Why does a cat cough

Given their graceful and silent disposition, cat owners may find it unexpected and unsettling when their cat begins to cough. Similar to people, cats can cough for a variety of reasons, not all of which are life-threatening. Identifying the possible cause of your feline friend’s cough is the first step towards making them feel better.

A cat trying to get rid of a hairball may be the cause of a cough in certain cases. Coughing, however, can indicate other conditions like allergies, asthma, or even recurrent respiratory infections. It’s critical to monitor the frequency of your cat’s coughing as well as any accompanying symptoms.

It is always best to see a veterinarian if your cat coughs up something strange or if it persists over time. By identifying any underlying issues early on, you can guarantee your cat’s continued wellbeing.

Reason	Description
Hairballs	Cats often cough to get rid of hairballs formed from grooming themselves.
Allergies	Some cats may cough due to allergic reactions to dust, pollen, or certain foods.
Respiratory Infections	Infections like colds or bronchitis can cause cats to cough.
Asthma	Cats with asthma may have coughing fits due to inflamed airways.
Heart Disease	Coughing can sometimes be a sign of heart problems in cats.
Foreign Objects	If something gets stuck in the cat"s throat, it may cause them to cough.

Causes and types of cough in cats

Cats cough in a similar manner to humans. However, the causes of coughing in our pets vary slightly, as does the mechanism involved. This is typically how the animal defends itself instinctively, expelling mucus or small foreign objects from its respiratory system.

Many naive pet owners humanize their animals to the point where they blame them for human diseases. This widespread misperception is unfounded; cats cannot contract respiratory illnesses from humans, and they cannot subsequently infect their owners with the cat flu, for example.

How a cat coughs

Pets can scare their owners, particularly the less experienced ones, when they cough. Many cats adopt a unique, tense position when they cough: they bend, nearly pressing themselves to the ground, and extend their heads forward. Their entire body convulses, resembling severe gagging, and they frequently start to wheeze loudly at the same moment.

The cat instinctively adopts the coziest position to cough in the most effective manner.

The image appears to suggest the most straightforward conclusion: the cat choked on something. After making such a “diagnosis”, a concerned pet owner tries right away to extract whatever it is that he believes is in the pet’s throat. Most of the time, this kind of emergency assistance is useless and even dangerous.

The truth is that a cough does not necessarily mean the feline choking on something. However, even if this is true, it is extremely risky to remove a foreign body from a cat’s throat without training and specialized equipment.

How come cats cough, and why? The cat’s medulla oblongata, which houses the cough center and receives unique signals from the nervous system, is what "controls" the cough. Reflexogenic (cough) zones are home to unique, sensitive receptors that receive these signals:

• around the vocal cords;
• on the walls of the larynx;
• at the border of the trachea and bronchi.

Gagging may occur alongside episodes of intense coughing.

When the receptors are irritated, they send out an alarm. Following receipt of these signals, the cough center issues an order, causing the cat to cough. This essentially resembles abrupt exhalations in which air is released from the lungs in spurts, clearing the respiratory tract of anything hazardous and superfluous in the process:

• foreign objects;
• sputum;
• pus and mucus.

When getting ready for an appointment at the veterinarian, try to ascertain the characteristics of your pet’s cough, including its intensity, duration, and dynamics. These are crucial observations that will help with a quicker and more precise diagnosis. Cat coughs can be classified into the following categories by veterinarians:

• by duration – acute (from a couple of days to several weeks) and chronic (lasts several months and even years);
• by strength – weak cough, strong, superficial, deep, tearing and exhausting, sometimes accompanied by vomiting;
• by timbre – ringing or muffled;
• by the presence or absence of discharge and their nature: dry cough or wet with mucus, as well as with purulent or bloody sputum;
• by manifestation – rare, frequent and constant, it also matters at what time of day it appears;
• by season – this is mainly how they determine the allergic nature of the cough.

Cats can cough for a number of reasons, ranging from minor annoyances like hairballs or dust to more serious medical conditions like heart disease, asthma, or respiratory infections. Coughing on occasion may be harmless, but persistent or frequent coughing should be taken seriously as it may indicate a serious problem that needs to be seen by a veterinarian. Determining the reason behind your cat’s cough is essential to maintaining their health.

