All About Coughing Cats
Sometimes we don’t pay attention to our cats’ cough, and in some situations we get scared, especially if it’s a persistent symptom.
In fact, coughing in cats can be a sign of different illnesses. Consultation with the veterinarian is most appropriate.
How does the cough appear? It is an involuntary reflex action, often because the respiratory tract is trying to expel some irritating particle.
The cause could be a bacterial or viral infection, ingestion of a foreign object, an allergic reaction, feline asthma, or pressure in the neck.
The sound our cat will make when it coughs will not, in practice, be all that different from the cough of humans, so it is easy to identify when the problem occurs.
Causes of Cough in Cats
Virus
Some viruses seriously affect the respiratory system of kittens we keep as pets.
In addition to coughing, symptoms can be very greenish nose secretions. It may also be accompanied by lack of appetite, watery eyes, fever, etc.
Annoying Effects
Although sometimes there is no real cause of a cough at home, it can be caused by different bacterial or viral agents.
Tobacco smoke or the strong aroma of a perfume can be one of these agents.
In these cases, the solution is simple: just prevent our cat from coming into contact with these elements that irritate his throat.
Cardiac insufficiency
While it may seem like a normal cough without fever or a runny nose, it may have a more serious cause.
If the animal has heart failure, the cough will appear continuously.
In these cases, a visit to the veterinarian is very important; only he can diagnose and prescribe the most appropriate treatment.
It’s not just about relieving the cough, it’s about treating the underlying problem, heart failure.
Presence of foreign elements
Animals are very curious about the things they find in the garden, the park, etc.
There are many elements that they eat that trigger a reaction in your body when you try to expel it.
A cough is a symptom that they are having difficulty expelling some foreign and irritating element.
very tight collar
Because of an owner’s mistake or bad habit, the cat’s collar can become too tight.
This pressure to which your fragile neck is subjected may cause a dry cough.
It is very important that, when putting on the collar, there is space to insert two person’s fingers between it and the cat’s fur. Otherwise, the kitten’s health could be at risk.
Parasites and Bacteria
At some point in our cat’s life, some parasites can settle on the wall of his lung and cause a cough.
Among other things, this symptom appears because he has difficulty breathing.
There are also bacteria that affect cats, especially if they are kittens.
In addition to coughing, other symptoms such as watery eyes, sneezing, fever, etc., may appear.
Asthma
When feline asthma appears, the cough will be accompanied by the animal’s difficulty in breathing, in addition to general deterioration and excessive fatigue.
Allergies
Certain medications, insect bites and even foods can cause allergies in our cat.
Also, along with the cough, there will be inflammation of the respiratory tract, very red and watery eyes and skin.
Is cat cough serious?
As we have seen, if the cough occurs only a few times, it doesn’t matter much. But if it persists, go to the vet immediately.
What kind of cough is serious?
- A dry cough, produced at the same time the cat extends its neck. This type of cough can be the symptom of chronic bronchitis in the animal.
- When coughing is accompanied by red eyes, greenish secretions and sneezing. In these cases, the most likely cause is a bacteria or a virus. You should consult a professional as soon as possible.
- A dry cough, with breathing difficulties and “whistles” or noises during breathing, can be indicative of feline asthma.
- A cough caused after the cat has had some exercise can be a sign of acute bronchitis.
- In cases of coughing with the animal quiet, at night or even sleeping, it can be a symptom of heart failure.
Cough Treatment in Cats
There are many treatments, depending on the severity of the cough and the agent that caused it.
The solution can be an injectable or oral medication. We must never medicate our pet on our own, and it will always be the veterinarian who will prescribe the most appropriate treatment.
