When inhaled, irritants of any sort can lead to coughing. More persistent cat coughing may be caused by long-term exposure to irritants such as secondhand smoke. Other common causes of coughs in cats include: Respiratory infections: Bacterial and viral respiratory infections are common causes of coughing in cats.
What Makes A Cat Cough
A protective reflex to try to clear the airways of irritants, dust, mucus, or other particles is triggered. Coughing is this reflex, an effort to keep the airways open. 2.
Coughing in cats can occur for a number of reasons. A cough can indicate an underlying issue even though it isn’t a condition or disease in and of itself.
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 tract3
What causes cats to cough?
Coughing in cats typically indicates an inflammatory issue affecting the lower respiratory tract, particularly bronchitis. An infection is frequently the cause of this inflammation, especially when it comes to viruses like feline viral rhinotracheitis or bacteria like Bordetella.
In certain instances, respiratory issues and coughing may be caused by parasitic worms, particularly heartworms. Allergies of various origins may also cause coughing. Other causes of coughing in cats include irritation from inhaled liquids or gases, or foreign objects (like grass) lodged in the respiratory tract.
Chest tumors can occasionally cause coughing. Coughing is not commonly associated with heart disease.
When irritation or inflammation affects the larynx or trachea, as in the case of upper respiratory tract diseases, coughing may accompany the condition. Alternatively, diseases of the nose may cause excessive secretions to drain into the larynx and trachea, causing irritation and coughing.
When Should You Be Concerned?
If your cat is coughing but not producing a hairball, it’s crucial to notice any additional symptoms they may be exhibiting.
Coughing infrequently but frequently (a few times a week or every few weeks) may indicate asthma. To get as much air as possible in between coughs, your cat may crouch low to the ground with their neck extended upward. Untreated asthma can be life-threatening.
If your cat does not produce a hairball, notice if they exhibit any other symptoms listed here.
See a veterinarian if your cat’s cough is severe, lasts longer than a few days, or starts to get worse. A chronic cough could be a sign of asthma or a respiratory infection.
Your cat will cough up phlegm or sputum if they have a wet cough. This kind of cough sounds wet and may be a sign of a lower respiratory issue.
Your cat may be wheezing because their lungs aren’t getting enough oxygen when they cough. Lower respiratory tract constrictions and/or inflammation-induced swelling are the two main causes of wheezing. This could be an indicator of feline asthma.
In addition to coughing, your cat may be sneezing, which could indicate a viral or respiratory infection. 5.
In addition to the cough, your cat may have a parasite or infection if they start to lose weight or show less appetite. 6.
Take your cat to the veterinarian if their cough is persistent so they can determine what might be causing it to recur. A persistent cough may be a sign of asthma or allergies. If asthma is not regularly managed, its symptoms will recur. Asthma is a lifetime condition.
When your cat coughs, it’s a sign that they’re not getting enough oxygen if their tongue and gums start to turn blue or grey. In this case, take them to the vet immediately.