiratory issues, what symptoms to look for, and what treatment options are available.

Image Source: justcatsclinic.com

Deciphering Cat Coughing and Wheezing

When your cat coughs or wheezes, it signals that something is not quite right with their respiratory system. These sounds are often a sign of feline respiratory distress, indicating that air is not moving smoothly through their airways. This can be due to inflammation, obstruction, or fluid in the lungs.

What is Cat Wheezing?

Cat wheezing is a high-pitched whistling sound that often occurs during exhalation. It happens when the airways become narrowed, making it harder for air to pass through. This narrowing can be caused by inflammation, muscle spasms, or mucus buildup.

What is Cat Coughing?

Cat coughing is the forceful expulsion of air from the lungs. It’s the body’s way of trying to clear irritants, mucus, or foreign objects from the airways. Coughs can sound dry and hacking or wet and productive, depending on the underlying cause.

Common Causes of Cat Coughing and Wheezing

There are numerous reasons why your cat might be coughing or wheezing. Identifying the cause is crucial for effective treatment.

1. Asthma in Cats

Asthma in cats is a chronic inflammatory disease affecting the lower airways (bronchi and bronchioles). It’s one of the most frequent causes of coughing and wheezing in feline companions. Similar to human asthma, it can be triggered by various allergens or irritants.

Common Triggers for Feline Asthma:

• Environmental Allergens: Dust, pollen, mold spores, and even airborne dander from other pets can trigger an asthmatic response.
• Irritants in the Air: Smoke (cigarette, fireplace, candles), perfumes, air fresheners, cleaning products, and even dusty litter can irritate sensitive airways.
• Flea Allergies: While not directly causing respiratory symptoms, flea allergies can exacerbate existing respiratory conditions.

Cat Coughing Symptoms Associated with Asthma:

• Persistent Coughing: Often described as a hacking or gagging cough, sometimes with the cat expelling a hairball-like substance (though it’s usually mucus).
• Wheezing: A distinct whistling sound during breathing.
• Rapid Breathing (Tachypnea): Breathing faster than normal.
• Open-Mouth Breathing: Panting or breathing with the mouth open, a sign of significant respiratory distress.
• Lethargy: Reduced activity and a general lack of energy.
• Loss of Appetite: May eat less or refuse food.
• Blue-tinged gums or tongue (Cyanosis): A critical sign indicating a lack of oxygen, requiring immediate veterinary attention.

2. Bronchitis in Cats

Bronchitis in cats is an inflammation of the bronchial tubes, the airways that carry air to and from the lungs. This inflammation leads to swelling and increased mucus production, narrowing the passageways and causing coughing and difficulty breathing. Bronchitis can be acute (sudden onset) or chronic (long-term).

Causes of Bronchitis:

• Infections: Bacterial, viral, or fungal infections can inflame the bronchial tubes.
• Irritants: Similar to asthma, exposure to smoke, dust, and other airborne irritants can cause bronchitis.
• Allergies: Allergic reactions can lead to inflammation in the airways.

Signs of Bronchitis:

• Chronic Coughing: Often a persistent, dry cough.
• Wheezing: The narrowed airways can produce a whistling sound.
• Increased Mucus Production: May lead to gagging or choking sounds.
• Lethargy and decreased activity.
• Occasional vomiting after coughing fits.

3. Cat Upper Respiratory Infection (URI)

Cat upper respiratory infections are very common and usually caused by viruses (like feline herpesvirus or feline calicivirus) or bacteria. While typically affecting the nose and throat, severe URIs can extend into the lower respiratory tract, leading to coughing and even secondary pneumonia.

Symptoms of URI:

• Sneezing: Often the most prominent symptom.
• Nasal Discharge: Clear, yellow, or green discharge.
• Eye Discharge or Conjunctivitis: Red, watery, or sticky eyes.
• Coughing: May be present, especially if the infection spreads.
• Fever: The cat may feel warmer than usual.
• Lethargy and loss of appetite.
• Congestion: Difficulty breathing through the nose.

