Coughing Cat - What Every Pet Parent Should Know
It can be a bit startling when your furry friend makes an odd sound, especially if it sounds like a cough. You might wonder if it's just a hairball coming up, or perhaps something more serious. It's actually a pretty common worry for cat guardians, and figuring out what that sound means can sometimes feel like a puzzle.
Unlike dogs, who might give a little cough more often, cats typically don't cough unless there's a reason, you know? So, when you hear your cat doing something that sounds like a cough, it's usually a hint that something might be going on inside their body that needs a little look. It's really about picking up on these subtle signals they give us.
This article is here to help you get a better grip on what a coughing cat might be trying to tell you. We'll chat about how to tell a real cough from other sounds, what different kinds of coughs could point to, and when it's a good idea to reach out to your animal doctor. You'll find out the usual reasons why cats cough, like breathing troubles, and what to do if you notice something that seems a little off.
Table of Contents
- When Your Cat Starts Coughing - What's Going On?
- What Does a Coughing Cat Sound Like?
- Why Do Cats Cough - The Usual Suspects?
- Beyond the Common - Other Reasons for a Coughing Cat
- When Should You Worry About a Coughing Cat?
- Helping Your Vet Help Your Coughing Cat
- How Can You Help Your Coughing Cat?
When Your Cat Starts Coughing - What's Going On?
It's a sound that can really make you stop in your tracks, isn't it? One moment your cat is purring or sleeping peacefully, and the next, they're making a strange noise that sounds like a cough. For many pet parents, this can bring on a wave of worry, wondering what exactly is happening with their beloved companion. It's almost natural to immediately think of the worst, but often, there are very understandable reasons for these sounds. So, how do we begin to figure out what's truly going on with our coughing cat?
The first step, really, is to just pay close attention to the sound itself and what your cat is doing when they make it. Is it a deep, guttural sound, or more of a short, sharp expulsion of air? Does it seem like they are struggling, or is it a one-off thing? These details, as a matter of fact, can give us some pretty good clues about whether it's a simple irritation or something that needs a bit more attention. It's all about being a good observer, you know, for your little pal.
Sometimes, what sounds like a cough might actually be something else entirely. Cats have a few ways of clearing their throats or stomachs, and these can sometimes be mistaken for a cough. It's kind of tricky, because the sounds can be similar, but the actions your cat takes are usually different. We'll get into how to tell these apart, because honestly, that's half the battle when you have a coughing cat.
Is that a Coughing Cat or Just a Hairball?
This is probably one of the most common questions pet parents have when they hear their cat making a strange noise. Many times, what people think is a cough is actually their cat trying to bring up a hairball. It's a very understandable mistake to make, as the actions can look quite similar from a distance. But there are some key differences that, with a little practice, you can usually spot.
When a cat is trying to get rid of a hairball, they typically start by retching from their stomach or gagging. You might see their body hunch up, and they'll often make a sort of strained, gurgling sound. They might look like they're about to throw up, and then, if they're successful, a tube-like ball of fur will eventually appear. This process can be quite noisy and, in a way, a bit dramatic, but it's usually followed by the hairball itself.
A true coughing cat, on the other hand, usually has a different posture and action. When they cough, they often stop whatever they're doing, extend their neck out, and stick their head forward, almost like they're trying to clear something from their windpipe. There's often no retching from the stomach beforehand, and the sound comes more from their chest or throat. The big giveaway, of course, is that no hairball comes up, even if they go through the motions that look like they're trying to expel one. If you see your cat doing what looks like bringing up a hairball, but nothing appears, it's very likely a real cough.
What Does a Coughing Cat Sound Like?
The sound of a coughing cat can vary quite a bit, and those variations can give us some helpful clues about what might be going on. It's not always a clear-cut sound, and sometimes it can be soft or very loud. Paying attention to the exact noise your cat makes is a good idea, as it helps your animal doctor later on. You might even consider trying to record it on your phone if you can, because, honestly, describing sounds can be tricky.
Some coughs sound dry and hacking, almost like a tickle in the throat. Others might sound wet, as if there's fluid or gunk in the airways. The frequency also matters – is it just a single cough here and there, or is your cat having repeated bouts of coughing? Is it something that has just started, or has it been going on for a while, making it a chronic issue? All these little details paint a more complete picture for anyone trying to figure out the cause of your coughing cat's troubles.
The way a cat coughs can also give you a hint. Sometimes, a cough might end with your cat gagging or trying to bring something up. This might make you think of a hairball again, but if nothing comes up, it's still a cough. It's a bit like us, you know, when we have a really bad cough, sometimes we feel like we might gag. So, really, listen closely to those patterns.
