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

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Side effects of chronic oral steroid use may include:

  • Urination
  • 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.

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Some 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

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.

References

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