💨 Coughing in Cats: Expert Vet Guide – 2025 🐱

Welcome, caring cat guardians! 😺 I’m Dr Duncan Houston BVSc. Coughing in cats isn’t as common as in dogs—when it happens, it often signals lower airway inflammation (bronchitis, asthma), infections, heartworm, or foreign bodies. This 2025 guide will walk you through causes, red flags, diagnostics, treatments, and when to reach out to Ask A Vet. Let’s get your feline friend breathing easy! ✨

1️⃣ Why Cats Cough

Cats rarely cough like humans—they have tight laryngeal reflexes. So, a cough often means the lower airways are irritated by inflammation (bronchitis/asthma), infection, parasites, heart disease, or something stuck in the airway :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}.

2️⃣ Common Causes & Signs

🐾 Feline Asthma / Chronic Bronchitis

• Allergens or irritants lead to bronchial inflammation—symptoms include coughing, wheezing, sometimes open-mouth breathing during flare-ups. Diagnosis via X‑rays or airway wash :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}.

🦠 Respiratory Infections (Viral/Bacterial/Fungal)

• Upper tract: sneezing, discharge, and occasional cough—often due to herpesvirus or calicivirus :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}.
• Lower tract: bronchitis or pneumonia signs include productive coughing, lethargy, fever :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}.

🪱 Parasites (Heartworm, Lungworms)

• Heartworm disease can lead to coughing, though rare in cats. Lungworms present with chronic cough—diagnosed by X‑ray or fecal tests :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}.

❤️ Heart Disease

• Fluid buildup in lungs from heart failure may cause coughing—more commonly with advanced heart disease :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}.

🚧 Foreign Body / Hairball

• Inhaled grass or debris triggers sudden coughing fits. Hairballs mimic cough—observe if gagging follows with hair expulsion :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}.

🎗️ Tumors or Airway Masses

• Older cats with persistent coughing, weight loss, or lethargy should be checked for lung tumors :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}.

3️⃣ When Is Coughing an Emergency?

Seek immediate vet care if your cat:

• Has labored breathing, open-mouth breaths, blue/pale gums, persistent cough fits :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}
• Shows lethargy, fever, weight loss, or chronic productive cough
• Coughs with coughing up blood or foam, or resists rest

If it’s mild, infrequent coughing but energy and appetite are fine, schedule a vet visit within a few days.

4️⃣ How Vets Diagnose Coughing

• Physical exam: auscultation, respiratory rate, gum/eye check
• Chest X‑rays: identify bronchial patterns, fluid, tumors
• Blood tests: evaluate infection, heart function, parasites
• Airway wash (cytology & culture): for asthma, infection, neoplasm
• Heartworm tests and occasional CT scan for masses

5️⃣ Treatment Options

🫁 Asthma / Bronchitis

• Inhaled steroids (fluticasone via AeroKat®) or oral prednisolone for flare-ups
• Bronchodilators (e.g., terbutaline) as prescribed
• Allergen control—avoid smoke, aerosol, dustbags

🦠 Infections

• Antibiotics like Orbax® (orbifloxacin) for bacterial causes :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}
• Antifungals if fungal pathogens present; supportive care in severe cases

🪱 Parasites

• Heartworm treatment requires cautious supportive care—no adulticide in cats
• Lungworm treated with fenbendazole or moxidectin-based products

🚧 Foreign Objects

• Bronchoscopy or imaging to identify and remove debris

🎗️ Tumor Management

• Chemotherapy, radiation, or palliative care based on tumor type and cat’s condition

6️⃣ Home Care & Supportive Strategies

• Use a humidifier or steamy bathroom to ease airway irritation
• Maintain fresh, clean air—minimize smoke, fragrances, and dust
• Encourage rest, hydration, and nutrition with palatable foods
• Monitor and record symptoms—timing, triggers, frequency of cough

7️⃣ Monitoring & Follow-Up

• Recheck X-rays or clinical signs 4–6 weeks after starting treatment
• Asthma: reduce steroid dosage gradually, maintain inhaler use
• Heart/lung conditions: periodic exams, adjust medications as needed
• Parasitic infections: post-treatment fecal or heartworm testing

8️⃣ Ask A Vet Can Help 📲

If your cat coughs, Ask A Vet is here to:

• Help you assess if it's true coughing or hairball gag
• Guide urgent vs scheduled vet care decisions
• Suggest home care like humidification or allergen control
• Explain treatment options like inhalers or antibiotics
• Support preparation for vet visits (what tests to expect)

9️⃣ Quick Reference Table 📊

🔟 Dr Duncan’s Final Thoughts

In cats, coughing is uncommon and should never be ignored. Whether caused by asthma, infection, parasites, or a foreign object, proper diagnosis and care are crucial. With timely in-clinic and remote guidance via Ask A Vet, most cats can breathe easier and enjoy life again. We’re with you every step of the way! 😊🐾

Dr Duncan Houston BVSc — your feline respiratory health partner. Visit AskAVet.com and download the Ask A Vet app for immediate, caring support. 📱