Cats are known for their mysterious behaviors, but coughing isn’t one of their charming quirks—it’s usually a sign of an underlying problem. Whether it’s a one-time occurrence or a persistent issue, cat coughing can indicate anything from minor irritations to more serious medical conditions. We’ll explore common causes of cats coughing, potential treatments, and when to visit a veterinarian.
Common causes for cats coughing
A cough in cats is usually a reflex to clear the airways. However, the underlying causes vary widely, including:
- Hairballs: Cats groom themselves frequently, ingesting fur that can accumulate and cause irritation or coughing when they attempt to expel it.
- Infections: Respiratory infections (bacterial, viral, or fungal) can be common in cats and trigger coughing, often accompanied by sneezing or mucous discharge.
- Asthma: Feline asthma is a chronic condition that causes inflammation and narrowing of the airways, leading to coughing and wheezing, similar to asthma in humans.
- Allergies: Environmental allergens like pollen, dust, or smoke may irritate a cat’s airways, causing coughing.
- Foreign objects: Inhaled objects, such as grass or food particles, can obstruct the airways and cause a sudden coughing fit. This is more rare, but something to be aware of.
- Heartworms or parasites: Parasitic infections, including heartworms, can lead to respiratory symptoms like coughing.
- Lung cancer: Though less common, primary or metastatic lung tumors may lead to persistent coughing, wheezing, or difficulty breathing.
Cat coughing with sneezing
Coughing paired with sneezing often points to a respiratory infection or irritation. Common culprits include:
- Upper Respiratory Infections (URI): These are the cat equivalent of the common cold, caused by viruses like feline herpesvirus or calicivirus.
- Allergies: Sneezing and coughing can occur together if your cat is exposed to allergens.
- Fungal Infections: Conditions like aspergillosis can cause both symptoms, especially in outdoor cats exposed to mold or damp environments.
If your cat keeps sneezing but seems fine and doesn’t show additional symptoms, it may be caused by allergies. Always check with your veterinarian to avoid the condition worsening. Excessive cat sneezing may also indicate other causes.
Cat coughing with tongue out
When a cat coughs with their tongue sticking out, it’s often a sign of distress. This behavior may indicate:
- Respiratory distress: Cats struggling to breathe might extend their tongues to open their airways. This looks like open-mouth breathing, which is abnormal for cats.
- Asthma attack: The open-mouthed breathing and tongue protrusion can occur during a severe asthma episode.
- Heart disease: Severe heart disease and heart failure may present with cats coughing, breathing with an open mouth, and their tongues out.
- Airway obstruction: A foreign object lodged in the throat may cause dramatic coughing with tongue out.
These are emergency situations requiring immediate veterinary attention. Heavy breathing in cats can indicate serious conditions.
Cat coughing and wheezing: Signs of asthma or something more?
Wheezing alongside coughing is often linked to:
- Asthma: Feline asthma can flare up when exposed to allergens like dust or smoke.
- Bronchitis: Inflammation of the bronchial tubes can cause wheezing and persistent coughing.
- Heart disease: Conditions like congestive heart failure can lead to fluid buildup in the lungs, causing these symptoms.
If your cat has these signs, consult a vet for diagnostics such as X-rays, thoracic ultrasound, or blood tests.
Cat coughing after drinking water
If your cat is coughing immediately after drinking water, it might indicate a swallowing issue or irritation in the throat. Potential causes include:
- Laryngeal paralysis: A condition where the larynx doesn’t function properly, allowing water to irritate the airway.
- Tracheal disorders: Structural abnormalities in the trachea can cause coughing during or after drinking.
- Aspiration pneumonia: Inhalation of water into the lungs can lead to coughing and serious complications.
If you’re noticing this happening to your cat at home, seek veterinary attention immediately.
Cat coughing up mucus
If your cat is coughing up mucus, it can signal respiratory issues, such as:
- Bronchitis or pneumonia: Infections in the lower airways can often lead to coughing with mucus production.
- Viral infections: Cats with viral infections, such as Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV) or Feline Herpesvirus (FHV-1), can cause coughing with mucus.
