Cough in cats
Cough in cats is a reflex triggered to clear the airways of irritants, foreign objects, 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 Distress in Brachycephalic 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 (Circumscribed Pouch in the Esophageal Wall)
- Pectus Excavatum (Deformed Sternum, Funnel Chest)
- Pericarditis and Pericardial Effusion (Inflammation of the Pericardium)
- Peritoneopericardial Diaphragmatic Hernia (Diaphragmatic Rupture 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 (Vascular Anomaly of the Heart)
- 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)
- Thrombocytopenia (Low Platelet Count)
- Tracheal Collapse (Collapse of the Windpipe)
- Tracheal Perforation (Hole in the Windpipe)
- Ventricular Septal Defect (Defect in the Wall between the Right and Left Ventricles)
- Atrial Septal Defect (Congenital Heart Defect, Atrial Septal 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 Rib and Lung Lining)
- 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 (Feline Cold Caused by Herpesvirus Infection)
- Feline H1n1 Influenza Infection (Cat Flu, Infection with the Swine Influenza Virus)
- Pulmonary Lymphomatoid Granulomatosis (Cancerous Lymphatic Cells in the Lung)
- Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Lung (Lung Cancer Originating from Cells Lining the Airways)
- Chylothorax (Lymphatic Effusion in the Pleural Space in the Chest)
- Hypoxia (Low Blood Oxygen Levels)
- Toxocarosis (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 a respiratory infection 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 house dust mites can irritate the airways and trigger cough. Asthma, a chronic disease of the airways characterized by inflammation and narrowing of the airways, can also cause cough in cats.
Mechanical irritations of the airways, such as those caused by inhaling foreign objects (e.g., blades of grass) or by inhaling smoke or chemicals, are also possible causes of cough. In addition, heart diseases, especially 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: Especially in viral or bacterial infections, both cough and sneezing often occur together.
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Respiratory distress: Difficulty breathing or rapid breathing can accompany cough, especially in asthma or severe infections.
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Discharge from the nose or eyes: In infections of the upper respiratory tract, 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 visit the vet?
A veterinarian should be consulted if the cough lasts longer than a few days or if it is accompanied by other symptoms such as respiratory distress, severe nasal discharge, loss of appetite, or lethargy. These symptoms may indicate a serious condition that requires medical treatment.
If the cat shows signs of respiratory distress, such as heavy or rapid breathing, loud breathing, or bluish discoloration of the tongue or gums, a veterinarian should be consulted immediately. Respiratory distress is an emergency and requires immediate medical intervention.
Even if the cough occurs suddenly and for no apparent reason, or if the cat’s behavior changes drastically, a veterinarian should be consulted. The sudden onset or a change in behavior may indicate an acute condition that requires rapid diagnosis and treatment.
Symptom recognition for animal owners and veterinary diagnostic procedures
It is important for pet owners 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 respiratory distress 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 examine the airways directly. Allergy testing may also be performed if asthma is suspected.
What can pet owners do and professional therapy options
As a pet owner, you can try to make your cat’s environment as irritation-free as possible. Avoid smoking near your cat and make sure the air in your home is free of harsh chemicals or cleaning agent 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 to increase humidity and soothe the airways.
If your cat is prone to cough, you should seek regular veterinary advice to ensure that there are no serious health problems. Adhere to 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 cough in cats is a growing field that deals with the identification of the physiological and pathological mechanisms that trigger cough. Scientists are investigating 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 alleviate 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 are more likely to cough. Researchers are also investigating the influence of air quality and temperature on the frequency and severity of coughing fits 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 that are associated with an increased susceptibility to cough. By analyzing the genetic profiles of cats that cough frequently, researchers hope to identify specific genes that are associated with this symptom. This research could lead to the development of more targeted treatment strategies in the long term.
Advances in imaging diagnostics, such as the use of high-resolution computed tomography (CT) and endoscopic examination, have also advanced research into 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 that is currently being investigated is the use of non-invasive biomarkers for the early detection of respiratory diseases that cause cough. Researchers are working to identify specific molecules that can be detected in the saliva or exhaled air of cats and serve as indicators of airway inflammation. These biomarkers could allow 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 the exploration of new drugs that specifically target the reduction of 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.
Frequently asked questions
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What causes cough in cats? Cough in cats can be caused by a variety of factors, including infections, allergies, environmental irritants, and foreign objects in the airways. It is important to have the underlying cause clarified by a veterinarian to ensure appropriate treatment.
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Is cough in cats always a sign of a serious illness? Not necessarily. Cough can be caused by a harmless irritation or a temporary infection, but it can also be a symptom of more serious conditions such as asthma, heart disease, or tumors. An accurate diagnosis is crucial.
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How can I tell if my cat’s cough needs to be treated? If the cough occurs frequently, lasts longer than a few days, or is accompanied by other symptoms such as respiratory distress, weight loss, or lethargy, a veterinarian should be consulted. An early examination can help identify potential causes quickly.
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Can home remedies help with my cat’s cough? Some home remedies can help relieve the symptoms, e.g. increasing humidity or avoiding irritants. However, home remedies should never replace veterinary treatment, especially for persistent or severe cough.
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How is cough diagnosed in cats? The diagnosis of cough in cats often includes a thorough history, a physical examination, and, if necessary, diagnostic tests such as X-rays, blood tests, or endoscopic examinations to determine the exact cause.
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Can cat allergies cause cough? Yes, cats can react to various allergens that trigger cough, such as pollen, dust, or certain foods. A veterinarian can help identify allergies and recommend appropriate measures.
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Are there preventive measures to avoid cough in cats? Yes, some preventive measures include controlling the air quality in the house, avoiding smoke and other irritants, and regular veterinary check-ups to detect health problems early.
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Can cough in cats be contagious? Cough itself is not a contagious symptom, but the underlying cause, such as a viral or bacterial infection, can be contagious. It is important to isolate infected cats and seek veterinary treatment.
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How is cough treated in cats? The treatment depends on the cause. It may include medications to relieve symptoms, antibiotics for bacterial infections, or specific therapies for chronic conditions such as asthma. An accurate diagnosis is crucial for the right treatment.
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When should I see a veterinarian if my cat coughs? A veterinarian should be consulted if the cough lasts longer than a few days, worsens, or is accompanied by other symptoms. Early diagnosis can help rule out serious conditions and optimize treatment.
Are you unsure what is wrong with your pet? Feel free to use our symptom checker for more clarity.