Cats Can Cough: Causes and What to Do
Understanding the Causes of a Cat's Cough
Firstly, a cat's cough can be triggered by environmental stress, dietary irritants, or allergic reactions. These factors can lead to discomfort and, subsequently, a hacking cough.
Secondly, pathological coughing in cats might be indicative of a cold, bronchitis, or even pharyngitis. These conditions can cause a persistent and unsettling hacking sound.
Lastly, hairballs can also be a culprit, contributing to a coughing fit in our feline friends.
As pet owners, it's crucial to consider your cat's specific living conditions and dietary habits to make an initial assessment of the cause. Prompt veterinary care is essential if you suspect your cat is unwell.
Just like humans, cats can cough, but it's not a common occurrence. In most cases, a cat's cough is a sign of something being amiss. While some cats may cough infrequently, such as once every few months, it's generally not normal for a cat to cough unless there's an underlying issue.
The respiratory system of a cat, from the nose to the lungs, includes the nasal passages, throat, vocal cords, trachea, and lungs. The lungs contain bronchi, which are airways that branch into smaller bronchioles. Any irritation along this pathway can trigger a cough, making it challenging to pinpoint the exact cause.
The sound of a cat's cough is quite similar to that of a human's, but the underlying reasons can vary greatly. Conditions such as feline rhinitis, asthma, and hairball syndrome are common causes.
When a cat experiences gastrointestinal discomfort or nausea, vomiting may occur, often resulting in the expulsion of food or mucus. It's important to note that a cat's coughing posture can be very similar to that of vomiting. If your cat frequently exhibits a dry heave without any vomiting, it might actually be coughing. The classic coughing posture includes a low head, extended neck, lowered body, and an arched back. Hairballs are often expelled easily, and frequent dry heaves could be a sign of coughing, as the positions are so alike that they can be easily confused.
For more information on the causes of a cat's cough, you can read "Why Does My Cat Cough After Drinking Water?"
