As a pet parent, you will likely notice any small change in your cat’s behavior. If you see your feline friend suddenly coughing or hacking, it may be cause for concern. Here are the most common reasons why cats cough and when it’s time to take them to the vet.
1. Asthma
Cats can experience an asthma attack due to excessive amounts of mucus in their airways.
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The most common reason why domestic cats cough is asthma. It is the top feline respiratory disorder in the United States. Roughly 800,000 cats in the country will experience asthma at one point or another.
Cats who spend time outdoors have an increased chance of getting it. There are a variety of factors that can cause your feline friend to get asthma. If they have any contact with pollen, mold, dusty cat litter, cigarette smoke, or perfume, they may eventually suffer from asthma.
The primary treatment for feline asthma consists of removing any potential triggers. When a cat’s environment is free from things such as mold or perfume, the inflammation and swelling within their airways will reduce.
Stress and obesity in cats are also triggers.
2. Allergies
Cleaning products and rubber materials can cause allergic reactions in cats.
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Just like humans, cats can have allergies. Things such as plants, smoke, contaminants, and pollen can trigger allergies and cats. They may also be allergic to certain kinds of food and fabric.
This can lead to your cat coughing or wheezing. Similarly to asthma, removing whatever your cat is allergic to should help with any cough or breathing issues they may have.
3. Lung Infection
Your vet will be able to quickly diagnose a lung infection in a cat.
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Respiratory infections are another common reason that your cat may be coughing. This is especially true if you have multiple cats in one home. There are a few types of infections such as fungal and bacterial.
Upper respiratory infections in cats include signs such as coughing, runny nose, sneezing, drooling, loss of appetite, and squinting or rubbing their eyes. The earlier a bacterial or fungal infection is caught, the better.
Your vet will likely give your feline antimicrobial medications. While antiviral medications are not as commonly prescribed, they may be useful for certain circumstances. Sometimes cats can get fluid accumulating around their lungs.
When this is the case, a vet will insert a needle and remove any excessive fluid. Depending on why the fluid is there in the first place, your vet may suggest further treatment.
4. Heartworm
Heartworm occurs in roughly 15% of cats.
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While cats get heartworm much less often compared to dogs, it still may be cause for concern. Heartworm disease is spread by mosquitoes and cats that spend time outdoors are more likely to get it.
That being said, it’s not hard for a tiny mosquito to make its way indoors and infect house cats. A few signs that your cat may be dealing with heartworm or coughing, weight loss, vomiting, lethargy, and difficulty breathing.
Unfortunately, treatment options for heartworm disease in cats are relatively non-existent. If you believe your pet has heartworm, please bring them to the vet immediately. Because there is no treatment for adult heartworms, it’s a good idea to aim for prevention beforehand.
5. Lung Cancer
Cats can live for several years after a lung cancer diagnosis.
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As heartbreaking as it is, cats can get lung cancer. There are various types, each having distinct symptoms or no symptoms at all. Persian cats have an increased risk of lung cancer and it’s typically diagnosed later in life.
There isn’t exactly one cause for this disease. things such as their environment and age play a role in the likelihood of a cat getting lung cancer. Some signs include a fever, cough, loss of appetite, pain in the legs, weight loss, and lethargy.
Thankfully, there are several treatment options for lung cancer in cats. This includes chemotherapy, radiotherapy, immunotherapy, palliative care, and surgery.
6. Environment Issues
Burning candles can lead to health issues in all household pets.
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Sometimes when a cat is coughing, it can be something that you can easily fix yourself. For example, if your cat wears a collar and it’s too tight it can cause them to cough. You should be able to fit two fingers under the collar comfortably if the color is properly fitted.
Speaking of a cat’s environment, make sure your house is free of irritants such as candles, essential oils, poisonous plants, and cigarette smoke.
Another reason why your cat may be coughing is simply because they have a scratchy throat. Unless there are other symptoms, this may not be too much of a cause for concern. Garfield may have a hairball as well, causing him to cough.
Do you believe your cat man Justin a foreign object, such as a piece of a toy, bring them to the vet. Your veterinarian can perform a bronchoscopy to remove any inhaled objects. Your feline friend will then be given antibiotics to prevent any infection from the foreign object.
