Cat Coughing Causes and how to Treat It in Severe Conditions
We all cough sometimes, and cats are no different. Coughing is a function that helps in the body’s removal of waste from the respiratory system. When your cat coughs and hacks, it can be really upsetting. Even though it isn’t usually a cause for concern, it’s crucial to figure out when your cat needs medical help.
When a normally healthy cat coughs at times, it’s usually nothing to be concerned about. Keep an eye out for coughs that are more intense, ongoing, or mixed with other symptoms. There are multiple causes for this, so if you find your cat coughing and wheezing, you should get them examined by a veterinarian to make sure the issue is understood and handled properly.
If you are worried about why is my cat coughing, scroll down to get your answer. Here are some potential causes of your cat’s coughing and helpful tips.
Common Causes of Coughing Cat
A cat may cough for a number of primary reasons:
- Respiratory Infection
Feline calicivirus and feline viral rhinotracheitis are two examples of bacteria or viruses that can cause upper respiratory illnesses in cats. A number of respiratory symptoms, such as coughing, sneezing, and nasal discharge, can result from these diseases.
- Tumor
Cats with tumours may cough, depending on the location of the tumour. Lung tumours can produce violent coughing fits, while nasal tumours can cause both coughing and sneezing. To identify any possible tumours, the vet must perform a thorough test on your cat. From there, they will consult with you to determine the best course of action.
- Asthma
In reaction to specific stimuli, cats with asthma may experience airway restriction, airway swelling, and fluid accumulation, all of which can result in coughing. Although there is no known cure for this chronic, progressive disease, its symptoms can be effectively controlled.
- Allergies
Environmental allergens such as dust mites, pollen, or particular foods can cause reactions in cats. Symptoms of allergic responses may include cat sneezing and coughing or respiratory issues. Cat allergies are really common, and they can be quickly controlled.
- Heart Disease
Coughing may be a sign of heart problems for senior cats specially. When fluid builds up in the lungs due to problems like cardiomyopathy or heartworm disease, the body attempts to remove the extra fluid by coughing. It’s necessary to see a veterinarian right away if other symptoms like lethargy, fast breathing, or trouble playing follow your cat’s cough.
Can Cats get Kennel Cough?
Yes, cats can have kennel cough, but it is extremely uncommon. When it does, it usually happens at shelters or other locations with lots of cats in close quarters, making it easier for an infected cat to infect healthy cats. Kennel cough can develop into a dangerous disease in cats with weak immune systems, elderly cats, and kittens. This disease is usually more common in dogs.
Can cats get kennel cough from dogs? No, cats are usually more immune to kennel cough than dogs, and they do not normally contract it from dogs. Common viruses, on the other hand, can infect cats and often get it wrong for kennel cough.
Symptoms of Kennel Cough:
- Dry coughing
- Fever
- Sneezing
- Eye discharge
- Nasal discharge
- Conjunctivitis
- Trouble breathing
- Loss of appetite
Treatment of Cat Cough
- Antibiotics:
Antibiotics may be required to treat viral infections. Some vets can recommend antibiotics to cats with viral illnesses to keep away bacterial infections. Drugs are not effective in treating viral infections. You can learn more about what medicine your cat requires from your veterinarian.
- Medication for allergies:
If your cat has severe allergies, your veterinarian may recommend allergy medication. Depending on your cat’s particular allergies, this medication may need to be administered every day or only as needed.
- Steroids:
Steroids might be the only thing that might help your cat, which has severe asthma, calm down during a severe attack. Your veterinarian has to give the steroids, which may be given orally or via injection.
- Humidifier:
Cats who suffer from severe allergies or asthma may find it easier to breathe with a humidifier. Place the humidifier on a high shelf out of your cat’s range and secure it tightly to prevent falling over if you use it in a room with your feline.
- Dietary Control:
Dietary control may be necessary for cats whose coughing problems are caused by serious food allergies. It can be beneficial to try feeding your cat a high-quality, nutritious diet that contains only a few ingredients.
- Surgery:
Your cat might need surgery if he has a tumour or has inhaled something strange. Chemotherapy or other treatments may also be required for tumours. You can discuss these possible treatment choices for your cat with your veterinarian.
- Cat Cough Home Remedy:
Treatments that can be used at home include cleaning away fluid from the nose on a regular basis or, if advised by your veterinarian, putting your cat in a steamy bathroom to relieve tightness. Cats rarely receive cough medications.
Conclusion
For specific advice on preventive therapy based on your cat’s particular requirements and medical history, don’t forget to speak with your veterinarian. They can offer detailed advice on how to keep cats healthy, lower the chance of coughing, and handle seasonal pet care.
Keep in mind that accurate prevention usually relies on identifying the root cause and making sure there is no lung irritation or restriction in the back of the throat.