Telling a Wet Coughing Cat Sound from a Dry One
When it comes to a coughing cat, distinguishing between a wet cough and a dry cough is a pretty important piece of information. Each type can point to different things happening inside your cat's body. A dry cough often sounds like a harsh, unproductive hack, almost as if your cat is trying to clear something that isn't there, or perhaps just a tickle. It can sound raspy or like a goose honk, too, it's almost like they're really struggling to get air out.
A wet cough, by contrast, usually has a gurgling or bubbling sound to it. This sound often suggests that there's fluid, like mucus or other secretions, building up in the cat's lungs or breathing tubes. You might hear it more clearly if your cat is breathing heavily after the cough. It can sound a bit like a chest rattle, or like they're trying to clear something thick. Knowing the difference can really help your animal doctor narrow down the possibilities for your coughing cat.
These distinct cough patterns, in a way, serve as little auditory clues for what might be going on with your cat's health. While occasional coughing isn't usually a big deal, if it becomes frequent, or if you hear a consistent wet sound, then it's probably time to get some professional advice. A quick call to your vet can often put your mind at ease or help you decide on the next steps for your coughing cat.
Why Do Cats Cough - The Usual Suspects?
So, we've talked about what a cough sounds like and how to tell it apart from a hairball, but the big question remains: why do cats cough in the first place? Unlike dogs, who might cough for less serious reasons, when a cat coughs, it often signals some kind of underlying issue that really needs attention. It's a sign that their body is trying to deal with an irritation or problem in their breathing passages, which include the windpipe, the tubes leading into the lungs, or the lungs themselves. There are, as a matter of fact, several usual reasons that might cause a coughing cat.
One of the most common reasons for a cat to cough is respiratory infections. Just like us, cats can catch colds or other bugs that affect their breathing system. These infections can be caused by various things, like bacteria or even some types of fungi. When these invaders get into your cat's airways, they can cause irritation and inflammation, which then triggers the cough reflex. It's their body's way of trying to get rid of the irritant, basically.
Another very frequent cause, and one that many cat owners are familiar with, is feline asthma. When cats develop asthma, their bodies react strongly to certain things in the air, like pollen or dust. This reaction causes the breathing tubes to swell up and get smaller, making it harder for the cat to breathe. Thick mucus also builds up in the lungs and sinus passages. Frequent coughing is then a coughing cat's main way of trying to clear those airways so they can breathe a little easier. It's a bit like a human having an asthma attack, you know, it's quite distressing for them.
Common Reasons for a Coughing Cat
Beyond infections and asthma, there are other things that often make a cat cough. Allergies, for instance, can play a big role. Just like people, cats can be allergic to things in their environment, like certain foods, dust mites, or even some types of litter. When they come into contact with these allergens, their body reacts, which can include irritation in their breathing system, leading to a coughing cat. It's a common issue, and sometimes hard to pinpoint without a bit of detective work.
Then there are things like polyps, which are small growths that can form in the nasal passages or throat. These can sometimes block the airways or cause irritation, leading to a cough. Similarly, worms, especially heartworms, can affect a cat's lungs and heart, causing a cough as one of their signs. While less common than in dogs, heartworms can still be a serious problem for a coughing cat.
And, unfortunately, sometimes more serious issues like tumors or cancer can be behind a cat's cough. These can grow in or near the breathing tubes or lungs, causing irritation or blocking the airflow. While it's certainly not the first thing to jump to, if other common causes are ruled out, your vet might look into these possibilities. It's why getting a proper check-up for a persistent coughing cat is so important.
Beyond the Common - Other Reasons for a Coughing Cat
While we've covered the usual suspects, it's worth knowing that there are a few other less common, but still important, reasons why a cat might be coughing. Sometimes, heart issues can lead to coughing. If a cat's heart isn't working as well as it should, fluid can build up in the lungs, which can then trigger a cough. This is less common in cats than in dogs, but it's still a possibility that your animal doctor might consider, especially for an older coughing cat.
Bacterial infections, like bordetella bronchiseptica, which is sometimes called "kennel cough" in dogs, can also affect cats and cause them to cough. And then there are fungal infections, which can sometimes get into a cat's breathing system, particularly if they live in certain geographic areas where these fungi are more common. These infections can cause a range of breathing problems, including a persistent cough, so, you know, it's good to be aware.
In some rare cases, a cat might cough due to trauma or exposure to toxins. For instance, if a cat inhales something irritating, like smoke or certain chemicals, it can cause immediate irritation and coughing. This is why keeping household cleaners and other potentially harmful substances safely away from your pets is so important. It's basically about keeping their environment safe to prevent a coughing cat from these kinds of issues.
