What To Do If Your Cat Starts Coughing
A cat coughing doesnt always necessitate a trip to the vet, but in some cases, a vet visit may be essential. Your vet can help you to identify and resolve the underlying cause of your cats cough.
If you think your cat is coughing, pay attention to when shes coughing, how often shes coughing, and what the cough sounds like. Your veterinarian might ask you to describe the sound of the cough if your cat isnt actively coughing when you bring her in for an exam. If you can, try to take a video of your cat coughing to show the veterinarian.
If your cat just coughs once or twice, and otherwise seems fine, you could watch her and see if the cough goes away on its own. Continuous coughing should be checked out by your vet, even if your cat is not coughing all day long.
Take your cat in right away if she seems to be having difficulty breathing or is acting very sick .
The veterinarian will ask you a lot of questions about your cats cough and will conduct a complete physical exam. The vet might also want to run tests like blood work, urinalysis, x-rays, an ultrasound of the heart, or other tests. Treatment for cat coughing depends on the underlying cause of the cough and may entail supportive care, medications, lifestyle changes, or surgery.
Why Has My Cat Suddenly Started Coughing
- Asthma. Asthma is a surprisingly common condition in felines and other mammals and can be the cause of wheezing in your cat or kitten.1 Prolonged wheezing could mean that
- Hairballs. Wheezing sounds can also be a result of your cat trying to cough out built up hair that has made its way into their stomach.
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What To Expect At The Vets Office
Before visiting your vet, take note of any other signs or symptoms your cat has shown in addition to the cough. If possible, try to take a video of your cat coughing at home to show the vet. Your vet will want to know as much as possible in order to properly diagnose and treat your pet.
Some questions your vet might ask include:
- How long have the symptoms been present?
- Is the cough wet or dry?
- Have you noticed any other symptoms besides the cough?
- Does your cat go outside?
- Is your cat receiving preventative treatment for parasitic worms?
- Is your cat more lethargic than usual?
Although relatively common, coughing in cats can be a sign of a more serious issue that can be life-threatening in some cases. If you are unsure if your cats cough warrants a visit to the vet, always err on the side of caution and take them regardless.
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What If My Cat Keeps Sneezing
Persistent sneezing is quite concerning as there may be an underlying cause behind it thats unknown to you. Therefore, its always essential to look for the reason. Such recurring sneezes are pretty often due to environmental factors.
However, if you observe other symptoms such as lethargy, fever, dehydration, labored breathing, snoring, nasal discharge, tearing or discharge from eyes, difficulty swallowing, then see a vet with no delay.
Lets ride through some of the most common reasons behind your cat keeps sneezing:
Inflammation Or Infection Of A Tooth
You might be unaware that dental problems can cause your cat to sneeze, but itâs true. The roots of the teeth in a catâs upper jaw are right beside the nasal passages, so any infection of the teeth can affect the nasal passages. When a catâs tooth root is infected or inflamed, it can create drainage into the sinuses and cause sneezing. Gingivitis, abscesses, ulcers, rotting teeth, and other dental diseases can cause sneezing, especially when an infection becomes established in the sinuses. Your veterinarian can diagnose this condition and solve your kittyâs sneezing problem.
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Other Causes Of Coughing
Allergies. The causes and symptoms are similar to those of asthma. Your vet can figure out which is to blame.
Fungal lung infection. Your kitty could pick up a fungus from the soil. Each part of the country has a different type, but coughing is a common symptom.
Heartworms. This disease is spread by mosquitos. If you live in an area with these bugs, your cat is more at risk. You can get preventative medicine from your vet. The symptoms resemble asthma, so your pet could be misdiagnosed.
Lung cancer. Some tumors can be controlled with medication. If not, surgery may be an option.
System diseases. Coughing can be a sign of pneumonia, which can be diagnosed with X-rays and may respond to antibiotics and other therapies. It may also be a sign of congestive heart failure, which be diagnosed with an ultrasound or echocardiogram.
Tight collars. Pressure on your catâs windpipe can cause damage and lead to a cough.
Worms. These are common in felines. Itâs one reason your pet gets regular fecal tests at the vet.
What To Do If Your Cat Is Wheezing
If your cat is wheezing after a hairball or an isolated incident of wheezing, this is a chance that they just might need some more water or a way to pass the irritation they are experiencing. If the wheezing persists, you will need to monitor it to see if it worsens over time. If you notice that your cat has been wheezing for an extended amount of time or stressed by it, they need to go to the vet.
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When Should You Take Your Cat To The Vet For Coughing
If your cat only coughs once in a while, you dont need to worry. But when there are other symptoms with the cough, it is time to investigate with your vet, Wilson said.
According to Wilson, some ways you can tell if your cats cough isnt normal are if it lasts longer than a few days, produces phlegm, is severe enough to cause him to spit up, or is in combination with sneezing or wheezing.
