Cough in cats
When to visit the vet?
Non-urgent see a veterinarian within 2–3 days
ORANGE for frequent/persistent cough, reduced performance, fever, loss of appetite, or when cough cannot be clearly distinguished from gagging/vomiting. RED for difficulty breathing, mouth breathing, cyanosis, collapse, or significantly elevated resting respiratory rate.
Unsure about what’s wrong with your pet? Feel free to use our Symptom Checker for more clarity
Definition
Cough in cats is a reflex triggered to clear the airways of irritants, foreign bodies, or secretions. It manifests as a loud, often repeated expulsion of air from the lungs through the mouth.
Can Occur with the Following Diseases:
- Acute Hemolytic Transfusion Reaction (Blood Transfusion Reactions)
- Aspiration Pneumonia (Pneumonia after Inhaling Food or Vomit)
- Ascites (Fluid Accumulation in the Abdomen)
- Blastomycosis (Fungal Infection Caused by Blastomyces Species)
- Bordetellosis (Bacterial Infection with Bordetella Bronchiseptica)
- Brachycephalic Obstructive Syndrome (BOS), Brachycephalic Airway Syndrome (Respiratory problems in short-nosed cat breeds)
- Petroleum Product Toxicosis (Poisoning from Petroleum Products)
- Feline Dysautonomia, Key-Gaskell Syndrome (Malfunction of the Autonomic Nervous System)
- Heart Tumors in Cats
- Histoplasmosis (Fungal Infection with Histoplasma Species)
- Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (Hardening of the Lungs)
- Cardiogenic Shock (Shock Due to Heart Failure)
- Cryptococcosis (infection caused by fungal spores of Cryptococcus species)
- Laryngeal paralysis
- Leptospirosis (Bacterial infection caused by Leptospira species)
- Lung Lobe Torsion (Twisting of a Lung Lobe)
- Pulmonary thromboembolism (blood clot in the lung)
- Megaesophagus (Esophageal Dilation)
- Mitral valve stenosis (narrowing of the heart valve between the left atrium and left ventricle)
- Nasal chondrosarcoma (cancer of the nasal and paranasal sinuses originating from cartilage tissue)
- Esophagitis (Inflammation of the Esophagus)
- Esophageal diverticulum (localized pouch in the esophageal wall)
- Pectus Excavatum (Deformed Sternum, Funnel Chest)
- Pericarditis and Pericardial Effusion (Inflammation of the Pericardium)
- Peritoneopericardial Diaphragmatic Hernia (diaphragmatic hernia with an open connection between the abdominal cavity and the pericardial sac)
- Patent Ductus Arteriosus, PDA (Vascular Anomaly of the Heart)
- Persistent Right Aortic Arch (Heart Vessel Anomaly)
- Fungal Pneumonia, Mycotic Pneumonia (Pneumonia Due to Fungal Infection)
- Portal Hypertension (High Blood Pressure in the Portal Vein to the Liver)
- Pulmonary Calcifications (Calcium Deposits in the Lungs)
- Smoke Poisoning
- Streptococcosis (Bacterial infection with Streptococci)
- Strongyloidiasis (Parasitic intestinal infection with threadworms, Strongyloides)
- Tracheal Collapse (Collapse of the Trachea)
- Tracheal perforation (Hole in the trachea)
- Ventricular Septal Defect (Defect in the Dividing Wall between the Right and Left Ventricles of the Heart)
- Atrial Septal Defect (Congenital Heart Defect)
- Interstitial Pneumonia (Inflammation of the Pulmonary Connective Tissue)
- Feline Asthma (Allergic Bronchitis)
- Anaphylaxis (Allergic Shock)
- Bronchiectasis (Bronchial Sacculations)
- Chlamydiosis (Bacterial Infection of the Upper Respiratory Tract with Chlamydia Species)
- Brucellosis (Bacterial Infection with Brucella Species)
- Babesiosis (Parasitic Infection Caused by Babesia Species)
- Asphyxia (Near-Drowning)
- Pulmonary Hypertension (High Blood Pressure in the Lungs)
- Chronic Obstructive Bronchitis, COPD (Chronic Inflammation of the Bronchi)
- Arteriovenous Fistula (Direct Connection between an Artery and a Vein)
- Mitral valve dysplasia Mitral valve endocardiosis (malformation of the heart valve between the left atrium and left ventricle)
- Pleural effusion (fluid accumulation in the chest between the parietal and visceral pleura)