How to diagnose the cause of a cough

Cats cough far less frequently than humans do, and this is a concerning outward symptom. It’s possible that this is how a serious illness manifests itself, in which case your pet needs to see a doctor right away. The primary responsibility of the veterinarian during the initial phase is to rule out or validate circumstances that pose a risk to the patient’s life and necessitate immediate medical attention.

After all, an animal will eventually perish if, for example, an object obstructing the digestive or respiratory systems is not removed quickly enough; an allergic reaction causing swelling in the throat or an untreated severe asthma attack can also have the same tragic result.

It’s crucial to diagnose potentially fatal infections that can also induce coughing. Here, we’re mainly talking about panleukopenia, also known as feline distemper, which frequently breaks out in street animals. A pet is susceptible to infection if it has not received its vaccinations on schedule.

Only a physician, using a variety of diagnostic techniques, is able to determine the cough’s cause.

Treatment won’t work if the diagnosis isn’t correct. Thus, following a clinical examination, the physician will typically order a general blood test and lung rangenography right away. The outcomes of these foundational investigations may indicate the need for further testing:

• blood biochemistry;
• blood test for immunoglobulin E;
• urine and feces tests;
• cardiography;
• ultrasound;
• MRI.

Video: why a cat coughs – determining the causes

Cat choked

Playful kittens and inquisitive cats frequently choke on tiny, inedible pieces they swallow from toys or unexpected objects. The fact that the root of the issue isn’t always evident adds to its nefariousness.

I know of a situation in which a teenage kitten managed to "vacuum up" a stubble – a sharp seed from a ripe spikelet. The cough began literally immediately, but the foreign body could not be detected on the x-ray. The prescribed treatment did not bring relief, while the stubble had dug into the wall of the respiratory tract somewhere, causing inflammation and suppuration.
The condition of the kitten worsened: in addition to painful coughing, there were already high temperature, and refusal of food-a little more, and the baby would simply be lost due to such nonsense. We must give credit to the owners – they fought for their pet, changed doctors, looked for diagnostic methods. A bronchoscopy helped – with its help, it was finally possible to find this very ustuk, already completely soaked and half-decomposed. When it was removed, it was no longer difficult to decide on further treatment – the sufferer quickly recovered.

Such ears can produce seeds that are highly dangerous for cats and kittens because they can easily enter the nasopharynx.

Small objects that a cat may choke on have the potential to cause severe complications such as asphyxia or esophageal blockage, in addition to harming the larynx or trachea. The animal produces the distinctive "choking" cough as a means of expelling foreign objects from its respiratory tract.

Unfortunately, our clumsy attempts to assist the pet often backfire because it is unable to resolve the issue on its own. Surgical intervention is frequently required to remove objects that have entered the respiratory system, and resuscitation techniques will be required following the procedure.

Video: cat coughing, freeing the respiratory tract

Respiratory cough

Infectious diseases can be the cause of cats’ respiratory coughs:

• bacterial;
• viral;
• fungal.

In these situations, it is particularly crucial to determine the source of the illness in the early stages of the infection to prevent the infection from developing and having major repercussions. The following cat infectious and inflammatory diseases are associated with coughing:

• calicivirus;
• rhinotracheitis;
• mycoplasmosis;
• laryngitis;
• tracheitis;
• bronchitis.

Keep your pet cat away from sick animals.

Coughing alone is not a reliable diagnostic tool for these conditions because it is a relatively late symptom that develops over time when the lungs or upper respiratory tract become inflamed (pneumonia). A respiratory cough initially manifests as a dry, teary cough that is frequent and loud, potentially causing the animal pain.

Sputum starts to separate by the second or third day of the illness, and the cough becomes more productive, dull, and wet. Other symptoms typically accompany the process:

• suppuration of the eyes;
• discharge from the nose;
• general weakness;
• high temperature.

Airborne droplets are the means of transmission for almost all respiratory diseases. The soles of the shoes worn by the owner or visitors may also harbor the infection.

Cardiac (heart) coughing

Attacks of cardiac cough are a coexisting symptom of heart failure; you should be aware of the primary symptoms of the illness:

• shortness of breath;
• lethargy;
• heavy breathing.

