What does coughing look like in cats?

Coughing in cats is often confused with hairballs. Typical signs of coughing include:

• a low, harsh or hacking sound
• the cat often crouches low to the ground with the neck stretched forward
• sometimes the tongue sticks out
• nothing is brought up

With hairballs, you usually see retching, while coughing clearly seems to come from the chest.

Causes of coughing in cats

Coughing in cats can have several causes. The most important ones are discussed below.

1. Bronchitis and asthma

The most common cause of coughing in cats is a chronic airway condition, such as feline asthma or chronic bronchitis. In these conditions, the airways are chronically inflamed and narrowed.

Symptoms you may notice include:

• recurrent or persistent coughing
• sometimes shortness of breath
• wheezing
• reduced activity

Over time, damage to the airways can become permanent and irreversible. That is why early treatment is essential. Treatment focuses on reducing inflammation and opening the airways. Inhalation medication often plays an important role.

A commonly used aid is the AeroKat inhalation system, which allows medication to be delivered directly into the lungs. Because medication often contains corticosteroids, inhalation is preferred over tablets, as it results in fewer side effects. In addition, drugs that dilate the airways may be prescribed.

Read more in our blog Chronic bronchitis in dogs and cats.

2. Pneumonia

Pneumonia can cause coughing, often combined with:

• lethargy
• fever
• rapid or laboured breathing

This is a serious condition that always requires veterinary treatment.

3. Foreign bodies (such as a blade of grass)

A sudden onset of severe coughing may indicate a foreign object in the airways, for example a blade of grass.

Typical signs include:

• acute onset
• severe, persistent coughing
• sometimes panic

This is an emergency. Contact your vet immediately if your cat suddenly starts coughing violently.

4. Lungworm in cats

Lungworm can cause chronic coughing, sometimes without other obvious symptoms.

5. Tumours

Tumours in or around the airways are rare, but can cause coughing, especially in older cats. Symptoms usually worsen gradually.

Why you shouldn’t wait with a coughing cat

Coughing in cats is often underestimated. Many owners think it’s not too serious because the cat otherwise seems fine, or assume a hairball is stuck.

However, with cats: coughing is never normal.

In conditions such as asthma and chronic bronchitis, inflammation can cause irreversible damage to the airways. The longer you wait, the greater the risk of permanent problems.

When should you take a coughing cat to the vet?

Always consult a vet if:

• your cat continues to cough
• the coughing keeps returning
• your cat appears short of breath
• no hairballs are produced
• the coughing starts suddenly and severely

Early diagnosis and treatment can slow disease progression and significantly improve your cat’s quality of life.

A coughing cat always deserves attention. Whether it’s asthma, bronchitis, lungworm or another cause, the sooner you act, the better the outlook. If in doubt, always contact your vet.

Do you have any questions about coughing cats? Please contact us at veterinarian@vetsend.co.uk.