Has your cat’s purr turned into a cough? Coughing is a sign that something is irritating your kitty's lungs, airway, or throat. Today, our Blountville vets explain some of the reasons why your cat may be coughing, and what you can do to help.
Why is my cat coughing?
Regardless of the cause, watching your cat cough can be upsetting. Often when cats are coughing they become agitated and apprehensive, making it appear as if each cough will be their last.
If your cat has a persistent or severe cough, it is critical to have your cat examined by a veterinarian as soon as possible so that the cause of your cat's cough can be diagnosed and treated. The nature of your cat's cough, along with other findings, can assist your veterinarian in diagnosing the underlying cause and prescribing appropriate treatment.
Causes of Cat Coughing
There are several different reasons why your cat may be wheezing, coughing, or sneezing. Below are a few of the most common:
Asthma
- Asthma is the most common feline respiratory disorder that veterinarians see. Cats who spend at least some of their time outside are more likely to develop asthma, and a cough may be a symptom of the condition.
Allergies
- Like people, cats can also suffer from allergies that make them cough and sneeze or wheeze.
Fungal Lung Infection
- If your cat spends time outside, he or she may contract a fungus from the soil, and coughing is a common symptom. Fungal infections are most easily treated when detected early.
Heartworms
- Heartworm disease is a fatal mosquito-borne disease. Preventative medications are available from your veterinarian to help protect your cat from this potentially fatal disease.
Lung Cancer
- Lung cancer is another potential cause of a cat cough. Some tumors can be controlled with medication. If not, surgery may be an option.
Pneumonia
- Cat coughing can be a sign of pneumonia. Pneumonia in cats can be diagnosed with X-rays and may respond to antibiotics and other therapies.
Congestive Heart Failure
- In cats, shortness of breath, coughing, or wheezing are all symptoms of congestive heart failure. It's time to take your cat to the vet if he or she is having trouble breathing. Ultrasound or an electrocardiogram can be used to diagnose heart failure.
Tight collars
- If your cat's collar is too tight it can put pressure on your kitty’s windpipe causing damage and leading to a cough.
Worms
- Worms are especially common in cats. It's one of the reasons your cat should have blood and fecal tests at the vet on a regular basis. These tests can aid in the early detection of parasites, when they are most treatable.
Treating Your Cat's Cough
Treatment for breathing problems and coughing in cats will depend upon the underlying cause. Do not try to treat your cat without the guidance of your vet. Following a thorough examination, your vet may prescribe cough suppressants, antibiotics, steroids, or other drugs to treat your cat's health issue.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.