Cat Cough Symptoms: Severity and What to Watch Out For

Cat coughing is one of the upper respiratory symptoms in felines, often serving as an indicator of underlying diseases. Many pet owners mistakenly confuse a cat's dry heaving with coughing, but the conditions causing these symptoms can be vastly different. It's crucial for cat guardians to accurately recognize the signs of coughing in their pets and differentiate between dry heaving and coughing.

What Does a Cat's Cough Look Like?

When a cat coughs, it typically halts any ongoing activity and adopts a hunched posture, lowering its head, stretching its neck, and arching its body. A hacking sound is produced from the throat, which may be either continuous or intermittent. The coughing is often accompanied by vibrations in the chest and body. Unlike vomiting, a cat's cough usually does not produce any vomit, and the small amount of liquid expelled is a normal part of the coughing process.

What Causes a Cat to Cough?

Cats cough due to upper respiratory issues, which means that if the nasal passages, throat, or lungs are irritated or compressed, coughing can occur. The most common cause is an upper respiratory infection, often caused by a mix of herpesvirus, calicivirus, and various bacterial infections that irritate the cat's nasal passages and throat. Other causes include infectious bronchitis, primarily due to bacterial and parasitic infections in the trachea and lungs; chronic bronchitis, also known as feline asthma; and external irritants, such as foreign objects in the airways or nasal passages. External impacts to the lungs, such as injuries, fluid accumulation in the chest, lymph node enlargement, or tumors pressing on the lungs, can also compress the airways and lead to frequent coughing.

Treating a Cat's Cough

The severity of a cat's cough can vary, from mild to severe. If the cough is mild, it can be monitored at home for a few days to see if it worsens. However, if the cough is frequent, accompanied by difficulty breathing, loss of appetite, or a decline in energy, immediate veterinary attention is necessary. The key to treating a cat's cough is to identify the underlying cause, which will then guide the appropriate treatment.

1. Upper Respiratory Infection

Antiviral and antibiotic medications are used to control the spread of viruses and bacteria.

Cough suppressants may be prescribed, or they may not be needed if the cough is not severe.

Nebulization can help clear the airways and facilitate the removal of secretions.

Nutritional support is essential to provide energy and aid in the cat's resistance to the virus.

2. Infectious Bronchitis

Antibiotics are used for bacterial infections, and antiparasitic treatments are administered for parasitic infections.

3. Chronic Bronchitis

Cats should be kept away from allergens, and medication may not be necessary for mild cases. Severe, longterm asthma requires ongoing medication.

4. Foreign Body Irritation

Remove any foreign objects from the environment promptly. If there are foreign bodies in the cat's nasal passages or airways, they should be removed by a veterinarian.

5. Pulmonary Impact

Immediate veterinary care is recommended for pulmonary impacts. Due to the complexity of the situation, emergency measures often require medical instruments and medications to alleviate symptoms.

Cat coughs can sometimes be minor, but when severe, they can become a significant concern for cat guardians. It's essential to take coughing seriously!

Tip: For more information on cat coughs, you can read "What Are the Causes of Cat Coughs?"