Why Does My Cat Cough? [Causes & Remedy]

As a cat owner, one of the most alarming and unsettling experiences is hearing your cat cough. Unlike a simple human cough, a cat’s cough can seem strange, even distressing. The sound, often an unexpected hack or a gentle wheeze, can send you into a flurry of concern. While occasional coughing can be completely normal, it can also be an indication of an underlying health issue. Understanding the causes of coughing in cats, how to differentiate between harmless occurrences and serious conditions, and knowing when to take action are all vital for the well-being of your feline companion.

Cats, by their nature, are adept at hiding discomfort or illness. So, when your cat begins coughing, it may not always be an obvious sign of a health emergency. However, this behavior shouldn’t be overlooked. This guide explores the common causes of coughing in cats, how to respond as an owner, when to seek veterinary advice, and how to differentiate between a benign cough and a potentially serious one.

Why Does My Cat Cough?

Coughing in cats, just like in humans, occurs as a reflex action. It is the body’s way of clearing the airways of irritants, foreign bodies, or excess mucus. When a cat coughs, it’s essentially expelling something that is causing an obstruction or irritation in their respiratory system. However, while a cough might seem like a simple response to something in the air or a bit of dust, the underlying reasons can vary significantly.

Understanding why your cat coughs is key to determining whether the cause is temporary and harmless or part of a more serious issue. Cats may cough due to respiratory infections, asthma, hairballs, allergies, or even heart disease. The frequency, intensity, and nature of the cough are all important factors that help in diagnosing its cause. Since cats are masters at concealing discomfort, it’s essential to pay close attention to the frequency of coughing and other symptoms that might appear alongside it.

Common Reasons For Cat Coughing

1. Hairballs

   One of the most common and harmless reasons for coughing in cats, especially those with long fur, is the formation of hairballs. Cats groom themselves frequently, swallowing fur in the process. If too much fur accumulates in their stomach or intestines, they may attempt to cough it up. This type of coughing is often characterized by a wet or gagging sound and is usually followed by the cat either bringing up a hairball or trying to clear its throat.

2. Respiratory Infections

   Respiratory infections, caused by bacteria or viruses, are common culprits behind coughing. These infections can affect the upper or lower respiratory tract, leading to coughing, sneezing, nasal discharge, and sometimes a fever. Feline upper respiratory infections (URI) are widespread, particularly in multi-cat households or shelters, and often present with coughing as a primary symptom.

3. Asthma

   Feline asthma is a chronic condition that affects the lower airways, causing inflammation and narrowing of the air passages. When a cat suffers from asthma, the coughing is typically dry, hacking, or wheezing and may be triggered by environmental allergens like dust, smoke, or strong scents. Cats with asthma often show other signs like labored breathing or wheezing, particularly after exertion.

4. Allergies

   Like humans, cats can suffer from environmental allergies that can lead to coughing. Common allergens include pollen, dust mites, and mold. In addition to coughing, allergic reactions in cats can manifest as sneezing, watery eyes, or itchy skin. Cats with sensitivities to certain foods can also experience coughing as part of an allergic reaction.

5. Heart Disease

   While it might not be the first thing that comes to mind when a cat coughs, heart disease can cause coughing as a symptom. Cats with heart conditions, such as heartworm disease or congestive heart failure, can experience fluid build-up in their lungs or chest, leading to coughing. This type of cough may worsen at night or after physical exertion and is often accompanied by signs like lethargy, weight loss, or difficulty breathing.

6. Foreign Objects

   Cats, especially those that are curious or have a tendency to chew on things, can accidentally inhale small foreign objects like food particles, grass, or even small toys. If a foreign object becomes lodged in their airways, it can trigger a coughing fit as the body attempts to clear the obstruction. This situation may require immediate veterinary intervention.

When To Be Concerned

While occasional coughing in a cat may not necessarily signal an emergency, there are certain signs that indicate a need for concern. If your cat’s cough persists or worsens, it’s time to consult a veterinarian. Here are a few indicators that the cough may be a symptom of a more serious problem:

• Frequent or Persistent Coughing: A cat that coughs repeatedly over the course of several days or weeks should be evaluated by a vet. A persistent cough is often a sign that something is wrong, whether it’s an infection, asthma, or another underlying condition.
• Coughing Accompanied by Other Symptoms: If the cough is accompanied by symptoms like lethargy, loss of appetite, difficulty breathing, nasal discharge, or blood in the saliva, it’s crucial to seek medical attention immediately.
• Sudden Onset or Severe Coughing: If your cat suddenly starts coughing violently or appears to be in significant distress, this could indicate an emergency. A violent cough could suggest a foreign object in the airway, or it could point to a serious condition such as a heart problem or severe infection.
• Changes in Behavior or Energy Levels: If the coughing is combined with noticeable changes in your cat’s usual behavior — such as decreased playfulness, increased resting, or changes in grooming habits — this could suggest that the cough is symptomatic of a deeper issue.

