Why is My Cat Coughing?
Seeing your cat coughing and hacking can be very disturbing. Although coughing is not always something to be concerned about (such as when a cat is trying to pass a hairball), it is important to distinguish when your cat requires medical attention. While hairballs are often thought to be the cause of cat's coughing, it is normal for cats to only cough up a hairball a couple of times per month. Any more than this and it could be a sign of an underlying condition.[1]
Take the QuizSide effects of chronic oral steroid use may include:
- Diabetes
- Increased thirst and loss of bladder control
- Lethargy and no energy to play
- Immune suppression and increased risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs) and bacterial and fungal infections
- Behavioural changes, including aggression
- Weight gain
- Vomiting and diarrhea
- Ulceration of the digestive tract
- Cushing's disease
What Makes a Cat Cough
When irritants, dust, mucus, or other particles enter the airways, a protective reflex is triggered to try to get rid of them. This reflex is a cough: an attempt to keep the airways clear. Coughing in cats can occur for a number of reasons. While a cough isn't a condition or disease itself, it can be a sign of an underlying problem.
TreatmentsSome of the causes of coughing in cats include:
- Feline asthma
- Respiratory infections
- Heartworm
- Allergies
- Passing a hairball
- Other parasitic conditions
- Disease of the respiratory tract
When Should You Be Concerned?
If your cat is coughing but no hairball is produced, it is important to pay attention to other symptoms your cat is showing.
Infrequent, but regular coughing (a few times a week or consistently every few weeks) can be a sign of asthma. Your cat may crouch low to the ground with their neck extended upwards—a position that helps your cat get as much air as possible between coughs. Untreated asthma can be life-threatening.
If no hairball is produced, pay attention to if your cat is showing any other signs mentioned on this list.
If your cat begins to lose weight or has a reduced appetite in addition to the cough, it may be an indication of a parasite or infection.[6]
If your cat's cough is persistent, continues for more than a few days, or begins to worsen, take them to the vet. A cough that persists may be an indication of a respiratory infection or asthma.
A wheezing noise between coughs could indicate that your cat can't get enough oxygen to their lungs. Wheezing is produced in the lower airways and occurs when air passageways constrict, and/or when inflammation causes swelling. This could be an indicator of feline asthma.
If your cat's cough is recurrent, take them to the vet to find out what may be causing it to keep coming back. A recurrent cough could be an indicator of allergies or asthma. Asthma is a lifetime condition and symptoms will return if not managed regularly.
If your cat has a wet cough, the coughing will produce phlegm or sputum[4]. This type of cough will sound moist and can be indicative of a lower respiratory problem.
If your cat's tongue and gums begin to turn a shade of blue or grey when coughing, it is an indication your cat is not getting enough oxygen[7]. In this case, take them to the vet immediately.
If your cat is sneezing in addition to coughing, it may be a sign of a viral or respiratory infection.[5]
Common Conditions That Can Cause Cat Coughing
Feline asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease of the airways. Inflamed airways narrow and constrict, causing coughing, wheezing, and difficulty breathing. Asthma attacks can be life-threatening if left untreated. Inhaled corticosteroids and bronchodilators delivered through a spacer chamber are the preferred long-term treatment.
Upper and lower respiratory infections caused by viruses, bacteria, or fungi can trigger coughing in cats. Symptoms may include sneezing, nasal discharge, lethargy, and fever. Feline upper respiratory infections (cat flu) are common and may require veterinary treatment with antibiotics or supportive care.
Heartworms are parasites that can infect the heart and lungs of cats, causing Heartworm Associated Respiratory Disease (HARD). Coughing, wheezing, and difficulty breathing may occur. Heartworm disease can turn serious very quickly, so prevention and early veterinary diagnosis are important.
Environmental allergens such as dust, pollen, mould, and cigarette smoke can irritate a cat's airways and trigger coughing. Allergic reactions may also cause sneezing and watery eyes. Identifying and reducing exposure to triggers, alongside veterinary-prescribed medication, can help manage symptoms.
Cats groom themselves frequently and swallow hair that can accumulate in the stomach. Occasional coughing to expel a hairball is normal — typically a couple of times per month. Coughing more frequently than this may indicate an underlying respiratory condition rather than hairballs alone.
Lungworms and other parasitic infections can cause coughing, weight loss, and reduced appetite in cats. Cats that go outdoors or hunt prey are at higher risk. Regular preventative treatment and veterinary testing can help identify and treat parasitic causes of coughing.
Chronic bronchitis, pneumonia, and other diseases affecting the respiratory tract from the nose to the lungs can cause persistent coughing. These conditions require veterinary diagnosis through physical examination, imaging, and sometimes fluid analysis to determine the appropriate treatment plan.