If your cat has other symptoms such as weight loss, not eating, looking unkempt, or seeming lethargic, it is time to consult with your primary care veterinarian, Wilson said.
If your cat shows any of these symptoms, get him to the vet ASAP:
- Open-mouth breathing
- Blue, gray or white gums
- Coughing up blood
These symptoms may mean its an emergency. Difficulty breathing and pale gums can be signs of an asthma attack and a lack of oxygen intake, while coughing up blood can be a sign of trauma, cancer or poisoning.
Why Is My Cat Coughing And Wheezing
Theres nothing quite as concerning as noticing your pet is getting sick and not knowing what the problem is. It can be even more difficult for cat owners in particular, since cats tend to hide their illnesses as much as possible. However, if youve started to notice your cat coughing or wheezing, there are a few things to be on the lookout for so you can get to the bottom of their condition and help them as soon as possible.
One thing to bear in mind is that coughing is not always a concern in cats. Cats will usually cough when passing hairballs, which is a perfectly normal response. However, you should keep an eye out for a few things so you can tell if your cat is in need of help.
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While The Occasional Sneeze From Your Cat Is Completely Normal And Is No Cause For Concern Frequent Sneezing Might Catch Your Attention
For humans, sneezing is a normal response to irritation in the nasal passages – the bodys way of removing an irritant from the nose. If your cats sneezing wont go away, or if other symptoms such as a runny nose or eyes or coughing occur along with the sneezing, it might be time for a visit to your vet.
What Does A Cat Cough Sound Like
A cat that coughs usually stops what activity they are doing and sticks out their head, extending their neck. You may hear one cough, or severaland if your cat coughs several times in a row, he will stand or sit in one place during this.
When coughing, a cats chest and belly movements are dramatic since a cough is a forceful push of air out. Cats will not pant or hold their mouth open wide when coughing, and coughing is not really fasteach cough will likely have at least a second or two in between.
There are two types of cat coughs: a dry cough or a productive cough. The lining of the whole respiratory system contains cells that secrete mucus, or the thick gooey material you see when blowing your nose. Some causes of coughing will increase mucus production and produce a wet cough, while others will not and produce a dry cough.
A dry cough sounds like a honk or wheeze and your cat does not swallow afterward.
A wet cough sounds like water or something is caught in the back of your cats throatperhaps like cracklesand he will swallow afterward
It is very challenging for pet parents to know if their cat is actually coughing or producing a different sound. Some other things that could be happening instead of coughing include:
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Why Is My Cat Sneezing: Causes And Treatments
Your cat may sneeze for several reasons, but the most common is a tickle in the nose. Cats, like people, can get a tickle in their nose and sneeze to get rid of whatever is causing it. It could be hair, dust, a chemical irritant or a reaction to a particular odour. It is normal for a healthy and active cat to sneeze sometimes, but if your cat sneezes constantly and this makes you wonder, Why is my cat sneezing? Keep reading because, in this article, we will answer the question and also take a look at everything you need to know about cats sneezing.
Some cats sneeze as part of normal life. There is probably nothing to worry about if your cat occasionally sneezes once or twice, then go about its business as usual. However, you should keep a check on it to make sure the sneezing stops. If the sneezing persists or is accompanied by other symptoms, you need to see a veterinarian to determine the possible causes.
Constant sneezing in cats can have many causes. It could be environmental for example, if your cat only sneezes in one place or when performing certain activities, this means that your cats may be allergic to something around the place.
Recovery And Management Of Cat Colds
Most healthy cats are able to make a full recovery from a cat cold without medical intervention in about 7-10 days. If your cat experiences more severe symptoms and medical treatment is required, the recovery period may last longer and be harder, depending on how serious it was. Adding in at-home care can help with a cats recovery.
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How To Help Your Coughing Cat
If your cat is coughing, its almost always a health concern. The only time you shouldnt be worried is if theyre only coughing while passing hairballs, and seem to be breathing properly at all other times. If your cat is experiencing wheezing, coughing, sneezing, or any of the other issues listed above, its likely a sign that something is going on with your furry friend. It could be a number of causes, however you wont be able to know for sure until your cat is examined by a professional.
Always defer to your veterinarian when treating a cats cough. Attempting treatment without a professional diagnosis can not only be ineffective, but also it may even worsen your cats illness. Your veterinarian will provide recommendations and advice to look after your cat depending on what they find in the examination, but here are a few ideas to help manage symptoms for specific conditions:
If your cat is dealing with an ongoing cough, or any other persistent health issue, you owe it to them to get the best care possible. Choosing a trusted veterinarian is one of the most important things you can do to keep your cat safe and healthy, so you should always make it a priority to visit them before your cat is in need of more urgent medical attention.
