An occasional cough in a cat, for example to clear a bit of dust or a hairball, isn’t usually a concern. But regular coughing isn’t normal and should always be checked by a vet. Coughing in cats can be a sign of asthma, infections, parasites or heart and lung problems.
Is It a Cough or a Hairball?
Owners often mistake coughing for hairballs. A coughing cat usually crouches low, stretches its neck out and makes a dry, hacking sound, often without bringing anything up. A cat bringing up a hairball usually makes heaving movements with its belly and vomits up hair. If your cat often “tries to bring up a hairball” but nothing comes out, it may actually be coughing. A video of the episode on your phone can be very helpful for your vet.
Common Causes of Coughing in Cats
- Feline asthma, a common condition in which the airways become inflamed and narrowed, often triggered by allergens such as dust, smoke, pollen or dusty cat litter;
- respiratory infections, such as cat flu, Bordetella or pneumonia (read more about cat flu);
- lungworm and heartworm (read more about worms in cats);
- irritants, such as cigarette smoke, air fresheners, aerosols and essential oil diffusers;
- something stuck in the throat or airways, such as a blade of grass;
- heart disease, although heart disease in cats more often causes fast breathing than coughing;
- tumors, which are more common in older cats.
When to See the Vet
Go to a vet immediately if your cat is breathing with its mouth open or panting, struggling to breathe, breathing very fast at rest, has blue or pale gums, or collapses. These are emergencies.
Make an appointment with your vet if your cat:
- coughs more than occasionally, or the cough lasts more than a day or two;
- has a cough that keeps coming back;
- also has sneezing, nasal discharge, fever, lethargy or loss of appetite;
- is losing weight.
Your vet will listen to your cat’s chest and may recommend X-rays, blood tests, tests for parasites or other investigations. Many causes of coughing, including asthma, can be managed very well with the right treatment.
What You Can Do
- keep your home free of smoke, aerosols, air fresheners and essential oils;
- try a low-dust, unscented cat litter;
- keep your cat’s parasite prevention up to date;
- keep your cat at a healthy weight;
- if your cat has been diagnosed with asthma, follow your vet’s treatment plan carefully. Many asthmatic cats are treated with inhalers given through a special spacer and mask designed for cats.
Never give your cat human cough medicines, which often contain ingredients that are toxic to cats. Only use medicines your vet prescribes.
