Hearing our cats cough is not uncommon for cat owners, especially if they frequently have hairballs. However, there are various causes for coughing in cats beyond just hairballs. While some causes are mild and treatable, others may require immediate veterinary attention. In this article, we will explore the common causes of cat coughing and their respective treatment plans.
Common Cat Behavior Issues and Solutions
Allergies
Cats can experience allergies, with coughing being one of the common symptoms. Allergies in cats are often caused by airborne particles like pollen. In addition to coughing, cats may also experience itchiness, sneezing, wheezing, and discharge from the nose or eyes.
Treatment: Consult with your veterinarian to determine the best treatment for your cat’s allergies. Options include oral allergy medications, allergy shots, and steroids.
Illnesses
Respiratory illnesses can also cause cats to cough. Vaccinating your cat helps prevent such illnesses. If you suspect your cat is sick, it’s important to take them to the vet as soon as possible and keep them quarantined from other cats to prevent the spread of infection. Symptoms may include coughing, discharge from the nose and eyes, lethargy, reduced appetite, fever, mouth sores, and eye ulcers.
Treatment: Viral infections themselves have no specific treatment. Providing supportive care, such as cleaning discharge and ensuring your cat eats and drinks water, is crucial. Secondary infections can be treated with antibiotics.
Acute Bronchitis
Acute bronchitis is inflammation of the bronchi in the lungs, usually caused by a specific agent like a virus or irritant. Symptoms include coughing, wheezing, stress, and sometimes fever. This condition typically resolves on its own once the irritant is removed.
Treatment: Supportive care to manage symptoms is usually sufficient, along with removing the irritant causing acute bronchitis.
Hairballs
Hairballs are a normal occurrence in cats, but excessive hairballs can be uncomfortable for cats and unpleasant for owners. Regular grooming can help reduce hairballs, particularly for long-haired cats. Special hairball controlling diets are also available to reduce frequency.
Asthma
Asthma is another common cause of coughing in cats. This condition often leads to coughing, wheezing, and breathing difficulties.
Treatment: Managing asthma in cats involves maintaining a healthy weight, eliminating allergens and irritants, and using oral medications such as anti-inflammatories and bronchodilator therapy as needed.
Injuries
Respiratory tract or lung injuries can cause coughing in cats. Severity depends on the extent of the injury, which can result from falls, fights, or accidents like being stepped on. In addition to coughing, cats may be in pain and have difficulty breathing. Immediate veterinary attention is necessary for any injuries.
Treatment: Severe injuries may require hospitalization to ensure oxygen intake and fluid balance. Surgical intervention may be necessary to repair the respiratory tract.
Inhalation of Objects
Cats occasionally inhale liquids or very small objects, leading to coughing and wheezing. The severity of the condition varies, so it is always advisable to contact your vet for guidance.
Treatment: Mild cases can often be managed at home with veterinary guidance over the phone. Severe cases require immediate veterinary attention, potentially involving surgical removal of objects from the respiratory tract.
For more information on training techniques, refer to our guide on positive reinforcement methods for cats.
Greenville Animal Hospital Can Help
If your cat is continuously coughing or you have concerns about their health, contact Greenville Animal Hospital at (616) 754-9633 to speak with a veterinarian. The veterinary team can provide guidance and ensure your cat’s coughing is addressed effectively.
