If your cat keeps coughing, it means their body is forcefully expelling air from the lungs and airways in response to irritation, obstruction, or illness, and it’s a symptom that should never be written off as just a hairball. A cat that coughs occasionally may simply have a tickle in the throat, but a cat that coughs repeatedly, persistently, or alongside other symptoms is signaling that something more serious may be going on. From feline asthma and respiratory infections to heart disease and lungworms, the causes of cat coughing range widely, and the right answer isn’t always obvious. This guide breaks down what a cat cough actually looks like, how to tell it apart from sneezing or hairball episodes, the most common conditions behind it, and exactly when to call Shawsheen Animal Hospital in Tewksbury, MA for help.
What Does Cat Coughing Look Like?
Before diving into causes, it helps to recognize what coughing actually looks like in cats. Many cat owners mistake coughing for gagging, retching, or even vomiting. A coughing cat typically crouches low with their neck extended and their head close to the ground. You may hear a harsh, honking, or wheezing sound as they forcefully expel air. The episode may be brief or prolonged, and your cat may or may not produce any material.
Coughing vs. Hairballs vs. Sneezing
It’s helpful to distinguish between coughing, sneezing, and hairball episodes because they can look similar but point to very different issues. Sneezing involves a sudden expulsion of air through the nose and is often triggered by irritation in the nasal passages. Hairball episodes tend to involve retching, gagging, and abdominal heaving that eventually results in expelling a cylindrical mass of fur. Coughing, by contrast, is a lower-airway reflex involving the lungs and trachea. If your cat coughs but nothing comes up, and the body posture matches the description above, it’s worth investigating.
What Are Some Common Causes of Cat Coughing?
Coughing in cats can stem from a variety of underlying conditions, ranging from mild and temporary to serious and chronic. Here are some of the most common causes of cat coughing that veterinarians see.
Feline Asthma
Feline asthma is one of the most common causes of chronic coughing in cats. It’s a lower airway disease caused by inflammation and constriction of the bronchi. Cats with asthma may have episodic coughing, wheezing, labored breathing, or even respiratory distress. Asthma attacks in cats can be triggered by allergens, dust, smoke, or other environmental irritants. While feline asthma cannot be cured, it can be effectively managed with veterinary treatment, including bronchodilators and corticosteroids.
Upper Respiratory Infections
Upper respiratory infections (URIs) are extremely common in cats, particularly in multi-cat households or cats that were previously strays. Caused by viruses like feline herpesvirus and calicivirus, or by bacteria such as Bordetella, these infections can cause sneezing, nasal discharge, and coughing. Cats with URIs may also have runny eyes, reduced appetite, and lethargy. Most URIs are manageable with veterinary care, though some cats may become chronic carriers.
Lungworm Infection
Lungworms are parasites that infect the lungs and airways of cats. Cats typically become infected by ingesting infected prey animals such as birds, mice, or snails. A cat with a lungworm infection may cough persistently, have labored breathing, and appear generally unwell. Diagnosis usually requires fecal testing or imaging. Lungworm infections are treatable with antiparasitic medications prescribed by your veterinarian.
Heart Disease
While heart disease is more commonly associated with coughing in dogs, it can also cause coughing in cats, particularly when fluid accumulates around the lungs (pleural effusion). Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is the most common heart disease in cats and can lead to fluid buildup that makes breathing difficult. Cats with heart disease may also breathe with their mouth open, tire easily, or show rapid breathing at rest.
Pleural Effusion
Pleural effusion refers to an abnormal buildup of fluid in the space surrounding the lungs. This fluid makes it harder for the lungs to expand, which can cause coughing, labored breathing, and a hunched posture. Pleural effusion can result from heart disease, infection, cancer, or other conditions. It is a serious finding that requires prompt veterinary evaluation.
Foreign Body or Airway Obstruction
Cats can occasionally inhale small objects, plant material, or other foreign bodies that become lodged in the trachea or bronchi. This typically causes sudden, acute coughing that may be accompanied by gagging, distress, or changes in breathing sounds. An airway obstruction is a veterinary emergency and requires immediate attention.
Respiratory Tumors
Tumors of the lungs, trachea, or nearby lymph nodes can compress or irritate the airways, leading to a chronic cough in cats. Respiratory tumors are more common in older cats and may be primary lung tumors or metastatic disease that has spread from elsewhere in the body. Coughing associated with cancer is often progressive and accompanied by weight loss or declining appetite.
When Should I Take My Coughing Cat to the Vet?
Any cat that coughs more than occasionally deserves a veterinary evaluation. Because the causes of cat coughing range from manageable to life-threatening, it’s always better to have your cat examined than to wait and see. There are several situations where you should seek care urgently.
Contact Shawsheen Animal Hospital right away if your cat is:
- Coughing frequently or having coughing fits that last more than a minute
- Breathing with their mouth open or showing labored breathing
- Breathing rapidly while at rest
- Showing blue or gray gums, which can indicate oxygen deprivation
- Lethargic, not eating, or visibly losing weight
- Coughing up blood or foamy material
- Showing signs of pain or distress
Even if your cat’s coughing seems mild, a cough that has lasted more than a week warrants a visit to the vet. Early diagnosis leads to better outcomes for almost every condition on this list.
Diagnosing Coughing in Cats
Diagnosing the cause of a cat’s cough requires a systematic approach. When you bring your cat to Shawsheen Animal Hospital, our team will start with a physical examination that includes listening to the heart and lungs with a stethoscope, assessing your cat’s breathing pattern, and checking for any visible abnormalities. We’ll ask about the duration of the cough, whether it’s getting worse, any known exposures, and your cat’s overall health history.
Common Diagnostic Tests for Cat Coughing
- Chest X-rays: Thoracic radiographs are often the first imaging tool used to evaluate cat coughing. They can reveal signs of asthma, pneumonia, fluid, tumors, heart enlargement, or other structural changes.
- Bloodwork and fecal testing: A complete blood count and chemistry panel help assess overall health and detect infections or organ problems. Fecal testing can identify lungworm or other parasites.
- Bronchoalveolar lavage: In some cases, a sample of fluid from the airways is collected and analyzed to identify infection, inflammation, or cancer cells.
- Echocardiogram: An ultrasound of the heart may be recommended if heart disease is suspected as a cause of the cough.
Reducing Environmental Triggers for Cat Coughing
For cats prone to coughing due to asthma or airway sensitivity, the home environment plays a significant role. Reducing your cat’s exposure to known respiratory irritants can help minimize the frequency and severity of coughing episodes. Some practical steps include switching to a low-dust, unscented cat litter, avoiding aerosol sprays and air fresheners in areas where your cat spends time, keeping the home well-ventilated, and not smoking indoors.
While these environmental adjustments can be helpful, they are not a substitute for veterinary diagnosis and treatment. If your cat has been diagnosed with feline asthma or another respiratory condition, your vet at Shawsheen Animal Hospital will work with you to develop a comprehensive management plan.
Your Cat’s Cough Is a Signal Worth Listening To
A cat that keeps coughing is communicating something important. Whether it’s asthma, an infection, parasites, or something more serious, the underlying cause deserves attention and professional care. The team at Shawsheen Animal Hospital in Tewksbury, MA is experienced in diagnosing and treating respiratory conditions in cats and can help you and your cat navigate whatever is going on. If your cat has been coughing, call us at (978) 851-5558 or book an appointment online. Getting answers sooner is always better for your cat’s health and your peace of mind.
