Cat Coughing: Causes, When to Worry, and When to Seek Care

Coughing in cats is less common than in dogs and can sometimes be mistaken for gagging or trying to bring up a hairball. While occasional coughing may not be serious, persistent or unusual coughing can indicate an underlying issue that requires veterinary attention.

Because respiratory issues in cats can become serious quickly, it’s important to understand what may be causing the cough and when to seek care.

Common Causes of Coughing in Cats

Coughing in cats is often related to irritation or disease affecting the respiratory system. Common causes include:

• Asthma (a common cause of chronic coughing in cats)
• Allergies or environmental irritants (dust, smoke, pollen)
• Respiratory infections (viral or bacterial)
• Bronchitis
• Pneumonia
• Heart disease
• Parasites (such as lungworms or heartworm)
• Inhaled foreign material

The sound and frequency of the cough can help guide diagnosis.

When Should You Be Concerned?

While occasional coughing may not be urgent, certain signs indicate your cat should be evaluated by a veterinarian.

You should seek care if your cat:

• Is coughing frequently or persistently
• Has a cough that is worsening over time
• Appears to be wheezing or having difficulty breathing
• Is open-mouth breathing (this is an emergency in cats)
• Appears lethargic or less active than usual
• Is not eating or drinking
• Has nasal discharge or fever

If your cat is having difficulty breathing or breathing with their mouth open, this is an emergency and requires immediate care.

How We Diagnose Coughing in Cats

At Nexus Veterinary Urgent Care, we evaluate coughing by identifying whether the issue is respiratory, cardiac, or related to another system.

Diagnostics may include:

• Thorough physical examination
• Listening to the heart and lungs
• Chest X-rays to evaluate the lungs and airways
• Bloodwork to assess overall health
• Testing for infectious or parasitic causes
• Additional testing depending on findings

Our goal is to determine the cause and provide appropriate treatment.

Treatment Options

Treatment depends on the underlying cause of your cat’s coughing.

Common treatments may include:

• Bronchodilators to open the airways
• Anti-inflammatory medications
• Antibiotics for bacterial infections
• Medications to manage asthma
• Supportive care for respiratory illness
• Treatment for underlying heart conditions

More severe cases may require oxygen support or hospitalization.

When in Doubt, Give Us a Call

We provide same-day urgent care to help your pet get the care they need as soon as possible in Chesapeake, Virginia Beach, Norfolk. Visit us at 1124 Lynnhaven Parkway, Virginia Beach, VA 23452 or call us at 757-974-8111.