Cats Coughing as if Choking: Possible Causes & Solution

Cats often exhibit a coughing that closely resembles vomiting, which can lead many owners to mistakenly assume their feline friends are merely regurgitating fur balls. However, there are distinct differences to be aware of.

When a cat coughs, it tends to adopt a posture resembling a hen squatting. This involves lowering its head, arching its neck, and pressing its back against its body. There are numerous causes for a cat's cough, including feline herpesvirus, asthma, hairball syndrome, and even choking on food.

Feline herpesvirus, a disease wellknown and feared by many cat owners, is highly contagious and often presents with intermittent coughing. It's important to check if your cat's cough is due to this virus. Symptoms of feline herpesvirus also include conjunctivitis, runny nose, sneezing, and excessive eye discharge. In such cases, products like Viralys Lysine Tablets can be effective in combating the virus and helping to alleviate your cat's discomfort, as well as speeding up its recovery.

Cats, much like humans, can also suffer from asthma. This condition can make it very difficult for them to breathe and may cause their faces to turn blue during coughing episodes.

Regarding hairball syndrome, cats occasionally vomit fur balls due to ingesting their own fur. If too much fur accumulates in the stomach, it can lead to hairball syndrome, causing coughing, bloating, and constipation. Before assuming it's a hairball issue, closely observe your cat's stool and overall body reactions.

Choking on food can also mimic these symptoms, so it's best not to watch your cat eat too intently, as it may cause undue stress.

For more information on cat coughs, you might find it helpful to read "Understanding Cat Sneezing and Coughing."