Coughing is a common reflex in all mammals, including our feline friends. It’s a natural way for a cat’s body to clear irritants and obstructions from their respiratory system. Just like humans, cats cough to expel unwanted material from their airways.
When something triggers the “cough receptors” lining a cat’s respiratory tract—from the pharynx behind the nose and mouth, down through the larynx (voice box) and trachea (windpipe), to the smaller bronchi—coughing is initiated.
An occasional cough in a cat is usually not a cause for alarm, especially if your feline companion seems healthy otherwise. However, it’s crucial to pay close attention to coughs that are persistent, severe, or accompanied by other concerning symptoms.
If your cat develops a significant or ongoing cough, scheduling a veterinary appointment is vital. Prompt diagnosis and treatment are key to ensuring a swift recovery and preventing potential complications.
Let’s delve into the common reasons behind cat coughing and explore how you can help your furry friend.
Unraveling the Mystery: Why Your Cat Might Be Coughing
The potential causes of coughing in cats are extensive, but sometimes the culprit is easily identifiable.
Have you recently switched to a new, dustier cat litter? A sudden coughing episode while your cat is using the litter box might point to dust irritation. Inhaled irritants, regardless of their nature, can trigger coughing.
Persistent coughing in cats can also stem from prolonged exposure to environmental irritants, such as secondhand smoke. Creating a smoke-free environment is beneficial for both you and your feline companion.
Beyond irritants, here are other frequent causes of coughs in cats:
- Respiratory Infections: Both bacterial and viral respiratory infections are leading causes of coughing in cats. In some instances, fungal or parasitic infections might also be involved.
- Asthma: Feline asthma is characterized by airway constriction, inflammation, and mucus buildup in response to triggers. These factors can all contribute to coughing.
- Pleural Effusion: Pleural effusion, the abnormal accumulation of fluid around the lungs, can also induce coughing in cats.
- Inhaled Foreign Bodies: When cats inhale foreign materials like food particles or grass, they will cough in an attempt to dislodge and expel these objects.
- Cancer: Coughing can be an early indicator of cancer affecting the respiratory tract in cats.
- Trauma: Physical injuries, chemical exposure, or thermal damage to the respiratory system can all lead to cat coughing.
- Heartworms: While often subtle, heartworms in cats can manifest with coughing as a symptom.
It’s important to note that while heart disease is a common cause of coughing in humans and dogs, it’s less frequently associated with coughs in cats. Coughing in cats is predominantly linked to respiratory issues.
Kennel Cough and Cats: Separating Fact from Fiction
Kennel cough in dogs is a contagious respiratory infection caused by various bacteria and viruses. Pathogens like Bordetella bronchiseptica, mycoplasma, parainfluenza virus, adenovirus type 2, and canine coronavirus can be responsible, either individually or in combination.
While cats can be susceptible to some of these pathogens, such as Bordetella, they are not vulnerable to all kennel cough agents. To minimize the risk of potential spread, any pet exhibiting sneezing, coughing, or discharge from the eyes or nose should be isolated from other animals and promptly examined by a veterinarian. This precautionary measure helps protect the health of all pets in the household.
Deciphering the Cough: Wet vs. Dry Cat Coughs
Veterinarians utilize a comprehensive approach to diagnose the cause of a cat’s cough, considering their health history, conducting a physical examination, and employing diagnostic tests when necessary. As a pet owner, observing the nature of your cat’s cough – whether it’s wet or dry – can provide valuable clues.
A “wet cough” is characterized by the production of phlegm, a thick mucus generated within the respiratory tract as a response to infection or irritation. Increased phlegm production aids the body in expelling viruses, bacteria, immune cells, and other debris from the lungs.
Conversely, a “dry cough” is less productive, yielding little to no phlegm. In cats, dry coughs are often associated with conditions like asthma, inhaled foreign bodies, and cancer. While these distinctions are not definitive, they can offer valuable insights and guide your veterinarian towards a potential diagnosis.
When Coughing is a Piece of a Larger Puzzle: Accompanying Symptoms
Coughing in cats frequently occurs alongside other symptoms, which can be crucial in pinpointing the underlying cause.
Cat Coughing and Sneezing: Upper Respiratory Infections
For instance, when cat coughing is accompanied by sneezing, it often signals an upper respiratory infection (URI). Infection of the nasal passages triggers sneezing and nasal discharge. Some of this discharge can drain back into the throat, provoking a cough.
Cat Coughing and Wheezing: Asthma Alert
Wheezing is a hallmark sign of feline asthma. It’s frequently observed in conjunction with coughing and labored, rapid, or open-mouth breathing. If you notice your cat wheezing, it’s important to seek veterinary attention promptly.
Cat Coughing Up Hairballs: A Case of Mistaken Identity
When a cat’s “cough” results in the expulsion of a hairball, it’s likely not a true cough at all. While it may sound like coughing, the cat is actually retching or gagging. Hairballs originate in the digestive tract, not the respiratory system, so this action is distinct from coughing.
Red Alert: Cat Coughing Up Blood
While an occasional cough in an otherwise healthy cat is usually not alarming, a cat coughing up blood is a potential emergency that warrants immediate veterinary attention. If your cat coughs up blood, contact your veterinarian without delay.
Several serious conditions can cause a cat to cough up blood:
- Trauma
- Cancers that erode blood vessels in the respiratory tract
- Severe infections
- Exposure to toxins that interfere with normal blood clotting.
Navigating Treatment for Cat Coughing
Effective treatment for cat coughing focuses on addressing the underlying cause:
- Irritants: Coughs triggered by inhaled irritants typically resolve once the irritant is removed from the cat’s environment. Improving air quality in your home can make a significant difference.
- Respiratory Infections: When diagnosed early, most bacterial, fungal, and parasitic infections respond well to appropriate antimicrobial medications. Antiviral medications may be indicated in specific viral infections.
- Asthma: Managing feline asthma involves minimizing exposure to triggers in the cat’s environment and administering inhaled or systemic medications to open airways and reduce inflammation.
- Pleural Effusion: Fluid buildup around the lungs can be drained using a needle and syringe. Further treatment may be necessary to address the underlying cause of fluid accumulation and prevent recurrence.
- Inhaled Foreign Bodies: Bronchoscopy or surgery might be required to remove inhaled objects. Antibiotics are often prescribed to prevent or treat secondary infections.
- Cancer: Cancer affecting the respiratory tract is typically managed with a combination of therapies, including chemotherapy, radiation therapy, surgery, immunotherapy, and/or palliative care, depending on the type and stage of cancer.
- Trauma: Treatment for trauma-induced coughing varies depending on the nature and severity of the injury. Some injuries heal with medical management, while others necessitate surgical intervention.
- Heartworm Disease: Heartworm prevention is paramount for cats, as treatment options for feline heartworm disease are limited once infection occurs. Prevention is always better than cure.
Supportive care, such as fluid therapy and oxygen therapy, can also benefit coughing cats.
At home, you can help your cat by gently wiping away nasal discharge and, if recommended by your veterinarian, using steam to help loosen congestion by placing your cat in a steamy bathroom for short periods. Cough suppressants are generally not prescribed for cats.
If your cat is coughing, remember to consult your veterinarian for proper diagnosis and a tailored treatment plan. Early intervention is crucial for your cat’s well-being and a speedy recovery.
Featured Image: iStock.com/Prysta
WRITTEN BY
Jennifer Coates, DVM
Veterinarian
Dr. Jennifer Coates is a highly experienced veterinarian, writer, editor, and consultant, dedicated to animal health and well-being.
