Cats are curious, playful, and full of personality. But what happens when your cat starts coughing and doesn’t stop? It can be scary and confusing. You may ask yourself: Why does my cat keep coughing? Is it serious? Should I take them to the vet?
Why Does My Cat Coughing
In this blog post, we’ll answer all your questions in simple, easy-to-understand language. Whether your cat has a hairball or something more serious like asthma, this guide will help you figure out what’s going on and what you should do next.
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What Is a Cat Cough?
A cough is the body’s way of clearing the airways. It may sound like a dry, hacking noise or like your cat is trying to bring something up. Sometimes people confuse coughing with vomiting or gagging, but they are different.
A coughing cat may:
- Lower their head and stretch out their neck
- Make a “huff” or “hack” sound
- Cough once in a while or keep doing it for several minutes
🐾 Is It Normal for Cats to Cough?
It’s not normal for cats to cough often. An occasional cough due to a hairball is usually nothing to worry about. But frequent coughing can mean something is wrong, especially if your cat:
- Coughs every day
- Has trouble breathing
- Wheezes
- Seems tired or has no appetite
If that’s happening, you should visit the vet.
❓ Why Does My Cat Keep Coughing? (Common Causes)
There are many reasons why your cat may be coughing. Here are the most common ones:
1. Hairballs
Hairballs are the most common reason cats cough. When cats groom themselves, they swallow hair. This hair can build up in their stomach and needs to come out.
Signs of hairball coughing:
- A dry, hacking cough
- Happens occasionally
- Ends with vomiting a clump of hair
If your cat has hairballs often, grooming and special hairball food may help.
2. Asthma
Feline asthma is a common reason for chronic coughing. It’s caused by inflammation in your cat’s airways and is similar to asthma in humans.
Signs of cat asthma:
- Wheezing or coughing, especially at night
- Breathing fast or with the mouth open
- Tiredness after play
- Sudden coughing fits
Asthma is treatable with medication from a vet.
3. Allergies
Cats can be allergic to things in their environment, such as:
- Pollen
- Dust
- Mold
- Cigarette smoke
- Perfumes or air sprays
Allergies can cause coughing, sneezing, itchy skin, or watery eyes.
4. Respiratory Infections
Just like people, cats can get colds or flu, which can lead to coughing. These infections may be caused by viruses or bacteria.
Other symptoms may include:
- Runny nose
- Sneezing
- Fever
- Loss of appetite
Most infections go away with rest, but some need antibiotics.
5. Parasites (Worms or Heartworms)
Some worms, like lungworms or heartworms, can cause coughing in cats. These worms live in the lungs or heart and irritate your cat’s airways.
Other symptoms include:
- Weight loss
- Tiredness
- Breathing problems
This condition is serious and needs a vet’s treatment.
6. Inhaled Irritants
Cats are sensitive to things in the air. Coughing may happen if your cat breathes in:
- Smoke
- Cleaning sprays
- Scented candles
- Dust from litter
Try to keep your home clean and use pet-safe products.
7. Foreign Objects
Sometimes cats breathe in small objects like grass, food, or dust. This can get stuck in their throat or nose.
Signs include:
- Sudden coughing
- Pawing at the mouth
- Drooling
This is an emergency and you should see a vet right away.
8. Lung Disease or Cancer
In rare cases, coughing can be caused by more serious illnesses like:
- Chronic bronchitis
- Lung cancer
- Tumors
These are uncommon, but they are more likely in older cats.
9. Heart Disease
Heart problems can also cause a cat to cough, especially when fluid builds up in the lungs.
Signs include:
- Coughing at night
- Tiredness
- Fast breathing
- Bluish gums
Heart issues need quick vet attention.
📣 Types of Cat Coughs and What They Mean
Different coughs may point to different problems:
| Type of Cough | What It Might Mean |
|---|---|
| Dry, hacking cough | Hairballs, asthma |
| Wet cough | Infection, fluid in lungs |
| Wheezing | Asthma or allergies |
| Sudden coughing fit | Something stuck in throat |
| Chronic cough | Allergies, asthma, heart disease |
Listen carefully to your cat’s cough and watch their body language.
👀 How to Tell if the Cough Is Serious
Here are signs that your cat’s cough may need vet care:
- Happens daily or for more than 2–3 days
- Coughing sounds painful or intense
- Cat is breathing with mouth open
- Cat is less active or hiding
- Loss of appetite or vomiting
Don’t wait too long—early treatment can make a big difference.
🏡 What You Can Do at Home
If your cat has a mild cough and seems okay, you can try these simple steps:
- Groom them often to reduce hairballs
- Switch to hairball-control food
- Use unscented litter and cleaning products
- Keep your home smoke-free
- Use an air purifier if possible
- Keep windows closed during allergy seasons
But if your cat keeps coughing, see a vet before trying anything else.
👨⚕️ When to Take Your Cat to the Vet
Take your cat to the vet if:
- Coughing lasts more than 2–3 days
- They seem tired, weak, or in pain
- There’s wheezing or trouble breathing
- They stop eating or using the litter box
- They have a fever or nasal discharge
Your vet can run tests to find the cause and suggest the right treatment.
🧪 How the Vet Will Diagnose the Problem
Your vet may:
- Listen to your cat’s lungs and heart
- Ask about symptoms and history
- Do blood tests or X-rays
- Check for parasites
- Suggest allergy tests
The goal is to find the real cause behind the coughing.
💊 Treatments for Cat Coughing
Treatment depends on the cause:
- Hairballs: Hairball food, grooming, laxatives
- Asthma: Inhalers, steroids, or bronchodilators
- Allergies: Allergy meds, air purifiers
- Infections: Antibiotics or antiviral meds
- Parasites: Deworming medication
- Heart problems: Special meds and diet
Never give your cat human cough medicine—it can be dangerous!
✅ How to Prevent Cat Coughing
- Groom your cat regularly
- Keep your house clean and dust-free
- Avoid strong scents and smoke
- Use safe, unscented litter
- Feed a balanced diet
- Visit the vet for yearly checkups
- Keep your cat’s vaccines up to date
- Watch for signs of stress or illness early
🐾 Final Thoughts
Coughing in cats is not something to ignore—especially if it happens often or comes with other symptoms. While hairballs are common and usually harmless, coughing can also mean allergies, asthma, or something more serious.
If your cat keeps coughing and you’re not sure why, the safest thing you can do is visit your vet. With proper care, most coughing problems can be treated, and your cat can live a happy, healthy life.
🙋♀️ FAQs – Why Does My Cat Keep Coughing?
Q1. Why is my cat coughing but seems fine otherwise?
A: Your cat might be dealing with hairballs, dust, or mild allergies. If the cough happens only once in a while and your cat is eating and playing normally, it may not be serious.
Q2. What does a cat cough sound like?
A: A cat cough can sound like a dry “hack” or like they are trying to clear something from their throat. Some coughs sound like wheezing or a choking noise.
Q3. Should I be worried if my cat keeps coughing?
A: Yes, if your cat coughs every day or shows signs like tiredness, wheezing, or loss of appetite, it’s time to see a vet.
Q4. Can I give my cat human cough medicine?
A: No, human cough medicine can be toxic to cats. Always ask your vet before giving any medication.
Q5. How can I reduce hairballs in my cat?
A: Brush your cat daily, feed them hairball-control food, and make sure they drink plenty of water.
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