Coughing in cats

Coughing in cats can be caused by a variety of underlying issues, some of which require prompt
veterinary attention. Unlike dogs, coughing in cats is less common and often associated with
specific respiratory or cardiac problems.

Common Causes of Coughing in Cats
1. Respiratory Infections:
– Viral infections (feline herpesvirus, calicivirus)
– Bacterial infections (e.g., Bordetella, Chlamydia)
– Fungal infections (less common)
2. Asthma (Feline Bronchial Disease):
– Chronic airway inflammation leading to wheezing, coughing, and breathing difficulty
– Often triggered by allergens or irritants
3. Heart Disease:
– Congenital or acquired heart conditions can cause pulmonary edema, leading to coughing in
dogs. Cats rarely cough with congestive heart failure.
4. Foreign Bodies or Irritants:
– Inhaled dust, pollen, or small objects
5. Lung Tumors or Masses:
– Can cause persistent cough, sometimes with difficulty breathing
6. Allergies and Environmental Irritants:
– Tobacco smoke, perfumes, dust, mold
7. Chronic Conditions:
– Chronic bronchitis or other airway diseases
Signs to Watch For
– Persistent or recurrent cough (lasting more than a few days)
– Wheezing or labored breathing
– Nasal discharge or sneezing
– Lethargy or decreased appetite
– Open-mouth breathing or panting (in severe cases)
– Coughing up blood (hemoptysis) – warranting urgent care

When to Seek Veterinary Care
– Coughing lasts more than a few days
– Accompanied by breathing difficulty, lethargy, or loss of appetite , dyspnea or open mouth
breathing
– Coughing produces blood or frothy mucus
– Rapid or labored breathing
– Sudden onset or severe coughing episodes
Diagnosis
– Physical exam, auscultation of lungs and heart
– Chest X-rays to evaluate lungs and heart
– Blood tests, including infectious disease titers or panels for allergies
– Feline lower airway disease testing (e.g., bronchoscopy, tracheal wash)
– Heart evaluation (echocardiogram, blood pressure) may help to rule out if cardiac disease is a
comorbidity.
Treatment
– Addressing underlying causes:
– Antibiotic therapy if infection
– Anti-inflammatory medications for asthma or bronchitis
– Supportive care:
– Oxygen therapy in severe cases
– Cough suppressants (vet-prescribed) if cough is non productive or excessive.
– Environmental modifications to reduce allergens or irritants

Prevention & Management
– Minimize exposure to smoke, perfumes, dust
– Keep indoors during high pollen seasons if possible
– Maintain a clean environment
– Regular veterinary check-ups for at-risk cats
– Manage asthma or chronic airway disease with prescribed medications