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Respiratory Health
Seeing your cat coughing and hacking can be very disturbing. Although coughing is not always something to be concerned about, it is important to distinguish when your cat requires medical attention and when a recurring cough may signal an underlying condition.
A cough that happens more than the occasional hairball, comes back often, or is paired with wheezing deserves attention.
When irritants, dust, mucus, or other particles enter the airways, a protective reflex is triggered to try to get rid of them. This reflex is a cough: an attempt to keep the airways clear. Coughing in cats can occur for a number of reasons. While a cough is not a disease itself, it can be a sign of an underlying problem.
If your cat is coughing but no hairball is produced, it is important to pay attention to other symptoms your cat is showing.
Infrequent, but regular coughing (a few times a week or consistently every few weeks) can be a sign of asthma. Your cat may crouch low to the ground with their neck extended upwards—a position that helps your cat get as much air as possible between coughs. Untreated asthma can be life-threatening.
If no hairball is produced, pay attention to if your cat is showing any other signs mentioned on this list.
If your cat begins to lose weight or has a reduced appetite in addition to the cough, it may be an indication of a parasite or infection.
If your cat's cough is persistent, continues for more than a few days, or begins to worsen, take them to the vet. A cough that persists may be an indication of a respiratory infection or asthma.
A wheezing noise between coughs could indicate that your cat can't get enough oxygen to their lungs. Wheezing is produced in the lower airways and occurs when air passageways constrict, and/or when inflammation causes swelling. This could be an indicator of feline asthma.
If your cat's cough is recurrent, take them to the vet to find out what may be causing it to keep coming back. A recurrent cough could be an indicator of allergies or asthma. Asthma is a lifetime condition and symptoms will return if not managed regularly.
If your cat has a wet cough, the coughing will produce phlegm or sputum. This type of cough will sound moist and can be indicative of a lower respiratory problem.
If your cat's tongue and gums begin to turn a shade of blue or grey when coughing, it is an indication your cat is not getting enough oxygen[7]. In this case, take them to the vet immediately.
If your cat is sneezing in addition to coughing, it may be a sign of a viral or respiratory infection.
If your cat is coughing but no hairball is produced, it is important to pay attention to other symptoms your cat is showing.
Infrequent, but regular coughing (a few times a week or consistently every few weeks) can be a sign of asthma. Your cat may crouch low to the ground with their neck extended upwards—a position that helps your cat get as much air as possible between coughs. Untreated asthma can be life-threatening.
If no hairball is produced, pay attention to if your cat is showing any other signs mentioned on this list.
If your cat begins to lose weight or has a reduced appetite in addition to the cough, it may be an indication of a parasite or infection.
If your cat's cough is persistent, continues for more than a few days, or begins to worsen, take them to the vet. A cough that persists may be an indication of a respiratory infection or asthma.
A wheezing noise between coughs could indicate that your cat can't get enough oxygen to their lungs. Wheezing is produced in the lower airways and occurs when air passageways constrict, and/or when inflammation causes swelling. This could be an indicator of feline asthma.