You may have seen other animals cough, and cats are included. Although they don’t cough as much as some other animals, it happens. If you’re a cat owner, you need to be able to recognize what is normal and what is not. Let’s have a look at cat coughs in more detail below:
First off, do Cat’s Cough?
In short, yes, cats cough. Just not as often as other animals. Coughing up hairballs, retching, and gagging are often mixed up with respiratory cough when it comes to cats. A cough, however, if a sudden effort, noisy expulsion of the sir from the lungs. It’s usually caused bt illnesses or irritation to the lungs. Coughs several times may result in a retch and even bring up some contents of the stomach.
Why Is My Cat Coughing?
Although coughing can be a sign of heart disease in dogs, in cats it’s not. Seeing a coughing cat, in most commonly a sign of an inflammatory problem affecting the lower respiratory tract, especially in the form of bronchitis. This inflammation is usually because of an infection especially when triggered by viruses like Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis or bacteria such as Bordetella. Heartworms or parasite worms could also be a cause for coughing in your kitty. Cats can also cough for a variety of other reasons, including the presence of unusual materials like grass in the airways or irritation from liquids or gases.
Chest tours will occasionally cause coughing; however, coughing doesn’t automatically mean this is the issue. If you notice your cat coughing excessively make sure you get it checked by the vet.
When Does A Coughing Cat Need to See A Vet?
It is completely normal for a cat to cough on occasion. As long as the cat is in good health and the cough doesn’t produce sputum or phlegm or sputum, veterinary help is probably not needed. However, if it’s persistent, don’t hesitate to seek medical help for your kitty. If it’s lasting longer than a few days, comes back over and over, your cat is losing weight, not the cough is productive, you should see your vet as soon as you can.
How Is the Cause Diagnosed?
Because coughing is commonly associated with other symptoms of respiratory infection, therefore an extensive investigation may not be needed. If your cat has a good medical history that documents any other ongoing problems, there are any changes to your home environment, or there are other clear signs of illness then that is usually enough to be able to diagnose the cause of the cough. If there is no other clear signs or symptoms, then further investigation such as a chest X-ray may be needed.
How Will It Be Treated?
The treatment is going to depend on the diagnosis and the medical condition of your cat. Decongestant medicines and symptomatic treatment are usually used in mild cases. If the diagnosis is infectious from a viral infection or comes with a bacterial infection, then it is likely that antibiotics will be prescribed for around two weeks.
You should always keep your eye on any new coughs and monitor them. If you are concerned see your vet and remember to follow any treatment courses prescribed.