Is your cat coughing? You might be worried about what could be causing them to cough. Is their cough sudden, or has it been going on for a while? And when is a cat cough something to be concerned with?

If you’re a cat owner, you’ve probably caught yourself asking at least some of these questions in the past. Coughing in a cat isn’t normal, but the good news is that many times, the underlying cause of this condition in cats is not severe.

In the article below, we’ll help you learn more about some of the most common causes of coughing in cats, the difference between wet cough and dry cough, and when to seek emergency vet care.

Why is my cat coughing? Common reasons

There are many reasons why your cat may be coughing. Understanding these reasons, and which causes are mild, moderate, and severe can help impact your decision on whether they need vet or emergency attention, or if it is something you can manage yourself at home.

Mild causes for a cat's cough

Cat with allergies often cough

A cat who tends to cough only at certain times of the year or when exposed to specific allergens is probably dealing with an allergy problem. In moderate to severe cases, your cat can be given regular allergy medication. Never use OTC allergy medication for your pet.

Irritants can make your cat cough

Irritants may be different from allergens. Your cat might not be allergic to an irritant, but it could still cause her to start coughing. Smoke, essential oils, and dust are common irritants that can contribute to coughing in cats.

One reason a cat may be coughing is to to try to dislodge food that has gotten stuck in their throats. Read through the other reasons and seek vet help at VEG ER for Pets, open 24/7 if your cat needs immediate care.

A cat can cough due to food stuck in their throat

A briefly stuck piece of food in your cat’s throat may cause her to cough until she dislodges it. This situation is not nearly as serious as actual choking. If you’ve ever had food “go down the wrong pipe” for a moment when eating, you can understand what this feels like!

Cats cough from hairballs

Perhaps the most common cause of coughing in cats is hairball. If your cat has a hairball, they will have coughing fits until they are able to cough it up. The hairball will typically look like vomit with a large clump of hair within it, so it can be easily identified as such.

Moderate reasons your cat may be coughing

Asthma causes coughing in cats

Asthma is more common in cats than you might realize. Many cats are diagnosed with this condition regularly, and your cat may be one of them. If your cat has asthma, they may need medication or steroids to help them recover from severe flare-ups, so talk to your family vet for more information. If your cat appears to be wheezing or having difficulty breathing, they may have asthma and may need urgent medical care.

Bacterial or viral infections may cause your cat to cough

Bacterial and viral infections are common in cats, especially when it comes to the respiratory system. Many cats will experience at least one of these types of illness in their lifetimes. Rest, fluids, and antibiotics can help clear up the majority of common cat infections.

Parasites can lead to coughing in cats

Although considerably less common than other symptoms, coughing may still occur in some cats who are particularly allergic to or irritated by their parasites. If your cat is dealing with any type of parasitic infection, you may notice that they develop a cough until the problem clears up.

Talk to your family veterinarian if your cat is coughing along with a parasitic infection, as this could be a sign of an underlying immune system problem.

Severe reasons a cat may have a cough

Feline leukemia can cause coughing

Unfortunately, many cats are diagnosed with feline leukemia, and particularly those who are not vaccinated against this deadly condition. Feline leukemia is a progressive disease with a poor prognosis in cats, but until it reaches a dire point, it may cause a variety of health problems and symptoms. Coughing fits are one type of symptom caused by this disease.

Heart disease can cause a cat to develop a cough

Heart disease of any type may lead to frequent bouts of coughing in your cat. A cat who has congestive heart failure may cough after any type of exercise or exertion, for example. Heartworm can cause coughing in cats, too, but it is almost always deadly within a short time.

Cats can cough while choking

Choking will cause your cat to start coughing or wheezing right away. She may back up, paw at her face, or show other symptoms that indicate she cannot breathe. A choking cat needs to be seen by an emergency vet immediately, and you may also want to learn how to perform the Heimlich on cats, too.

A cat's cough may develop due to cancer

Some types of cancer can cause frequent coughing fits in cats. Lung cancer is one common type that may contribute to coughing. However, even cancers such as liver cancer may cause coughing depending on your cat’s other symptoms.

Learn the difference between a wet cough and dry cough in cats. The way a cough presents can mean different causes. Remember, VEG emergency hospital is open 24/7 for immediate cat care.

Wet cough vs. dry cough in cats

How can you tell the difference between a wet cough and a dry cough in your cat? And what difference does it make? Here, we’ll explore the difference between the two and why it’s important to distinguish between your cat developing a wet cough or a dry cough. 

How a wet cough sounds in cats vs. a dry cough sound

A wet cough often sounds like a deep, gurgling sound, indicating fluid or mucus in the airways. This type of cough can be “productive” meaning it can expel mucus or fluid from the airway. Your cat may gag or swallow after coughing like this.