When a URI causes significant inflammation or mucus buildup in the larger airways, it can lead to cat wheezing and sneezing simultaneously, or coughing as the cat tries to clear secretions.

4. Cat Pneumonia Symptoms and Causes

Cat pneumonia symptoms are more severe than those of a simple URI and indicate a serious infection in the lungs. Pneumonia occurs when the air sacs in the lungs become inflamed and fill with fluid or pus, making it very difficult for the cat to breathe.

Causes of Pneumonia:

• Infections: Bacterial, viral, fungal, or parasitic infections.
• Aspiration: Inhaling foreign material (like food, vomit, or liquid) into the lungs. This is a common cause in cats with underlying medical issues that affect swallowing.
• Underlying Diseases: Conditions like heart disease or cancer can weaken the immune system and make cats more susceptible to pneumonia.

Recognizing Cat Pneumonia Symptoms:

• Severe Coughing: Often productive, with mucus being coughed up.
• Rapid and Shallow Breathing: The cat struggles to take full breaths.
• Open-Mouth Breathing: A critical sign of respiratory distress.
• Wheezing: Due to inflammation and fluid in the airways.
• Fever: A high temperature.
• Lethargy and Weakness: Extreme lack of energy.
• Loss of Appetite and Weight Loss.
• Blue-tinged gums or tongue (Cyanosis): Indicates severe oxygen deprivation.

5. Heart Disease in Cats

While less common than respiratory diseases, feline heart disease can also lead to coughing and breathing difficulties. When the heart doesn’t pump blood efficiently, fluid can back up into the lungs, causing pulmonary edema (fluid in the lungs). This fluid irritates the airways and can lead to coughing and a feeling of breathlessness, sometimes perceived as wheezing.

Signs of Heart Disease:

• Coughing: Often occurs at night or after exertion.
• Rapid Breathing: Especially during rest.
• Difficulty Breathing: Shortness of breath.
• Lethargy and Weakness.
• Pale gums.
• Weight loss.

6. Allergic Reactions and Environmental Irritants

Beyond specific conditions like asthma, cats can experience allergic reactions or irritation from various environmental factors that cause them to cough or wheeze.

• Smoke: Secondhand smoke is a significant irritant.
• Aerosols: Perfumes, air fresheners, sprays, and even dust from cat litter can be problematic.
• Chemicals: Household cleaning products.
• Pollen and Mold: Seasonal allergies can affect cats too.

7. Inhaled Foreign Objects

Although less common, a cat can inhale a foreign object, such as a blade of grass, a small toy piece, or even a hairball that gets lodged in the airways. This can cause sudden, violent coughing and difficulty breathing.

8. Parasites

Certain parasites, like lungworms, can infect a cat’s respiratory system, leading to inflammation and coughing. Regular deworming is essential for preventing such issues.

Identifying Cat Breathing Difficulties: What to Observe

When your cat is coughing or wheezing, it’s important to observe them closely for other signs of cat breathing difficulties. These additional symptoms can help your veterinarian pinpoint the problem.

Key Signs to Monitor:

• Breathing Rate: Count breaths per minute while your cat is at rest. A normal resting respiratory rate for cats is typically between 20-30 breaths per minute. Anything significantly higher, especially over 40-50, warrants attention.
• Breathing Pattern:
  • Labored Breathing: Using abdominal muscles more prominently to breathe.
  • Shallow Breathing: Taking quick, short breaths.
  • Open-Mouth Breathing: This is an emergency sign.
• Noisy Breathing: Beyond coughing and wheezing, listen for crackles, gurgles, or rattling sounds.
• Coughing Characteristics:
  • Frequency: How often does the cat cough?
  • Timing: Does it happen after exertion, at night, or all the time?
  • Sound: Is it dry, hacking, wet, or does it sound like gagging?
  • Productivity: Does the cat seem to bring anything up?
• Behavioral Changes:
  • Lethargy: Reduced activity, sleeping more.
  • Loss of Appetite: Not eating as much.
  • Hiding: Cats often hide when they feel unwell.
  • Changes in posture: Sitting hunched over, extending their neck.