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How Will My Vet Determine The Cause Of My Cats Sneezing
You would assume that testing for a virus or bacteria would simply determine a cause. However, a nasal cavity isnt a sterile location, so a culture that tests positive for certain bacteria doesnt prove that it is the primary cause of your cats sneeze.
So, to determine what might be behind this symptom, your vet will perform the following tests:
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Symptoms Of Upper Respiratory Infections In Cats
An upper respiratory infection in cats can look a lot like the common cold in people. Sneezing, runny nose, coughing, congestion, discharge from the eyes, fever, ulcers in the mouth or around the nose and eyesall signs your cats may have a viral upper respiratory infection.
You may also notice that your cat starts pawing at their nose and mouth, has trouble swallowing, or makes wheezes or choking sounds while trying to breathe.
Behavioral changes, such as a loss of appetite, lethargy, or poor grooming, can also indicate an upper respiratory infection or other illness. Remember that cats have a tendency to mask or hide their symptoms when theyre not feeling well, so its helpful to consciously keep an eye out for signs of illnesses like these.
Because it can be difficult to notice when your cat isnt feeling the best, it is essential that you always schedule a yearly appointment with your cats veterinarian. These visits are a prime opportunity for you to bring up any questions or concerns you may have about your pals health, behavior, and lifestyle.
Annual check-ups additionally provide your veterinarian a chance to monitor your cats overall health. Regular visits allow your veterinarian to monitor any health condition your cat may have. Plus, if a new health problem does arise, then hopefully, it can be caught and treated early on.
When Should I Call The Vet About My Cats Cough
If the cough continues for more than a few days, or there are many episodes in a day, or if the cough is productive , worsening, keeps coming back, or if your cat appears sick or is losing weight, you should consult your veterinarian. They will be able to diagnose and treat the cause of your cats coughing.
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When Should I Take My Cat To The Vet
Many of these conditions can be painful, and its never a bad idea to take your cat to the vet. Sneezing might be one troubling sign, among others, that your pet is ill and requires veterinary care.
If you notice any of these signs, contact your vet:
- Loss of appetite
- Persistence of symptoms beyond a few days
- Worsening of symptoms
Causes Of Cat Coughing
Coughing is basically a protective reflex that helps your cat get rid of irritants, foreign bodies, and mucus in its respiratory tract. There are a number of reasons why your cat may cough more frequently than usual. Some reasons your cat may be coughing could include:
- Hairballs – This is natural and happens when your cat grooms itself. Coughing will help remove the fur before it causes a serious problem, such as intestinal blockage.
- Upper respiratory infection – If your cat has a respiratory infection, they will often have a lot of mucus, and coughing helps expel the mucus from their respiratory tract.
- Medical conditions – Some medical conditions that cause cats to cough frequently include asthma, parasitic diseases, lung cancer, or heart disease. If you notice frequent, deep coughing, it’s essential to schedule an exam with our veterinarians as soon as possible for a proper assessment.
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What Does It Mean When A Cat Sneezes Excessively
Cats often have the occasional sneeze from a mild irritation. However, if you notice that your cat is sneezing excessively, it means that something is irritating its nasal cavity. Sneezing excessively could be a sign of allergies, an upper respiratory infection, or chronic irritation, amongst other less common causes.
How Is It Treated
Treatment depends on whatâs causing the cough. Options include cough suppressants, antibiotics, steroids or other drugs, and even surgery. Asthma canât be cured in pets or people, but you can manage it. Your vet will talk to you about lifestyle changes and medications.
Donât treat your pet without talking to a vet. The treatment for one kind of cough could end up making another type worse. Work with your vet to find the best option.
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Why Does My Cat Keep Sneezing Or Coughing
Is your cat sneezing a lot? As cute as that little achoo might be, its important to make sure there arent any underlying health issues causing these problems. Here are some reasons why your cat might be sneezing or coughing, and what you can do about it. Why Is My Cat Sneezing?
Your cat could be sneezing for several different reasons. For example, one reason your cat might be sneezing is because he or she has some dust up their nose. Another reason could be a response to certain cleaning products or air fresheners. There are also a few different viruses that can cause upper respiratory infections in cats, including Feline Herpesvirus Type-1 and Feline Calicivirus. Bacteria like Bordetella bronchiseptica and Chlamydophila felis can also lead to infections. Other than sneezing or coughing, other symptoms of an upper respiratory infection in your cat might include nasal congestion, conjunctivitis , and discharge from the nose or eyes.An occasional cat sneeze likely isnt cause for concern, but if your cat is sneezing frequently, sneezing blood, or exhibiting additional symptoms, it probably calls for a trip to the vet. Why Is My Cat Coughing?
Cats can have allergies just like humans. Some common symptoms of allergies in cats can include:
- Sneezing or coughing
- Red or dry skin
- Excessive licking
If youre concerned about your cat sneezing or coughing, make an appointment with your veterinarian.
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