Worried About Your Cat’s Cough? 2025 Vet Guide to Feline Coughs 🐱✨

By Dr. Duncan Houston BVSc

A cat’s cough is often subtle—more like a dry hack or gag—and easy to miss. But it can also be the first sign of a more serious problem. So when should you worry, and when is it harmless?

I’m Dr. Duncan Houston, veterinarian and founder of Ask A Vet. In this article, I’ll walk you through the causes of cat coughing, how to tell them apart, and when it’s time to see a vet.

😺 What Does a Cat Cough Look and Sound Like?

• Dry cough – Like a hacking noise, no phlegm or fluid
• Wet cough – Gurgling, moist, may include phlegm or gagging
• Wheezing – High-pitched noise when exhaling (often confused with a cough)
• Gagging – Often after eating or from hairballs, sometimes misidentified as a cough

🔍 Common Causes of Coughing in Cats

1. Asthma (Feline Allergic Bronchitis)

• Dry, recurring cough
• Wheezing or open-mouth breathing
• Triggered by dust, pollen, and smoke

2. Hairballs

• Intermittent gagging or retching
• May produce a hairball or bile

3. Respiratory Infections

• Wet cough, nasal discharge, sneezing
• Common in kittens or unvaccinated cats

4. Heartworm Disease (Yes, in cats!)

• Dry cough, vomiting, sudden collapse
• Rare but serious—preventable with medication

5. Lungworm or Parasites

• Persistent coughing in outdoor cats
• Caused by ingestion of snails, birds, or rodents

🩺 When to See a Vet

• Persistent cough for more than 2–3 days
• Labored breathing or wheezing
• Loss of appetite, lethargy, or fever
• Coughing with vomiting or weight loss

🧪 How Vets Diagnose the Cause

• Physical exam + stethoscope
• Chest X-rays
• Blood tests (including heartworm)
• Fecal testing for parasites

💊 Treatment Options

• Asthma – Inhalers or oral steroids (fluticasone, prednisolone)
• Infections – Antibiotics, antivirals if indicated
• Hairballs – Diet adjustment, grooming, laxatives
• Heartworm – Supportive care only; prevention is key

🏡 Home Care Tips

• Use an air purifier or HEPA filter
• Reduce dust, perfumes, and aerosol sprays
• Brush long-haired cats regularly
• Ensure up-to-date parasite prevention

🔗 Related Products

• Grooming Tools – Reduce hairballs by improving coat condition

📋 Summary Excerpt

Is your cat coughing or just hacking up a hairball? A veterinarian explains the difference, what causes cat coughs, and when to seek medical care.

❓ FAQs

• Q: Should I worry if my cat coughs once?
  A: Occasional hairball-related gagging is normal. But persistent or dry coughing should be checked by a vet.
• Q: Can cats get asthma?
  A: Yes—feline asthma is common and treatable. It’s often triggered by allergens in the environment.
• Q: Is coughing always from hairballs?
  A: No. Respiratory infections, parasites, or heartworm can all cause similar symptoms. A vet exam is the only way to know for sure.