Always focus your attention on animals that are prone to heart disease.

In this instance, it is best to get in touch with a veterinary cardiologist rather than just any veterinarian. They will recommend several more tests for the patient, such as a cardiogram and perhaps an ultrasound of the heart. The truth is that it can be quite challenging to differentiate cardiac coughing from other kinds of coughing, particularly in the early stages.

The cough gets more intense over time, giving the false impression that the cat has choked on food or something else tiny at first. Why does this occur? The heart muscle, or myocardium, thickens for a variety of causes, making it more difficult for the heart to pump blood at the necessary volumes. The cough center is already alerted when the heart enlarges and presses against the respiratory organs that are adjacent to it, irritating the corresponding receptors.

Video: an attack of cardiac cough in a cat

Invasions

When dealing with helminthic invasions, which frequently present as coughs, caution should be exercised when administering antiparasitic medications. This is because the weakened body of helminths can lead to severe intoxication in the event of a mass helminth death. Severe dehydration can also result from digestive disorders.

If the infestation is severe, it is preferable to administer medication under a physician’s supervision so that the body’s reaction can be quickly controlled.

Allergies and bronchial asthma

The most frequent reason cats cough is bronchial asthma, which is an allergic reaction that produces coughing as one of its symptoms. These animals’ highly sensitive sense of smell makes them vulnerable to a wide range of allergens, including the following:

• mold;
• dust;
• flower pollen;
• cigarette smoke;
• detergents and powders;
• air fresheners, perfumes and deodorants.

Cats who are allergic to certain materials may develop a coughing fit.

The illness typically manifests itself for the first time between the ages of three and five. The disease affects a large number of cats; according to veterinarians, "asthmatics" account for up to 1% of all Felis silvestris catus population. It’s critical to realize that feline asthma is a chronic illness that starts as an overreaction by the immune system to a particular antigen, which causes inflammation of the lower respiratory tract.

Video: asthma is a common cause of coughing in cats

Oncological pathologies

Coughing can also result from lung tissue metastases and tumors. Over the age of eight, older animals are more likely to have these pathologies.

The cat coughs because X-rays of its lungs reveal metastases there.

Early detection of oncological neoplasms through specific diagnostics allows for both surgical and medical treatment to be administered. Chemotherapy and radiation therapy can be used to support the animal if the disease has progressed and the cough shows evidence of lung metastases. This will stop the disease from spreading further.

Traumatic and complex causes of coughing

Additionally, buildups of pus, liquid, or air in the chest can result in a cough. When discussing liquids, this phenomenon is known as hydrothorax, and it can be caused by a number of things, including:

• inflammation;
• allergic reactions;
• heart failure;
• tumors.

A chest puncture must be performed and examined in order to make an accurate diagnosis.

The most common causes of pneumothorax (an accumulation of air in the chest cavity) and pyothorax (an accumulation of pus) are trauma-related events such as blows, falls, fights, and potential infections.

Cats frequently fight and cut one another with their claws, which spreads infection.

By no means are any of these pleuritic phenomena innocuous. Pneumothorax develops quickly; the animal loses its ability to breathe and suffocates to death as the air compresses the lungs and distends the chest.

In the event that any of the pathologies listed above are suspected, prompt X-ray testing should be done. Surgical intervention and medication therapy should then be implemented in response to the findings of the examination.

What to do, if a cat coughs

A cat’s cough can be used by any vigilant owner to independently diagnose the type and severity of the illness. Unfortunately, though, diagnosing the problem and, more importantly, taking the necessary steps to heal the pet at home will not be possible. This will need for extra diagnostic testing, a clinic-only examination conducted by a specialist, and equipment.

It is crucial to realize that a cat cough is merely a symptom, or as old veterinarians liked to say, "a manifestation of one of a hundred diseases," rather than a distinct illness in and of itself. Instead of attempting to treat the cough directly, you should locate the source and remove it.

Is it possible to help the animal yourself

You can only treat the cat’s condition at home until you see a veterinarian specialist. The animal should have fresh, humid air in the room where it is kept; ventilate the space, but never leave a sick pet in a draft as this will make the situation worse. Cats can find relief by inhaling steam, which should not be too hot; this method can be done at home even without the need for special equipment.

