Why Is My Cat Coughing: A Guide to Emergency Signs

Cat coughing is one of the most commonly misunderstood pet symptoms, often confused with hairballs or dismissed as normal behavior. Understanding why your cat is coughing could be the difference between catching a minor issue early or facing a serious emergency later.

Unlike dogs who might cough for many reasons, cats rarely cough without an underlying medical cause that requires attention. When your feline friend starts coughing, knowing what to look for and when to seek help can make all the difference in their recovery.

Top Questions About Cat Coughing

When should I worry about my cat's cough?

Cat coughing becomes a serious concern when you notice labored breathing, bluish gums, or repeated unproductive coughing that doesn't clear up. Cats struggling to breathe may sit with their neck extended, mouth open, or sides heaving with each breath. Any of these signs warrant a quick call to a veterinary hospital, as breathing problems can quickly become life-threatening.

Could my cat be choking instead of coughing?

Cats who are choking may paw at their mouth, gag repeatedly, or show sudden stress. Unlike normal coughing, choking often involves panic behavior and desperate attempts to dislodge something. If your cat shows these signs and doesn't improve within seconds, call a veterinary hospital right away for guidance on next steps.

Is my cat coughing up a hairball or actually coughing?

Hairballs typically involve a distinct retching motion that ends with hair coming up. Coughing, by contrast, comes from the chest rather than the stomach and rarely produces anything. If what looks like "hairball behavior" happens often without producing hairballs, or includes wheezing or breathing difficulty, it's likely a cough that needs veterinary attention.

Why Cats Cough

Cats cough when something irritates their airways or lungs. Common triggers include asthma, allergies to dust or pollen, respiratory infections, or less commonly, heart disease. Environmental factors like cigarette smoke, strong perfumes, or dusty litter can worsen coughing in sensitive cats. Unlike dogs, cats rarely cough without an underlying medical reason that requires attention.

Spotting Mild Cases

Mild coughing in cats may appear as occasional, brief episodes that clear up quickly without other symptoms. Your cat might cough once or twice and then return to normal behavior, eating and playing as usual. While these isolated incidents may not require emergency care, they still warrant monitoring and mention at your cat's next veterinary visit.

Recognizing Serious Cases

Serious coughing involves persistent episodes, worsening frequency, or additional concerning symptoms. Watch for open-mouth breathing, extreme low energy, loss of appetite, or blue-tinged gums, which indicate oxygen deprivation. Coughing that disrupts sleep or normal activities, or coughing that produces blood or mucus, requires urgent veterinary care.

What To Do

Step 1: Check breathing patterns

Count your cat's breaths per minute while they're resting (normal is 20-30 breaths). Check their gum color – healthy gums are pink, not pale, white, or bluish. Note how often coughing episodes happen and whether they're getting worse or staying the same.

Step 2: Call ahead before visiting

Before heading to a veterinary hospital, call first to let them know you're coming with a coughing cat. Describing your cat's symptoms helps the veterinary team prepare for your arrival. They may also provide specific instructions to keep your cat comfortable during transport.

Step 3: Create a calm environment

Minimize stressors that could worsen breathing difficulties, such as loud noises or strong odors. Keep your cat in a quiet, well-ventilated area away from other pets. Speaking softly and moving slowly around your cat can help reduce anxiety that might trigger more coughing.

Step 4: Document important details

Make notes about when the coughing started and any recent changes in your home environment. New litter, cleaning products, air fresheners, or even construction dust could be relevant triggers. This information helps veterinarians identify potential causes.

Potential Life-Threatening Conditions

Fungal or parasitic infections

Fungal infections or parasites can cause severe respiratory issues in cats. These conditions often present with persistent coughing, weight loss, and declining energy levels. Without proper treatment, these infections can spread throughout the body. Seek veterinary care right away if your cat's coughing is continuous or worsening.

Heart-related problems

Heart disease in cats can sometimes cause coughing, though less commonly than in dogs. Warning signs include open-mouth breathing, weakness, sudden collapse, or breathing difficulties that worsen with activity. Cats with heart-related coughing may also show reduced appetite and energy. These symptoms require quick professional attention.

Helping Your Pet Before the Vet Visit

Protect air quality

Keep your home free of smoke, aerosol sprays, and strong cleaning products that could irritate your cat's airways. Maintain comfortable room temperature and ensure good ventilation. Moving your cat to a bathroom with a slightly running shower can sometimes help ease breathing by adding humidity to the air, but call your veterinarian first for guidance.

Offer small sips of water

If your cat is alert and interested, you can offer small amounts of water to prevent dehydration. Call your veterinarian for specific feeding and watering instructions if coughing persists or worsens. Each cat's situation is unique, and your veterinarian may have specific recommendations based on your cat's condition.

Preventing Future Coughing

Reducing allergens in your home can naturally decrease coughing episodes in sensitive cats. Use unscented litter, vacuum regularly with a good filter, and avoid smoking indoors. Maintaining a healthy weight helps prevent extra pressure on your cat's lungs and heart. Regular veterinary check-ups can catch respiratory issues early, before they develop into more serious conditions.

We're Here to Help

Our hospitals are equipped to handle respiratory emergencies with specialized care teams. We work closely with your primary care veterinarian to ensure ongoing care for your cat.

For mild symptoms like occasional coughing without distress, scheduling an appointment with your regular veterinarian is appropriate. For severe symptoms such as difficulty breathing, blue gums, or persistent coughing fits, call an emergency veterinary hospital right away.

If you're not sure, call us — we can talk you through the situation.

Key Takeaways

• Cat coughing is rarely normal and often indicates an underlying issue that needs veterinary attention.
• Seek emergency care immediately for cats with labored breathing, blue gums, or persistent coughing episodes.
• Trust your instincts – early care for respiratory issues can prevent complications and lead to better outcomes.