Why Does My Cat Keep Coughing? The Best Useful Tips

Introduction

Imagine this: You’re sitting in your living room, enjoying a quiet evening. Suddenly, you hear a strange sound. It’s your cat, and it’s coughing. This might be alarming, especially if it’s the first time you’ve heard it. So, why does your cat keep coughing? In short, your cat could be coughing due to hairballs, respiratory infections, allergies, asthma, or other less common causes such as inhaled objects, heartworms, and even cancer. In this blog post, we’ll delve deeper into these causes, discuss when to see a vet, and provide tips for keeping your cat healthy.

Common Causes of Cat Coughing

Hairballs

The most common cause of cat coughing is hairballs. Cats are meticulous groomers, and in the process of grooming, they often swallow loose hair. This hair can accumulate in the stomach, forming a ball. When the hairball becomes too large, the cat may cough to expel it. This often comes with hacking coughs and gagging followed by the expulsion of a hairball. Regular brushing can help reduce the amount of loose hair your cat swallows, and a hairball laxative can help the hair pass through the digestive system more easily.

Respiratory Infections

Respiratory infections are another common cause of coughing in cats. One such infection is feline viral rhinotracheitis, a severe upper respiratory infection caused by feline herpesvirus. Symptoms can include coughing, sneezing, runny nose, and lethargy. Vaccination can help protect your cat from this and other respiratory infections.

Allergies

Cats can also develop allergies, just like humans. Common allergens include dust, pollen, mold, and certain foods. When a cat with allergies encounters an allergen, it can trigger an immune response, which can lead to symptoms like coughing, sneezing, and itching. If you suspect your cat has allergies, consider consulting a vet for allergy testing.

Asthma

Asthma is a chronic condition that can cause coughing in cats. It’s characterized by inflammation and narrowing of the airways, leading to difficulty breathing. Symptoms can include coughing, wheezing, and rapid breathing. Treatment typically involves managing the symptoms and avoiding triggers.

Other Causes

Other less common causes of coughing in cats include inhaled objects, heartworms, and cancer. If your cat has been outside and suddenly starts coughing, it’s possible they may have inhaled a foreign object. Heartworms are a parasitic worm that can cause coughing, but they’re more common in dogs than cats. Lastly, while it’s rare, cancer can also cause coughing in cats.

When to See a Vet

If your cat’s cough is frequent, persistent, or severe (like a harsh, wet, wheezing cough), or accompanied by other symptoms like fever or lethargy, it’s time to see a vet. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for your cat’s health. Your vet can perform tests to determine the cause of the cough and recommend appropriate treatment.

Tips for Keeping Your Cat Healthy

Keeping your cat healthy involves regular veterinary checkups, vaccinations, a healthy diet, and weight management. Feeding your cat high-quality cat food and avoiding table scraps can contribute to their overall health. Regular brushing and using a hairball laxative can help prevent hairballs. Also, keep an eye on your cat’s environment for potential allergens. If your cat has allergies or asthma, you may need to make changes to your home to reduce exposure to triggers.

Conclusion

Addressing your cat’s cough is important. Most coughs are treatable, and with proper diagnosis and treatment from a veterinarian, your cat can lead a healthy and comfortable life. By being observant and taking action, you can ensure your cat receives the timely care they need to breathe easy and live a happy life.

Call to Action

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Your experiences could help other cat owners who are dealing with the same issue. Remember, we’re all in this together, and by sharing our experiences, we can help each other provide the best care for our furry friends.

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