Do everything in your power to soothe your pet. Since cats are highly emotional and sensitive, unexpected attacks may frighten them, exacerbating the cough and making the situation worse overall. Give the bewildered animal a hug; it will trust you and believe that you are a caring owner.

The pet that is coughing needs to be taken to the doctor as soon as possible because only after a professional diagnosis can it receive effective treatment. Additionally, it’s crucial to avoid giving the cat any medication prior to the clinic visit. First off, the medications’ effects will "blur" the disease’s symptoms, making the diagnosis more difficult. Second, a cough is not a benign ailment in the slightest. Only a qualified medical professional who has thoroughly diagnosed the aetiology of the symptom is qualified to prescribe medication for its treatment.

Medical care

The doctor can treat a cough using a variety of contemporary instruments, given that the diagnosis is made with clarity and the exact cause of the cough is identified. However, a timely and accurate diagnosis was and still is the foundation of any successful treatment.

Table: treatment prescribed for different types of cough

• in the early stages – symptomatic treatment;
• if the parasitic infection is too advanced – surgery

• bronchodilators;
• anthelmintics;
• hepato- and cardioprotectors

• symptomatic treatment (buffer mixtures, plenty of fluids);
• in the case of bacterial infections – antibiotics

• anti-inflammatory drugs;
• buffer solutions;
• antibiotics;
• vitamins

• fresh air or oxygen mask;
• in more severe cases – symptomatic treatment;
• a ​​complete cure usually does not occur, with an exacerbation of the disease its symptoms are stopped

• hormones (steroid drugs);
• antihistamines;
• diuretics;
• general tonic therapy

• elimination of parasitic infestation;
• treatment of intoxication with helminth decay products;
• general strengthening of the body, immune support

• antiparasitic drugs;
• infusion solutions;
• hepatoprotectors

• depending on the degree and location of the injury — primary treatment;
• restoration of damaged organs and systems

• anti-inflammatory drugs, antibiotics;
• wound healing and restorative drugs;
• general tonics

• surgical removal of neoplasms;
• subsequent restorative treatment;
• if necessary — courses of chemo- and radiation therapy

• depending on the diagnosis — a course of antitumor therapy;
• supportive drugs;
• restorative and general tonics

Video: cough treatment in cats

Anticough drugs

Using expectorant or antitussive medications without a prescription from a doctor is strictly prohibited. A cat’s condition might not be improved by an incorrect medication selection or dosage; rather, it could exacerbate the illness and result in harmful side effects.

However, we hope that knowledge about the different kinds of cough suppressants will be helpful to all owners. These medications can be broadly classified into two categories based on how they work: expectorant and blocking. Some drugs combine both of these characteristics and have a complex effect; these are primarily human medications, and cats may not benefit from all of them.

Cough syrups labeled "harmless" for children (or adults) are definitely not appropriate for cats. Because these pharmacy treats contain a lot of sugar, flavorings, dyes, and other improvers, they aren’t always beneficial to humans. Furthermore, such drugs should never be administered to cats. Codeine- or alcohol-containing medications are also inappropriate.

Blocking medications are beneficial because they promptly stop the animal’s terrible coughing fits. Nevertheless, these drugs only "turn off" the cough center by obstructing its functions; they do not address the underlying cause. As a result, the cough is mislabeled as a symptom, the illness goes untreated, and things get worse. These medications cannot be prescribed on their own; only as a component of complex therapy.

Antitussive medications that are expectorant have shown good results in treating infectious coughs. These medications aid in the liquefaction and easier removal of thick sputum, which helps the animal breathe easier and remove pathogenic microflora—viruses and bacteria that have developed into disease-causing agents—from its respiratory system.

Table: veterinary cough medications for cats

• relieve inflammation;
• reduce the acidity and viscosity of sputum;
• promote expectoration;
• relieve and alleviate spasms

• soften too thick sputum;
• has a pronounced expectorant effect;
• softens a sharp painful cough

• promote the removal of sputum;
• increase the activity of the respiratory system;
• improve the functions of smooth muscles and the epithelium of the respiratory system

• treats inflammatory processes;
• relieves the manifestations of allergies;
• liquefies sputum;
• increases ventilation of the lungs

Medicinal herbs and infusions for cough

Using herbal remedies and traditional methods to treat your cat’s cough on your own, without consulting a doctor, can be just as harmful as self-medicating with medication; while it can be easy to let the illness progress to a serious stage, there are instances when it is unreversible.