- Pulmonary Edema (Fluid Retention in the Lung Tissue)
- Cleft Lip, Jaw, Palate, LCP (Harelip)
- Chemodectoma (Heart and Carotid Artery Tumor)
- Infectious Endocarditis (Heart Valve Infection)
- Atrial and Ventricular Fibrillation and Flutter in the Heart (Cardiac Arrhythmia with Very High Frequency)
- Cardiovascular Dirofilariasis (Heartworm Disease)
- Feline Herpesvirus Infection, FHV (Cat Flu Caused by Herpesvirus Infection)
- Feline H1N1 Influenza Infection (Cat Flu, Swine Influenza Virus Infection)
- Pulmonary lymphomatoid granulomatosis (Cancerous lymphatic cells in the lungs)
- Pulmonary squamous cell carcinoma (lung cancer originating from cells lining the airways)
- Chylothorax (Lymphatic Effusion in the Pleural Space in the Chest)
- Hypoxia (Low Blood Oxygen Level)
- Toxocariasis (Parasitic Intestinal Infection with Toxocara Species, Roundworm)
- Mycotic Pneumonia (Fungal Lung Infection)
- Pneumocystosis (Fungal Infection of the Lung with Pneumocystis Species)
- Systemic Fungal Infection, Systemic Mycosis (Fungal Infection that Affects Various Organs Such as Skin, Nose, Brain, Lungs)
- Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome, ARDS (Shock Lung)
- Lymphadenopathy (Swelling of one or more Lymph Nodes)
- Electrocution
- Thymoma (Tumor of the thymus gland)
- Esophageal stricture (narrowing of the esophagus)
Basics and possible causes
Cough is a protective mechanism of the body, triggered by the stimulation of receptors in the airways. These receptors respond to irritants such as dust, smoke, fluids, or foreign bodies. When these receptors are activated, they send a signal to the cough center in the brain, which triggers the cough reflex.
In cats, cough can be caused by a variety of factors. A common cause is an infection of the airways caused by viruses or bacteria. Viral infections such as feline herpesvirus or calicivirus can irritate the airways and cause cough. Bacterial infections, such as those caused by Bordetella bronchiseptica, can also lead to cough.
Allergies are another possible cause of cough in cats. Allergic reactions to pollen, mold spores, or dust mites can irritate the airways and trigger cough. Asthma, a chronic respiratory disease characterized by inflammation and narrowing of the airways, can also cause cough in cats.
Mechanical irritation of the airways, such as that caused by inhaling foreign bodies (e.g., grass blades) or by inhaling smoke or chemicals, are also possible causes of cough. In addition, heart disease, particularly left-sided heart failure, can have cough as a symptom, as fluid can enter the lungs (pulmonary edema).
Typical accompanying symptoms
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Sneezing: Particularly with viral or bacterial infections, both cough and sneezing often occur together.
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Difficulty breathing: Breathing difficulties or rapid breathing can accompany cough, especially with asthma or severe infections.
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Discharge from nose or eyes: With upper respiratory infections, discharge from the nose or eyes may occur.
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Loss of appetite: Cats that cough may lose their appetite due to discomfort or respiratory distress.
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Weight loss: Chronic diseases that cause cough can lead to persistent weight loss.
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Lethargy: Reduced activity or apathy may indicate a serious condition causing the cough.
When to see a vet?
A veterinarian should be consulted if the cough persists for more than a few days or if it is accompanied by other symptoms such as difficulty breathing, heavy nasal discharge, loss of appetite, or lethargy. These symptoms can indicate a serious condition that requires medical treatment.