- Chronic respiratory conditions: Long-term inflammation or irritation, such as from feline asthma, can cause excessive mucus buildup.
If you’re noticing these signs, take your cat to your vet to perform diagnostics, such as X-rays or a tracheal wash, to determine the cause and recommend treatment.
Cat coughing and swallowing: Is something stuck?
If your cat is coughing like something is stuck in his throat, it could be a sign of:
- Hairballs: The most common cause of this behavior, especially in cats with long fur.
- Throat irritation: Irritation from allergens and infections can cause swallowing after a cough.
- Foreign body: If something is stuck in the throat, your cat may cough and swallow repeatedly.
If the repeated coughing persists or worsens, seek veterinary attention right away.
Cat coughing and throwing up
Coughing that leads to vomiting is frequently linked to:
- Hairballs: The classic cause, as cats vomit up fur they’ve ingested during regular grooming.
- Severe respiratory irritation: Persistent coughing can trigger vomiting reflexes when severe.
- Gastrointestinal issues: Sometimes severe stomach upset in cats can cause vomiting. When they vomit, it may look like they’re coughing first, but really it’s a vomiting reflex.
If your cat frequently vomits after coughing, it’s worth investigating with a vet to rule out more serious conditions.
When to see a vet
While occasional coughing is not always a cause for concern, persistent or severe symptoms need immediate attention from a vet. Seek veterinary care if your cat:
- Coughs continuously for more than 24 hours.
- Displays additional symptoms like open-mouth breathing, lethargy, wheezing, or appetite loss.
- Coughs with mucus, blood, or vomiting.
How to prevent common causes of coughing in your cat
Prevention is the best way to protect your cat from respiratory infections and ensure they’re healthy in the long term. By taking proactive steps, you can minimize the risk of viral infections and other respiratory conditions.
- Keep vaccinations up to date:
Vaccinating your cat is one of the most effective ways to prevent common viral infections like feline herpesvirus (FHV-1) and calicivirus (FCV), which are part of the core feline vaccine schedule. Kittens should get these vaccines as part of their kitten health plan, with boosters administered as recommended by your veterinarian. - Schedule regular vet checkups:
Routine vet exams allow your vet to monitor your cat's overall health and catch any early signs of respiratory or viral infections. Cats with chronic conditions or those in multi-cat households should have more frequent checkups to stay ahead of potential problems. - Minimize exposure to sick cats:
Cats can easily transmit respiratory infections to each other, especially in shelters, boarding facilities, or outdoor environments. Keep your cat indoors or limit their interaction with unknown cats to reduce the risk of exposure to contagious illnesses. - Reduce environmental allergens:
Allergens like dust, pollen, mold, and cigarette smoke can irritate your cat’s airways and make them more susceptible to respiratory issues. Regularly clean your home, use HEPA air filters, and avoid smoking indoors to create a healthier environment for your cat. - Maintain good hygiene and ventilation:
Clean your cat’s bedding, toys, and food bowls regularly to reduce germs in their environment. Ensure proper ventilation in their living space to prevent the buildup of airborne irritants. Regular litter box cleaning is also essential to good cat health. - Ensure proper nutrition and hydration:
A strong immune system is your cat’s best defense against infections. Provide a well-balanced diet and encourage hydration to support their overall health. - Monitor for early signs of illness:
Subtle changes like sneezing, coughing, or nasal discharge can indicate an early respiratory infection. Tools like the Whisker app paired with Litter-Robot can help track bathroom habits and weight, alerting you to potential issues before they escalate.
By following these preventive measures, you can significantly reduce the likelihood of your cat developing respiratory infections, keeping them healthy and comfortable throughout their life. Regular communication with your vet is important to tailoring a prevention plan specific to your cat’s needs.
Caring for your cat’s health
Coughing in cats is more than just a harmless reflex—it’s often a signal of an underlying issue. By recognizing the patterns and symptoms of cat coughing, you can act quickly to ensure your feline friend gets the care they need. Whether it’s a simple hairball or a more serious condition like asthma or infection, early intervention is the key to keeping your cat healthy and comfortable. Don’t hesitate to take your cat to your vet if you’re concerned—your cat’s health is always worth it!
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