A dry cough sounds short and sharp, with a consistent tone that may also sound like honking with wheezing or as if your cat was coughing up a hairball, but is “non-productive,” where nothing is expelled. Dry coughs are often repetitive or spasmodic. 

Wet cough in cats: possible causes

Wet coughs often indicate respiratory infections, where the body produces excess mucus in response. Common conditions of wet coughs include pneumonia, or edema or pleural effusion where fluid builds up around the lungs. Additional symptoms can include lethargy and labored breathing. 

Dry cough in cats: possible causes

Dry coughs are often indicative of inflammation or irritation of the respiratory tract. Feline asthma (allergic bronchitis) is a common cause of dry spasmodic coughing. A dry cough can also be associated with the early stages of heartworm disease as well as inhalation of a foreign body such as dust, a small object or some other type of irritant.  

Seek emergency vet care if your cat is coughing

If your cat has just started coughing suddenly, check them thoroughly and watch their behavior to make sure they aren't having a health crisis. On the other hand, if their cough has been progressively getting worse for some time, watch your cat for other symptoms of illness or chronic health issues.

Most of the time, your cat will need to see a vet if they are coughing to help determine the “why.” Many underlying causes of coughing in cats can be easily treated or managed with the help of your vet, even if a Google search tells you that coughing falls under the severe category as described above. If your cat is coughing, a visit to your family vet is a good start for answers. If your cat’s coughing is so severe that they're having trouble breathing, go to the nearest emergency vet instead.

VEG has emergency vet locations all over the country, with expert veterinarians who are available 24/7 to help you and your pet.

Our team knows the potential causes for why your cat is coughing and we also know how important it is to make sure you know the reason why they’re doing this. When you come to VEG, you can be rest assured that your cat will get the proper care they need.

Frequently asked questions about coughing in cats

Can cats get kennel cough?

Though it’s uncommon, cats can contract kennel cough from other cats but more likely from dogs. The bacteria Bordetella bronchiseptica which causes kennel cough can be transmitted from an infected dog or cat and can cause symptoms like dry cough, sneezing, and watery eyes. Seek emergency vet care immediately. 

Is kennel cough contagious in cats?

If a cat contracts kennel cough, it can show up as asymptomatic or with very mild symptoms, though it can progress to severe pneumonia. Airborne particles from coughing and sneezing can spread the infection to other pets. If you suspect kennel cough in your cat, don’t wait it out. Take them to your nearest VEG for prompt emergency vet care.

Can cats get kennel cough from dogs?

Yes, though kennel cough is much less common in cats than dogs, cats can catch it from dogs via airborne particles from a dog’s coughing or sneezing. They can also catch it from other cats through airborne transmission.

Is it an emergency if my cat is coughing?

If your cat’s cough is persistent, severe or includes difficulty breathing (open mouth, heaving sides) you should bring him/her to your nearest VEG emergency hospital as soon as possible. Other worrisome symptoms include lethargy, blue gums, coughing up blood or mucus, nasal or eye discharge or loss of appetite.

Why is my cat sneezing and coughing?

Combined sneezing and coughing in cats most often indicates an upper respiratory infection. Infections can produce mucus and sneezing, and the mucus can flow back into the throat causing coughing.

Viruses are the most common cause of respiratory infections in cats, with 90% of cases caused by Feline Herpesvirus (FVR) and Feline Calcivirus (FCV).

Why is my cat coughing after surgery?

Coughing after surgery is quite common in cats and is the result of minor irritation from the breathing tube (endotracheal tube) placed for surgery. It typically goes away in a few days but be sure to alert your vet if the cough gets worse or lasts longer than 2-3 days so they are aware and can advise you on next steps to take.

Why is my cat coughing up blood?

Your cat coughing up blood can be a frightening sight and is a symptom that warrants an immediate trip to your primary care vet or veterinary emergency hospital. Blood is coughed up when there is an injury or irritation of the mucus membranes in the lungs or bronchi (main airways in the lungs). Causes can include chest trauma, infections, parasites, tumors, heart disease, and even certain medications.

Why is my cat coughing up mucus or phlegm?

Coughing up mucus is often a sign of respiratory distress in cats, typically caused by feline asthma, bronchitis, or bacterial/viral/parasitic infections. Additional causes include inhaled foreign objects, fluid buildup around the lungs (pleural effusion), or environmental irritants like smoke that can inflame the airways. Mucus is an indicator of airway inflammation that requires urgent veterinary attention.

Why is my cat coughing with its tongue out?

Cats stick their tongues out while coughing when they are in respiratory distress, to help open their airways. You may also see your cat extend its neck, arch its back and see its abdomen contract or heave. You need to take your cat to the vet immediately, since this could indicate a trapped foreign object in the upper respiratory tract, an asthma attack or serious infection.