For treating a cat’s cough, you cannot just suggest any natural pharmacy product; even if you use the safest options, you should primarily rely on the knowledge and guidance of a reputable veterinarian. Kittens and pregnant cats can use the natural preparations listed below, both internally and through inhalation, if the doctor approves.

Licorice root decoction

A traditional herbal remedy for relieving coughs and clearing mucus. Hypoallergenic and effective.

• chopped licorice roots – 1 heaped tablespoon;
• purified water – 1 glass.

Before using, the dried licorice root should be finely chopped.

1. Medicinal raw materials are poured with cold water in the evening and left to infuse until the morning.
2. Over low heat, bring the mixture to a boil under a lid.
3. Reduce heat to a minimum and boil the decoction for 12-15 minutes.
4. Cool, filter.
5. Adult animals are given an incomplete teaspoon of the decoction three to four times a day, not combining it with meals.

Infusion of coltsfoot leaves

A well-known medicinal plant with potent expectorant properties.

• dry or fresh coltsfoot herb — 1.5–2 teaspoons;
• boiling water — 1 cup.

Use all of the above-ground portion of coltsfoot for infusions, but the leaves are used most frequently.

1. Rub the medicinal raw material a little in your palms and pour it into a thick-walled (preferably ceramic) container.
2. Pour the prepared coltsfoot with just boiled water, cover tightly with a lid and leave in a warm place for 30–40 minutes.
3. Filter the finished infusion and pour into a clean container.
4. Give to a sick cat to improve expectoration three times a day, warming the infusion before each dose.

Infusion of plantain leaves

An excellent natural healing and anti-inflammatory remedy that also encourages tissue regeneration and effectively clears phlegm.

• freshly picked plantain leaves — 1–2 pieces;
• hot water – 0.5 liters.

Use fresh plantain leaves whenever possible rather than dried ones.

1. Wash the plantain leaves thoroughly with running water and let them dry.
2. Tear the leaves into small pieces – it is better not to use scissors or metal knives for chopping.
3. The crushed raw materials can be ground a little with a pestle in a non-metal mortar.
4. Pour boiled water not hotter than 70 degrees over well-crushed plantain leaves, seal tightly and wrap.
5. After cooling completely, strain the infusion.
6. Give the cat a teaspoon four to five times a day until complete recovery.

When used properly, medicinal plants can provide a number of advantages.

Additionally, it is thought that the following medicinal plants are efficient natural cough remedies:

• marsh tea;
• eucalyptus;
• oregano;
• anise fruits;
• birch and pine buds;
• linden flowers;
• elecampane;
• pansy;
• lungwort;
• thyme, etc.

When it comes to treating cough in cats, plant-based medicinal raw materials are just as safe and effective as many pharmaceuticals, even those manufactured naturally. However, the primary issue with using these products in veterinary medicine continues to be the unpredictable nature of an animal’s response to a specific plant, particularly when it comes to the makeup of collections.

Veterinarians assert that a significant number of allergic reactions in cats are caused by this type of treatment. Should I emphasize how serious this is, for instance, if coughing is a sign of bronchial asthma? Obviously, animals follow their instincts completely and avoid making deadly mistakes when selecting helpful plants in the wild for self-medication. And far too often, they suffer harm from our negligent care.

Cat coughing can be brought on by a variety of things, ranging from minor irritants to more serious medical conditions. It’s crucial to pay attention to the kind and frequency of coughing your cat is having in order to determine the most likely cause.

Coughing on a regular basis should not be disregarded as it could be a sign of an underlying condition like infections, allergies, or asthma. It’s best to see a veterinarian for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan if the cough doesn’t go away.

You can help guarantee your cat’s wellbeing and keep minor problems from turning into more significant ones by keeping an eye on their health and taking quick action when you notice any unusual symptoms.

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