How To Respond As A Cat Owner

As a cat owner, it’s important to stay calm and observe your pet closely. While a single cough or occasional hairball hacking isn’t a reason for alarm, persistent or concerning symptoms require action. Here are a few ways you can respond:

1. Observe and Record: Keep track of when and how often your cat coughs, along with any other symptoms like changes in behavior, appetite, or litter box habits. This will help your vet assess the severity and nature of the issue.
2. Avoid Triggers: If your cat’s cough appears to be triggered by environmental factors such as dust, smoke, or strong scents, try to reduce exposure to those irritants. For cats with asthma or allergies, maintaining a clean and allergen-free environment can reduce coughing episodes.
3. Maintain a Healthy Diet and Grooming Routine: Regular grooming can reduce the likelihood of hairballs and help prevent them from becoming a cause of coughing. Providing a high-quality diet that supports overall health will also help your cat’s immune system stay strong, which can reduce the risk of respiratory infections.

When To Consult A Veterinarian

You should consult your veterinarian if:

• The coughing is persistent, severe, or worsening.
• Your cat shows additional symptoms like difficulty breathing, fever, or loss of appetite.
• You suspect a foreign object may have been inhaled or ingested.
• The cat shows signs of a systemic illness, such as lethargy, weight loss, or swollen abdomen.

A veterinarian will conduct a thorough physical examination, which may include blood tests, X-rays, or an ultrasound to determine the cause of the coughing. Based on the diagnosis, treatment options may range from medication (for infections or asthma) to more intensive procedures for heart disease or foreign body removal.

Conclusion

Coughing in cats can be disconcerting, but it’s not always a sign of a serious issue. Understanding the common causes and recognizing when a cough might indicate a more serious health concern can make a big difference in how you manage your cat’s health. Regular observation, a clean environment, and prompt veterinary attention when necessary will help ensure your cat stays happy, healthy, and comfortable. Whether it’s something as simple as a hairball or as complex as heart disease, taking the right steps to address your cat’s cough can lead to an effective treatment and better quality of life for your feline friend.

FAQs

What Are Common Reasons For A Cat To Cough?

Common causes of coughing in cats include hairballs, respiratory infections, allergies, asthma, heart disease, and parasites. Hairballs are frequent in cats that groom themselves often, while respiratory infections and asthma can cause coughing due to inflammation in the airways. Heartworms or lungworms can also lead to coughing, especially in cats living in high-risk areas.

How Can I Tell If My Cat’s Cough Is From A Hairball?

A cough caused by a hairball typically sounds like a retching or gagging noise, followed by a cough or a few hacking attempts. If your cat’s coughing is accompanied by visible attempts to bring up a hairball or is happening shortly after grooming, it’s likely related to hairballs.

Could My Cat Have Asthma If It Is Coughing Frequently?

Yes, coughing is one of the primary signs of feline asthma. Asthma in cats is caused by inflammation of the airways, which leads to coughing, wheezing, and labored breathing. If the coughing is recurrent and accompanied by difficulty breathing, it’s important to have your cat evaluated by a vet to rule out asthma or other respiratory conditions.

Can A Respiratory Infection Cause Coughing In Cats?

Yes, respiratory infections, such as feline viral respiratory diseases (like feline herpesvirus or calicivirus), can cause coughing, sneezing, nasal discharge, and sometimes fever. These infections often affect young, stressed, or immunocompromised cats and can be contagious to other cats.

Are Allergies A Possible Cause Of Coughing In My Cat?

Allergies can definitely cause coughing in cats, particularly in response to dust, pollen, or chemicals in the environment. This can trigger inflammation in the airways, leading to coughing and sneezing. If your cat’s coughing seems seasonal or coincides with specific environmental changes, allergies could be the culprit.

Can Heartworms Cause Coughing In Cats?

Yes, heartworm disease is a serious condition that can lead to coughing in cats. The heartworms reside in the heart and lungs, causing inflammation and irritation that results in coughing. If your cat has been exposed to mosquitoes in an area where heartworms are prevalent, it should be tested for heartworm disease.

What Should I Do If My Cat’s Coughing Doesn’t Stop?

If your cat’s coughing persists for more than a few days, or if the cough is severe, it’s important to take them to the vet. Chronic coughing could indicate a serious underlying condition such as asthma, a respiratory infection, or heart disease, which requires veterinary diagnosis and treatment.

Could My Cat Be Coughing Due To Environmental Irritants?

Yes, environmental factors like smoke, strong odors, cleaning products, or pollution can trigger coughing in sensitive cats. If your cat is exposed to these irritants regularly, try to eliminate or reduce their exposure to see if the coughing improves.

Can A Cough In A Kitten Be Caused By Something Different Than In An Adult Cat?

Kittens are more likely to develop respiratory infections, such as feline viral rhinotracheitis, which can cause coughing. They can also be more vulnerable to parasites like roundworms or lungworms, which can lead to coughing. It’s important to have a kitten’s coughing checked by a vet to ensure proper treatment.

Is Coughing In Cats Always A Serious Health Issue?

Not always, but it can be. While occasional coughing due to hairballs or minor irritants is usually harmless, persistent or severe coughing could be a sign of a more serious condition like asthma, heart disease, or respiratory infection. If you’re concerned about your cat’s coughing, it’s best to consult with a veterinarian to rule out any underlying health issues.