Why Is My Cat Coughing So Much? And How To Help?
It can be quite distressing for you if you see that your cat coughing, it can be quite worrying, but why is your cat coughing, and what might be the reason be?
So if you are in the middle of this situation, then the best option for you is to immediately take your cat to your veterinarian. But if you still want to know why is my cat coughing, then keep on scrolling.
Do Cats Cough? Why Is My Cat Coughing?
It is important to know that cats and other animals do cough. A cat wheezing and even a cat dry heaving is quite possible. If your cat coughing up hairballs is a possibility. The cat coughing can be quite irritating and can sometimes be hurtful for the cat.
The trachea and bronchi are also prone to inflammation of the mucous membrane, with heavy coughing it is possible that stomach content can also come up with the coughing.
With a normal cat coughing and having an asthmatic attack, the two situations are different, so you should understand the difference between them.
What Causes Cats To Cough?
There are many plausible causes as to why is my cat coughing and sneezing possibly. So in the list down below, there are some of the possible reasons or causes why your cat might be coughing.
1. Asthma
It is important to know that if a cat has asthma, then it is due to the narrowing of its airway due to mucus and or swelling in the airway. This narrow airway can be a trigger for them to start coughing.
2. Respiratory Infections
There are many viral and bacterial respiratory infections that can cause coughing in cats. Respiratory infections can be caused due to parasites or some kind of fungal infection.
3. Inhaled Foreign Objects
It is possible that due to eating or inhaling something foreign object, the object can be something like solid food, grass, or even a piece of stick, that is lodged in the through.
4. Trauma
There is a possibility that if the cat has been in a traumatic situation, and suffered either physical, thermal, or chemical injury to the airways, then coughing is a sign of that.
5. Cat Coughing
Although less likely to happen, coughing can be a sign that your cat is showing symptoms of cancer. So it is better to consult the vet as soon as possible.
How Is The Cause Of A Cat’s Cough Diagnosed?
Whether a cat’s cough is something serious or ignorable can be difficult to tell. But no matter the severity of the cough, if you see it is continuing for some time, then it is a matter of concern.
It is important that after a few days of coughing, you should definitely go to the vet. Only after a thorough medical examination can it be known how to go forth with the cat coughing.
The diagnosis would require different types of tests like x-rays and blood work to determine the cause of the coughing. With all the texts, it can be easily determined if your cat has any serious condition or not.
Can Cats Get Kennel Coughs From Dogs?
Unlike cats, Dogs can get infected by various viruses. These viruses can lead to Kennel Coughs in dogs. Kennel Cough or Bordetella bronchiseptica, parainfluenza, mycoplasma, adenovirus type 2, canine coronavirus, etc., can be some of the causes of Kennel Cough. Sometimes, Kennel cough can be due to multiple viruses, and not just a single virus.
Now can your cat get Kennel Cough from your dog? The answer is yes as well as no. Some cats can be especially susceptible to certain viruses like Bordetella bronchiseptica. Therefore, if your dog has developed Kennel Cough due to the said virus, then your cat might get it as well. Therefore, the only way to proceed is to quarantine the pet who is coughing, sneezing or has discharge from their eyes and nose. This would make sure that other animals in your household remain safe and healthy.
Wet Cough Vs. Dry Cough In Cats
When you take your cat to a vet, they are going to do a complete health checkup, taking in mind the health history of your pet as well. But when it comes to coughing cats, you should understand that there are two types of coughing that your cat might contract.
The “wet cough,” is a term that is used when phlegm pops up with the cough, then it is possible that bacteria or any type of virus is the cause of this disease.
But when it is a “dry cough,” you won’t see any phlegm, then it is possible that the reason is asthma, or maybe inhaling a foreign body, or even in extreme cases cancer.
Coughing With Other Symptoms
In general, coughing in cats is usually coupled with several other factors. Knowing these ancillary factors greatly influences the overall diagnosis. Hence, let us look at some of these ancillary factors as well. So, let us look at some of them so that you can take more informed steps when your cat is coughing constantly.
Coughing and Sneezing
If your cat is essentially coughing, coupled with sneezing, this could relate to an upper respiratory infection. Infection of the nasal cavity can cause sneezing, snooty nose, etc. This condition is essentially manageable. But if you feel like your feline is having issues while breathing, then you should immediately take your cat to the vet for a checkup.
Coughing And Wheezing
Wheezing while coughing is a sign that there is no discharge in the pulmonary system. Hence, this is a sure-shot sign that your cat has developed asthma. Some of the signs that you need to look out for are incessant coughing, open-mouth breathing, wheezing, fatigue, etc. This could be a chronic disease and should be dealt with accordingly.
Coughing up Hairlballs
If your cat coughs up hairballs, this is not at all an alarming sign. In fact, this is absolutely normal for cats. While this certainly sounds a lot like coughing, what your cat is doing is retching or gagging to get that hairball out. This is a common phenomenon among cats, and you should not be concerned at all.
How Will The Cough Be Treated?
“It is important not to stop the treatment once the cat seems better.”
After the diagnosis, it is important that you need to start treatment for your cat as soon as possible. If the reason for your cat coughing is something serious, then treatment should start immediately.
Medicines like antibiotics and anti-bacterial are usually prescribed for two weeks, or maybe more. But it is important to know that once the treatment and medication have started, it should not be stopped.
But if the condition is more severe, then the treatment can last longer, as long as two months. Such chronic problems can damage the mucous membrane and even affect the immune system.
Wrapping Up!
Now that you know why is your cat coughing, then you will understand that coughing is not always something serious.
But if you think that your cat coughing is something serious, then you should definitely contact your vet immediately at once. So if you think this article was helpful for you then give us a like and comment down below.
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