If the cat shows signs of difficulty breathing, such as heavy or rapid breathing, loud breathing, or bluish discoloration of the tongue or gums, a veterinarian should be consulted immediately. Difficulty breathing is an emergency and requires immediate medical intervention.
Even if the cough appears suddenly and without apparent reason or if the cat’s behavior changes drastically, a veterinarian should be consulted. Sudden onset or a change in behavior may indicate an acute illness that requires rapid diagnosis and treatment.
Symptom recognition for the pet owner and veterinary diagnostic procedure
For pet owners, it is important to pay attention to the frequency, duration, and type of cough. Dry cough may indicate irritation or allergy, while productive cough, in which mucus is coughed up, is more likely to indicate an infection. Observing accompanying symptoms such as difficulty breathing or nasal discharge can also provide important clues.
The veterinarian will perform a thorough clinical examination to determine the cause of the cough. This may include inspection of the mouth and throat, listening to the lungs, and palpating the chest. Depending on the suspected diagnosis, further diagnostic tests may be necessary.
Possible tests include chest X-rays to evaluate the lungs and heart, blood tests to check for infections or allergic reactions, and possibly a bronchoscopy to directly examine the airways. If asthma is suspected, an allergy test may also be performed.
What the pet owner can do and professional therapy options
As a pet owner, you can try to make your cat’s environment as irritant-free as possible. Avoid smoking near your cat and ensure that the air in your home is free from harsh chemicals or cleaning product fumes.
Make sure your cat drinks enough water, as good hydration can help keep the airways moist and relieve irritation. A humidifier can also be helpful in increasing humidity and soothing the airways.
If your cat is prone to cough, you should regularly seek the advice of a veterinarian to ensure that no serious health problems are present. Follow the treatments or medications prescribed by the veterinarian to control the cough and treat the underlying cause.
Outlook on current research
Research on the symptom of cough in cats is a growing field that focuses on identifying the physiological and pathological mechanisms that trigger cough. Scientists are studying the stimulus-response mechanisms in the airways of cats to better understand how and why cough occurs. A recent study has shown that certain inflammatory mediators in the airways of cats play a key role in the development of cough. These discoveries could lead to the development of new therapeutic approaches to relieve this symptom.
Another area of research focuses on the role of environmental factors and allergens in triggering cough in cats. Studies have shown that cats living in environments with high dust levels or in households with smokers cough more frequently. Researchers are also investigating the influence of air quality and temperature on the frequency and severity of coughing episodes in cats. These findings could help develop preventive measures to reduce the risk of cough in cats.
The genetic predisposition to cough in cats is also being intensively studied. Scientists are trying to identify genetic markers associated with increased susceptibility to cough. By analyzing the genetic profiles of cats that cough frequently, researchers hope to identify specific genes associated with this symptom. This research could lead to the development of more targeted treatment strategies in the long term.
Advances in diagnostic imaging, such as the use of high-resolution computed tomography (CT) and endoscopic examination, have also advanced research on cough in cats. These technologies allow researchers to examine the structure and function of the airways of cats in detail, which can lead to a better understanding of the causes and mechanisms of cough. The combination of these imaging techniques with biochemical analyses of airway fluids could provide new insights into the complex interactions between different physiological systems that trigger cough.
An innovative research approach currently being investigated is the use of non-invasive biomarkers for early detection of respiratory diseases that cause cough. Researchers are working to identify specific molecules that can be detected in the saliva or exhaled breath of cats and serve as indicators of airway inflammation. These biomarkers could enable veterinarians to diagnose cough earlier and make treatment more effective.
In addition to physiological and genetic research, the development of new therapeutic approaches for the treatment of cough in cats is also being advanced. This includes research into new medications specifically aimed at reducing the inflammatory response in the airways, as well as the development of vaccines against common pathogens that cause cough. This research could lead to better control and treatment of cough in cats in the future.