Have a Coughing Cat? Common Causes and Treatment of a Cough in Cats

You’re hearing your cat cough and you’re worried it might be something serious.

That rattling sound and retching or gagging can be frightening, especially when your cat is showing signs of lethargy or irritation in the airway.

Don’t panic! A cough in cats is often manageable. We’ll explain common causes of coughing in cats, offer treatment options, and guide you on what to do if your coughing cat needs extra help.

Key takeaways

• Coughing may be caused by hairball, asthma, or respiratory infection

• Infections are common but not always serious in disease in cats

• Heartworm disease or feline asthma can result in coughing

• Seeing a veterinarian helps diagnose the cause early

• Simple steps, like choosing the best cat litter, may reduce irritation

• Following medication as prescribed by your veterinary team ensures proper care

When your cat is coughing, it might sound similar to a gag, sneeze, or wheeze. Sometimes, that cat cough comes with mucus or looks like a retch for a hairball.

Other times, a cough persists and there’s nothing to worry—it might be just a minor irritation in the respiratory tract. But it’s important to distinguish between a mild cough and a more serious respiratory disease or infection.

A cat’s cough can be:

• Dry cough: Often linked to asthma attacks or airborne irritants (sometimes antitussive drugs may be suggested by your vet)

• Wet cough: May involve production of phlegm, which can point to bacterial or viral infection

• Severe coughs: Could mean inflammation of the airways or even coughing up blood if there’s injury or an underlying condition

We know from shared pet parents’ experiences that a small cat’s polite cough can be easy to miss.

One moment you see your cat napping peacefully, and the next, you hear that sudden coughing sound.

Take comfort that cats can also have the occasional cat cough without a major reason for alarm. Still, it’s wise to pay attention to any clinical signs like a runny nose, discharge from the eyes, or lethargy.

Several common causes of coughing exist, and they include:

Hairballs
A classic reason for a cat to cough is a hairball. When your cat grooms, loose fur can get swallowed.

Your cat may expel the hairball by retching or gagging, which is perfectly normal but can sound dramatic.

Respiratory infection
A respiratory infection—often fungal, bacterial, or viral infection—can result in coughing.

Infections are common triggers, particularly an upper respiratory tract infection that affects your cat’s larynx or trachea and causes irritation.

Feline asthma
Feline asthma is a disease in cats where the airway becomes inflamed.

Your cat might wheeze, inhale sharply, or cough during asthma attacks. Bronchitis and inflammation of the airways often go hand in hand here.

Heartworm disease
Though it’s often associated with dogs, heartworms can infect felines too.

Feline heartworm disease or the presence of heartworms might bring on a cat’s cough, difficulty breathing, and reduced stamina.

Regular heartworm prevention is crucial, and heartworm antigen or antigen tests can be used to diagnose the cause.

Parasitic worms
Certain worms (like lungworm or roundworm) cats get can make a cat cough if larvae migrate to the lower respiratory tract or bronchus.

If you suspect a worm issue, check out how to diagnose worms in cats for tips on spotting tell-tale signs.

Foreign objects
Occasionally, a piece of grass or other small item lodges in the cat’s respiratory tract, trachea, or bronchial passages, irritating the lining and causing a cough.

Medications or irritants
Dusty cat litter, smoke, or strong chemicals can also inflame airways.

If you want to reduce potential triggers, you might find our best cat litter guide helpful.

It’s important to distinguish the nature of your cat’s cough to better advise your veterinarian of the symptoms.

Below is a handy table comparing a few types of cough in cats:

Here’s a quick bullet-point list to help you manage your coughing cat at home:

• Provide fresh air and a dust-free environment to reduce irritation

• Use a humidifier to soothe inflamed airway passages

• Keep up with heartworm prevention and worming regimens

• Monitor for changes in upper respiratory health like sneeze or gag

• Follow routine check-ups to catch early respiratory problems

Remember, if the cough persists or your cat is showing repeated severe coughs, do contact your veterinary practice.

A professional can diagnose the cause, whether it’s bronchitis, asthma attacks, or something else.

A veterinarian may suggest diagnostic tests—like X-rays, blood work, or bronchoscopy—to locate blockages or abnormal inflammation.

If a respiratory infection is confirmed, medication as prescribed, such as steroid or bronchodilator therapy, might help.

When heartworm antigen is found, prompt heartworm prevention or specific treatments are crucial.

For coughing up blood, lavage (flushing out the airway) or advanced treatment options might be necessary.

It’s worth noting that cats can also display subtle signs, so watch for unusual breathing or more frequent coughing sessions.

If your cat vomits foam after hacking, you might find it helpful to learn about possible GI triggers by reading cat vomiting white foam.

Regardless, keeping an eye on foreign objects, fungal infections, and underlying conditions is essential.

When your cat’s cough takes a turn for the worse, or you worry about sudden respiratory problems, it’s comforting to know that affordable coverage is available.

At Waggel, we stand by you with user-friendly policies designed to help you stay on top of vet visits, from routine checks to bigger surprises.

We encourage you to explore our cat insurance guide for more information on how to protect your cat’s health.

We know a coughing cat can raise alarm bells. But armed with knowledge about asthma, infection, and heartworm disease, plus an understanding of how to diagnose the cause, you’re better prepared to help your feline friend persist in good health.

Remember to watch out for retching or gagging, keep an eye on possible parasitic or respiratory triggers, and never hesitate to reach out to a veterinarian if treatment options or further diagnostic tests may be needed. With gentle care, your cat can breathe easily again.