When Should You Worry About a Coughing Cat?
It's true that an occasional cough from your cat isn't usually a big deal. Just like us, they might get a little tickle in their throat or inhale something small. But there are definitely times when a coughing cat needs more than just a watchful eye. Knowing when to reach out to your animal doctor is really important for your cat's well-being. It's about recognizing the signals that say, "Hey, I need some help here."
If your cat's cough is happening often, or if it seems to be getting worse, that's a good reason to be concerned. A cough that lasts over time, becoming a chronic issue, definitely warrants a visit to the vet. Also, if the cough has just suddenly started but is causing your cat other problems, that's a red flag. Any changes in their usual behavior, combined with the cough, should prompt you to seek professional advice. You want to make sure there isn't some other underlying problem, you know?
Other signs that mean your coughing cat needs immediate attention include coughing up blood, which is a very serious sign. If your cat is also sneezing a lot, or if you hear a wheezing sound when they breathe, that points to breathing difficulties that need to be looked at quickly. Retching without producing a hairball, especially if it's frequent, also suggests something more than just a typical hairball attempt. These are all pretty serious indicators that your cat needs a thorough check-up.
Signs Your Coughing Cat Needs a Vet Visit
Beyond the cough itself, there are other signs that, when seen with a cough, should really get you to call your vet. If your coughing cat seems to be having trouble breathing, like their sides are moving in and out very quickly, or they're breathing with their mouth open, that's an emergency. Any sign of distress, like lethargy or not wanting to eat or drink, combined with a cough, means it's time to get them seen quickly. It's basically about looking at the whole picture of their health.
If your cat's gums look pale or bluish, that's another very serious sign that they aren't getting enough oxygen, and you should get them to an emergency vet right away. While it might seem like a small thing at first, a cough can be a hint of something much bigger going on. So, really, if you're ever in doubt, it's always best to err on the side of caution and get professional advice for your coughing cat.
VCA Animal Hospitals, for example, can provide you with expert advice to ensure the health and happiness of your pet. They are equipped to give your cat a proper look and figure out what's truly behind their cough. It's a good idea to have a trusted vet clinic you can call on when these worries pop up. They can help you figure out when to see a vet and how to treat your coughing cat, which is very reassuring.
Helping Your Vet Help Your Coughing Cat
When you do take your coughing cat to the vet, there are a few things you can do to really help your animal doctor figure out what's going on. The more information you can give them, the better. Think of yourself as a detective, gathering clues about your cat's health. Your observations are actually very valuable, because you see your cat every day, unlike the vet who only sees them for a short time. So, you know, every detail counts.
First off, be ready to describe the cough itself. How does it sound? Is it wet or dry? How often does it happen? Does it happen at specific times, like after playing or eating? How long has it been going on? All these details will help your vet narrow down the possibilities. If you managed to get a video of your coughing cat, that's incredibly helpful, because it gives the vet a direct look at what you're seeing and hearing.
Also, be prepared to talk about any other changes you've noticed in your cat's behavior or health. Has their appetite changed? Are they drinking more or less? Are they more tired than usual? Have they lost weight? Are they sneezing, wheezing, or having trouble breathing in other ways? Any new medications or changes in their environment, like new litter or cleaning products, can also be relevant. It's really about giving them the full picture of your coughing cat's life.
How Can You Help Your Coughing Cat?
Once your animal doctor has had a chance to look at your coughing cat and figure out what's causing the problem, they'll be able to suggest the best way to help them feel better. The way you help your cat will depend entirely on what's causing the cough, as different reasons need different kinds of care. It's not a one-size-fits-all situation, you know?
For example, if your cat has an infection, they might need some medicine to fight off the bugs. If it's asthma, your vet might suggest things like special inhalers or other ways to manage the inflammation in their breathing tubes. For allergies, it might involve trying to figure out what your cat is allergic to and then removing it from their environment, or giving them medicine to help with the reaction. It's basically about treating the root of the problem for your coughing cat.
Sometimes, simple things at home can also make a difference. Keeping the air clean in your home, avoiding strong perfumes or cleaning products, and making sure your cat has a comfortable, stress-free environment can all contribute to their overall health. Your vet will give you specific advice tailored to your coughing cat's needs, and following those instructions carefully is the best way to ensure your feline friend gets back to feeling their happy, healthy self.
Cat Coughing: Common Causes And What Pet Parents Should Know - DodoWell
Cat Coughing: Causes and Treatment - Cats.com
Cat Coughing - Reasons, Treatment, and Symptoms
