Have you ever heard your cat cough and wondered if it's just a hairball or something more? Coughing in cats, a common feline health issue is more than a quirky sound and is almost always a sign of airway disease. Often confused with gagging or retching, understanding what a cat's cough means can be a feline mystery worth unraveling.

Cat coughing can indicate issues ranging from minor, like hairballs and allergies, to serious conditions such as asthma or lung cancer. It's vital to observe the severity and frequency of the cough. For persistent or severe coughing, seeing your veterinarian is important for proper diagnosis and treatment. Taking quick action can really make a difference in keeping your feline friend healthy and happy.

First Off, Is Your Cat Actually Coughing?

A cat cough sounds different compared to other species and if you have a cat with a known cough, you know what we mean. After a coughing episode, retching commonly ensues, which cat owners may mistake for vomiting.

This is most likely why people often refer to the act of coughing as "coughing up hairballs". If hairballs are vomited, then the cough is most likely not a cough, but rather actual vomiting or regurgitation. If no hairballs are vomited, then it could be a cough. Clear as mud, right?!

Conversely, gagging or choking sounds that may sound like a cough are not actually coughs. When having your cat evaluated by your veterinarian for suspected coughing, it is beneficial for you to capture a video to be reviewed during the appointment. Cats rarely cough during the veterinary visit so any additional media is helpful in recognizing cat cough.

Types of Cat Cough

Coughing in cats is associated with respiratory issues and can have different types, reflecting various cat respiratory conditions. It is important to distinguish as the type will affect the treatment implemented.

Dry vs. Wet Cough:
- Dry Cough: Think of a scratchy, hacking sound. It's like your cat's trying to clear something that isn't there. This could be a sign of irritation or a mild respiratory issue.
- Wet Cough: Imagine a gurgling or bubbling sound. This might indicate something more serious, like fluid in the lungs.
Chronic vs. Acute Cough:
- Chronic Cough: If your cat's been coughing for 2 weeks or longer, it's like a nagging reminder that something might be wrong. It's time to consult your veterinarian for help.
- Acute Cough: A sudden cough that seems out of the blue? It might be a one-time thing, but keep an ear out just in case.
Associated Sounds and Behaviors:
- Pay attention to what comes with the cough. Is there wheezing? Retching? Gagging? These clues can help you and your veterinarian figure out what's going on.

Causes of Coughing in Cats

Just like us, our feline friends can cough for various reasons. Let's explore some of the most common culprits:

Feline Asthma: Also known as allergic lung disease, this condition can cause a wheezy, chronic cough. Asthma typically affects younger cats, between 1-5 years of age.
Chronic Bronchitis: Long-term inflammation in the airways can lead to a persistent cough. It's like a nagging reminder that something's not right.
Respiratory Infections: Respiratory tract infections due to Feline Herpesvirus or Bordatella for example can cause coughing in cats, with varying severity.
Polyps: Polyps at the back of the nose and/or throat (e.g. nasopharyngeal polyps) can cause a cough and other respiratory issues.
Parasitic Worms: Uninvited guests like heartworms or lungworms can cause coughing.
Lung Masses/Chest Tumours: Masses and/or tumors in the chest cavity can cause coughing. This should be considered in older cats with an acute or abrupt onset of cough and weight loss which can be associated with feline lung masses.

Unlike in dogs, heart disease rarely causes coughing in cats.

Coughing in cats almost always indicates an airway disease.

When Should You Be Concerned?

Cats are masters of disguise, often hiding their ailments with a graceful purr or a playful pounce. But when it comes to coughing, how do you know when it's just a quirky quirk or a sign of something more serious? Here's a guide to help you decide:

Frequency: Is your cat coughing once in a blue moon or more often than it chases its tail? Frequent coughing might be like a gentle tap on the shoulder, saying, "Check this out!"
Duration: If the cough persists for more than a week or two, it's important to schedule an appointment with your veterinarian for proper evaluation and care.
Associated Symptoms: Is your cat also sneezing, wheezing, or showing signs of fatigue? Lack of appetite? Breathing faster than normal? Panting?
Hiding: This one is HUGE. If you notice your cat hiding or avoiding interaction, please contact your veterinarian immediately. There is usually something seriously wrong if you notice this behavior in your cat.
Behavior Changes: If your usually lively kitty is now lethargic or your calm cat is suddenly anxious, it's like a subtle nudge to take a closer look.
Age and Health Factors: Older cats or those with existing health conditions might need more careful observation. It's like giving extra TLC to those who need it most.
Gut Instinct: You know your furry friend best. If something doesn't feel right, it probably isn't.

Diagnostic Tests for Cat Coughing

When your cat starts coughing, your veterinarian will perform or recommend the following:

The Initial Visit and Check-up: Your veterinarian will ask you about your cat's history and give it a complete physical examination.
The X-ray Insight: Imagine taking a peek inside your cat's chest. X-rays (usually 3 different views) are like a window into your cat's lungs and heart. They're super important, not just for what they might show but for ruling out what's NOT causing the cough.
Blood Tests: Think of this as a behind-the-scenes look at your cat's health. Blood tests might give extra clues about what's going on, but they usually don't tell the whole story on their own.
Bronchioalveolar Lavage (BAL): Sometimes, your veterinarian might need to collect a special fluid from your cat's airways. This test helps figure out the type of inflammation or infection that's happening and guides the next steps.
Heartworm and Parasite Checks: Your vet will likely recommend tests for heartworms and other lung parasites. They may recommend against a fecal test and go ahead and empirically deworm your cat, which is fine too.

Please note that not all the tests need to be performed to diagnose the cause of coughing in your cat. You and your veterinarian will work as a team to determine the best option for you and your cat.

What is the Treatment For a Cat That is Coughing?

The treatment for coughing will vary depending on the diagnosis. For the most common cause of coughing in cats, which is feline asthma, corticosteroid anti-inflammatories are very beneficial. They can be administered via inhaler or by mouth.

As asthma is often an allergic response within the lungs, avoiding pollen

If your veterinarian determines that infection is the cause of the cough for your cat, they may recommend a week or two course of antibiotics to fight off the infection.

To cure parasitic infections like heartworm or lungworms, your veterinarian will administer anti-parasitic and deworming medications.

In wrapping up, coughing in cats could be anything from feline asthma, chronic bronchitis, pesky respiratory infections, hidden polyps, wriggling parasitic worms, or even concerning lung masses. The clues? Watch for how often your cat coughs, how long it lasts, and any extra symptoms tagging along. Notice any changes in behavior, like your usually social kitty suddenly playing hide-and-seek? That could be a sign something's amiss.

To diagnose the cough, a physical exam, X-rays, blood tests, a special fluid test called bronchioalveolar lavage, and checks for uninvited parasites. Treatment might include special medications like corticosteroids for asthma, antibiotics to cure infections, or anti-parasitic medications for suspected lungworms.

If your cat starts coughing, don't hesitate to reach out to the pros at your veterinary hospital as they're always willing to help, especially when it comes to veterinary care for cats.

Coughing in Cats: When to Worry and What to Do About Cat Cough