Cat Wheezing and Sneezing Together?

If your cat is exhibiting both cat wheezing and sneezing, it could point towards a respiratory infection affecting both the upper and lower airways, or an allergic reaction causing inflammation throughout the nasal passages and bronchi.

Diagnostic Process: How Vets Investigate

When you bring a coughing or wheezing cat to the veterinarian, they will perform a thorough examination to determine the cause.

Veterinary Examination Steps:

1. History Taking: The vet will ask detailed questions about the onset and nature of the cough, any changes in your cat’s behavior, diet, environment, and vaccination status.
2. Physical Examination: This includes listening to the heart and lungs with a stethoscope to detect abnormal sounds (wheezes, crackles, murmurs). They will also assess the cat’s overall condition, hydration, and gum color.

3. Diagnostic Tests: Depending on the initial findings, several tests might be recommended:

   • Chest X-rays (Radiographs): Essential for visualizing the lungs, heart, and airways. X-rays can reveal signs of pneumonia, fluid buildup, tumors, or changes consistent with asthma or heart disease.
   • Blood Tests: Complete blood count (CBC) and biochemistry panel can help assess for infection, inflammation, and organ function.
   • Bronchoscopy: A procedure where a small, flexible camera is inserted into the airways to directly visualize the bronchi. This can help diagnose bronchitis, asthma, or identify foreign objects and take samples for analysis.
   • Airway Cytology: Samples collected via bronchoscope or by a transtracheal wash can be analyzed under a microscope to identify inflammatory cells, bacteria, fungi, or parasites.
   • Heartworm Test: If living in an area where heartworm is prevalent, this test is crucial as heartworm disease can cause respiratory symptoms.
   • Echocardiogram (Ultrasound of the Heart): If heart disease is suspected, this test provides detailed information about the heart’s structure and function.
   • Allergy Testing: In some cases, allergy testing might be considered, although identifying environmental triggers is often more practical.

Treatment Strategies for Coughing and Wheezing Cats

The treatment plan will entirely depend on the diagnosed cause of your cat’s respiratory distress.

Treatment for Asthma in Cats:

• Corticosteroids: These are the cornerstone of asthma treatment. They reduce airway inflammation and can be administered orally, via inhalation, or as injections. Inhaled corticosteroids are often preferred as they deliver medication directly to the lungs with fewer systemic side effects.
• Bronchodilators: Medications like albuterol (administered via an inhaler designed for cats) can help relax the muscles around the airways, opening them up and making breathing easier. These are typically used for acute flare-ups.
• Environmental Management: Identifying and removing triggers is crucial. This involves:
  • Using dust-free litter.
  • Avoiding perfumes, air fresheners, and scented candles.
  • Regularly cleaning the environment to reduce dust and allergens.
  • Avoiding smoke.
• Oxygen Therapy: In severe cases of respiratory distress, cats may require hospitalization with supplemental oxygen.

Treatment for Bronchitis in Cats:

• Antibiotics: If a bacterial infection is present.
• Corticosteroids: To reduce inflammation.
• Bronchodilators: To ease breathing.
• Supportive Care: Rest, hydration, and a clean environment.

Treatment for Upper Respiratory Infections (URIs):

• Antibiotics: If a secondary bacterial infection is suspected.
• Antiviral Medications: In some specific viral cases.
• Supportive Care:
  • Humidifier: To keep airways moist.
  • Nasal/Eye Saline Washes: To clear discharge.
  • Appetite Stimulants: If appetite is poor.
  • Assisted Feeding: If the cat is not eating.
  • Litter box management: Ensuring easy access to clean litter boxes.

Treatment for Pneumonia:

• Aggressive Antibiotic Therapy: Broad-spectrum antibiotics are typically used, often intravenously, to combat bacterial infections.
• Oxygen Therapy: Essential for cats with severe breathing difficulties.
• Fluid Therapy: To maintain hydration and support the body.
• Nebulization: Inhaling fine mist medications to deliver them directly into the lungs.
• Bronchodilators: To help open airways.
• Rest and Supportive Care.

