Coughing in Cats

What is a cough?

A cough is a sudden, noisy burst of air expelled from the lungs when breathing out. It is usually caused by irritation or inflammation of the lining of the windpipe (trachea) or the airways in the lungs (bronchi and bronchioles). Coughing helps clear foreign material or a buildup of secretions, such as mucus. In cats, coughing is often confused with “bringing up a hairball,” but no hairball is produced.

Severe bouts of coughing may end with retching, and a cat may even bring up stomach contents, such as bile. Cats often crouch down and extend their neck when they cough.

It is important to distinguish coughing from asthmatic attacks. Asthmatic cats will often cough, but in an attack, most cats breathe with an open mouth and often have a bluish or gray tongue or gums. Asthma attacks in cats are a medical emergency—seek veterinary care right away.

What causes cats to cough?

In cats, coughing is usually a sign of inflammation in the lower airways, especially some form of bronchitis. Other possible causes include:

• Infections, including those caused by viruses such as feline viral rhinotracheitis or bacteria such as Bordetella.
• Parasitic worms, especially heartworms.
• Allergies.
• Foreign material in the airway, such as inhaled grass.
• Irritation from inhaled liquids or gases.
• Chest tumors, which occasionally cause coughing.
• Upper respiratory tract disease, when irritation or inflammation affects the voice box (larynx) or trachea. Excess secretions from the nose can also drain into these areas, causing irritation and coughing.

Unlike in dogs, coughing in cats is not commonly associated with heart disease.

When does a coughing cat need veterinary attention?

It is normal for some cats to cough occasionally. If the cat is in good health and the cough does not produce mucus or other material, veterinary attention is not immediately required.

However, consult your veterinarian if the cough persists for more than a few days, is severe, keeps returning, or produces mucus or other material. You should also contact your veterinarian if your cat appears sick or is losing weight. Seek veterinary care right away if your cat has difficulty breathing or is breathing with an open mouth.

How is the cause of a cat’s cough diagnosed?

Your veterinarian will review your cat’s medical history and perform a physical examination. Tell your veterinarian when the cough began, how it has changed, whether anything has changed in your cat's home environment, and whether you have noticed any other signs of illness. If the cough is severe or has been present for some time, further investigation may be needed.

Diagnostic tests may include:

• Chest X-rays
• Several types of blood tests, including heartworm testing
• Laboratory testing of a fluid sample collected by flushing the lower airways

Your veterinarian may also examine the airways with a small camera, a procedure called endoscopy. Ultrasound of the heart may be necessary in some cases. Your cat may require sedation or anesthesia for some of these procedures. These tests can also help your veterinarian determine whether your cat has asthma.

How is a cough be treated?

Treatment depends on the diagnosis and your cat’s medical condition. Symptomatic treatment with decongestant medicines may be helpful in mild cases. If a bacterial infection is causing the cough, your veterinarian may prescribe antibiotics. The length of treatment depends on the infection and your cat’s response. It is important to give all medication as prescribed, even if your cat seems better. Do not stop the treatment without consulting your veterinarian.

Long-term inflammation can damage the airways, and some cats need ongoing treatment. Targeted supplements may help improve mucous membrane repair or act as immune stimulants. Anti-inflammatory drugs may be used to reduce inflammation, particularly if allergies are involved and the substance triggering the reaction cannot be identified or removed from the cat’s environment. For certain types of cancer, chemotherapy may be an option.