Mar 14 2009
The Chronically Coughing Cat
In cats, there are a small handful of possibilities. Coughing is seen most often in cats with asthma, anywhere from mild to severe. In cases like this, gradually it gets worse, and is seen more so in different seasons depending on allergens about.
Coughing can also be a sign of a heart problem. Sometimes the heart issue can cause some fluid build up around the lungs in the chest cavity and in times like this can cause more severe symptoms like lethargy, inappetance, vomiting, etc.
In rarer instances, things like lungworms or heartworms, pneumonia, tracheal irritations, and masses can cause coughing. All of these conditions can already be serious even with mild coughing or may not yet be serious, but all have the possibility of becoming so, and rather quickly at times. It is in your cat’s best interest to have his heart and lungs listened to by your vet with the stethoscope and possibly have an x-ray done of the chest and some blood work to best diagnose. If needing financial assistance, I would apply for care credit at the office, which can help deter interest on unexpected vet bills and be used as a credit card with no interest sometimes for 6 months to a year.
In many cases, it may be diagnosed as some mild asthma not needing medication until or if symptoms become worse. Any coughing which has gone undiagnosed should not be put off for too long.
Christine, LVT
