Cough is one of the symptoms that can be observed with an attack on the respiratory tract. As with us, a cough in a cat can be transient but it can also have a serious origin. Therefore, a coughing cat deserves a consultation with your veterinarian.

The cough is a reflex of the body which aims to get rid of what irritates the respiratory tract (larynx, trachea, lungs) by expelling the air brutally. It is a defense mechanism of the body. Thus, receptors connected to nerves are present within the airways. As soon as an irritant is present, it stimulates these receptors which will trigger a cough.

As with us, it is possible to distinguish the following 2 types of cough in cats:

• Dry cough: A cough is said to be dry when there is little mucus production. It is present when the body tries to get rid of a foreign body, when there is an obstacle to the passage of air or in the event of asthma;
• Greasy cough: a cough is said to be fatty when it is accompanied by a large production of mucus. The body will begin to secrete mucus to help capture certain pathogens and eliminate them.

The frequency is also to be taken into account. Thus, it can be weak if a little cough is present or on the contrary strong when the cat coughs a lot.

Furthermore, coughing should not be confused with attempted vomiting. In addition, there is what is called an emetic cough: the cough is so strong that it can cause vomiting which therefore occurs after an episode of strong cough.

Coryza – An infection

Coryza is a disease often encountered in cats. Very contagious, it is caused by one or more associated pathogens including feline herpes virus type 1 and feline calicivirus, viruses against which cats are routinely vaccinated. Cough is one of the many clinical signs that can be observed in coryza in cats.

Aside from coryza, in general, a respiratory tract infection can cause a cat to cough. Many pathogens (bacteria, viruses, fungi or even parasites) can be incriminated. In a respiratory tract infection, you may also notice the presence of other respiratory signs such as sneezing.

Feline asthma

In cats, asthma exists just as it does with us. Bronchitis (inflammation of the bronchi) sets in and there is a narrowing of the bronchi (bronchoconstriction). The origin of feline asthma is an allergy to one or more allergens present in its environment. Cough is then present but we can also note the presence of other symptoms such as breathing difficulties or wheezing.

Pleural effusion

A pleural effusion is an accumulation of fluid, abnormally, within the pleural cavity (the structure that surrounds the lungs). This can cause coughing but also difficulty in breathing.

Foreign body

A foreign object that has been ingested by the cat can cause a cough. Indeed, the body will try to expel it. It can be food, grass, or even an object.

In addition, hairballs can also cause coughs in cats. Indeed, while washing, cats will ingest hair. In some cases, they swallow so much that they can clump together in the stomach forming hairballs or trichobezoars. This is particularly the case for cats with medium to long hairs or during periods of molting. These hairballs will annoy the cat who will try to expel them and can be the cause of coughing or even vomiting.

Mass – Tumor

A lump, especially a tumor, can cause a cough. In cats, mention may be made, for example, of bronchial carcinoma. Other symptoms, respiratory and / or general, may also be observed. Lung tumors are nevertheless quite rare in cats.

Other causes

In addition, in dogs, the cough can be caused by cardiac damage, but this is rare in cats. Irritation of the respiratory tract by fumes, toxic agents and irritants is also possible and can cause coughing in cats. Finally, more rarely, a cat suffering from a discharge from the nose may have a cough if these secretions flow into the trachea and pharynx.

If your cat has a cough, it is necessary to make an appointment with your veterinarian. Your cat will be examined and may also do additional tests, such as an x-ray of the lungs. Identifying the cause is necessary because it will determine the treatment that will be put in place.

The cough can have a more or less serious cause, so it is important not to delay in taking a consultation with your veterinarian. Note also if other symptoms are present, such as an impairment of the general condition (loss of appetite, loss of shape, etc.) or sneezing, respiratory signs, the presence of blood, etc. If your cat is coughing up blood or having difficulty breathing, it is nevertheless necessary to contact your veterinarian promptly as it could be an emergency. Also carefully observe the time of occurrence of this cough (around a meal, after physical exercise, a game, after an outing, etc.), this can help your veterinarian to identify the origin.

In addition, in the event of hairballs, special foods and gels are available to help your cat eliminate them through the digestive tract. Regular brushing also helps to fight against the ingestion of hair and therefore against the formation of hairballs in the stomach. Do not hesitate to seek advice from your veterinarian.

Keeping your cat up to date on its vaccines as well as its antiparasitic treatments is part of the prevention against certain ailments that cause coughs and can be serious. These acts are therefore essential to the prevention of diseases in cats.

Anyway, in case of doubt, do not hesitate to contact your veterinarian who remains your referent.