Treatment for Heart Disease:

• Diuretics: To reduce fluid buildup in the lungs.
• Medications to strengthen the heart muscle.
• Blood pressure medication.
• Anti-clotting medications.
• Dietary changes.

Treatment for Allergies and Irritant Exposure:

• Removal of the irritant/allergen: The most important step.
• Antihistamines or corticosteroids: To manage allergic reactions.

Treatment for Inhaled Foreign Objects:

• Bronchoscopy or surgery: To remove the object.

Home Care and Prevention

While veterinary care is paramount, there are steps you can take at home to support your cat’s respiratory health and potentially prevent issues.

Preventive Measures:

• Maintain a Clean Environment: Regularly vacuum, dust, and wash bedding to minimize dust and allergens.
• Choose Litter Wisely: Opt for unscented, low-dust cat litter.
• Avoid Airborne Irritants: Do not smoke around your cat. Be mindful of air fresheners, strong perfumes, and harsh cleaning chemicals.
• Regular Veterinary Check-ups: Early detection of any health issues is crucial.
• Parasite Control: Ensure your cat is on regular deworming and flea prevention.
• Balanced Diet: A good diet supports a strong immune system.
• Stress Reduction: Create a calm and stable environment for your cat.

Supporting Your Cat at Home:

• Administer Medications as Prescribed: Ensure you follow your veterinarian’s instructions precisely for all medications.
• Create a Calm Environment: Reduce stress and provide a quiet space for your cat to rest.
• Monitor Breathing: Continue to observe your cat’s breathing pattern and report any changes to your vet.
• Use a Humidifier: If recommended by your vet, a humidifier can help keep airways moist, especially in dry environments.

When to Seek Immediate Veterinary Care

Never hesitate to contact your veterinarian immediately if you observe any of the following signs:

• Severe difficulty breathing or open-mouth breathing.
• Blue-tinged gums or tongue (cyanosis).
• Sudden onset of severe coughing or choking.
• Extreme lethargy or collapse.
• Rapid breathing at rest (consistently over 40-50 breaths per minute).

These symptoms can indicate a life-threatening emergency requiring urgent medical intervention.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Can my cat’s cough go away on its own?

While mild irritations might resolve, significant coughing and wheezing, especially if persistent or accompanied by other symptoms, often indicate an underlying medical condition that requires veterinary diagnosis and treatment. It’s best to consult a vet to be sure.

Q2: How can I tell if my cat is in pain from coughing?

Cats are stoic and often hide pain. Signs might include reluctance to move, changes in posture (hunched, neck extended), vocalization during or after coughing, lethargy, or aggression when touched.

Q3: Is it possible for cats to have allergies that cause coughing?

Yes, asthma in cats is essentially an allergic or inflammatory response in the airways. Exposure to allergens like pollen, dust, or smoke can trigger coughing and wheezing.

Q4: My cat is wheezing and sneezing, what could it be?

This combination of symptoms, cat wheezing and sneezing, often suggests an issue affecting both the upper and lower respiratory tract. It could be a severe upper respiratory infection that has spread, an allergic reaction, or irritant exposure affecting the entire respiratory system.

Q5: Can I give my cat over-the-counter cold medicine?

Absolutely not. Many human medications are toxic to cats, including common cold and cough medicines. Always consult your veterinarian before administering any medication to your cat.

Q6: My cat coughs after drinking water, is this serious?

Coughing after drinking can sometimes indicate an issue with swallowing or aspiration. If this is a recurring problem, it should be discussed with your veterinarian to rule out underlying neurological or anatomical issues.

Conclusion

Witnessing your cat cough or wheeze can be frightening, but by understanding the potential causes, recognizing the signs of feline respiratory distress, and seeking timely veterinary care, you can help your beloved pet breathe easier and live a healthier life. Regular check-ups and attentive observation are your best tools in ensuring your cat’s well-being.