Unravelling the Mystery of Cat Coughing – Is it a Hairball?

Causes of Cat Coughing

Cat coughing is surprisingly common and can stem from several different conditions. One of the most common causes of cat coughing is an upper respiratory infection, which is an infection of the nose, throat, and airways and is caused by a virus or bacterial agent. This type of infection may cause symptoms such as sneezing, wheezing, sniffling, or congestion in addition to coughing. In severe cases, cats may even have eye discharge, decreased appetite, and exhaustion.

Another common cause for cat coughing is asthma, a chronic inflammation of the lungs and bronchial tubes. This condition is more prevalent in cats who live indoors, as the lack of ventilation that many homes often provide can expose your cat to various airborne irritants such as dust, chemical cleaners, and smoke, which can worsen the disease. Symptoms of asthma in cats include shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, and a dry cough.

Allergies are also a potential cause for cat coughing. They can be triggered by environmental allergens such as pollen, dust, dander, and molds, as well as food sensitivities or ingested allergens. While these allergies may not lead to severe breathing problems like asthma, they can still cause a persistent dry coughing that lingers over time.

In rare cases, cat coughing can also be caused by heart disease. This form of coughing should always be monitored closely by a veterinarian, especially if your cat has previously had any other symptoms of a heart problem, such as fainting, fatigue, or spitting up fluid. It’s important to note that while coughing due to heart disease is relatively rare, it’s still something to be aware of and watch out for.

If your cat is exhibiting any signs of coughing, it’s important to seek medical attention from a veterinarian as soon as possible. Only a professional can accurately diagnose the cause of your cat’s coughing, rule out any underlying diseases, and recommend treatment.

Diagnosis of Cat Coughing

Cat coughing can be caused by a number of conditions ranging from minor to severe, and a diagnosis is required to properly identify the underlying cause. Diagnosis typically begins with a physical examination of your cat, including an assessment of their overall health, as well as questions about recent environmental changes, dietary alterations, and any other changes that may have occurred prior to the onset of coughing or other symptoms.

Your veterinarian may also use diagnostic tests such as blood work and radiographs (X-rays) to evaluate your cat’s internal organs and detect any potential problems. Additionally, if respiratory infection is suspected, a sample of your cat’s mucus or saliva may be collected for further evaluation in an effort to identify any type of infectious agent that may be present.

In some cases, cardiac disease may be a factor and an electrocardiogram (ECG) may be necessary to assess your cat’s heart function. Additional testing, such as a tracheobronchial wash and bronchoalveolar lavage, may be done to more thoroughly evaluate any problem areas within the respiratory tract. After the screenings and tests are complete, the results will be used to formulate a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.

Treatments for Cat Coughing

Cat coughing is something that all cat owners should be aware of and know how to properly treat. Cats may cough due to hairballs, viruses, allergies, certain medications, fungal infections, and even cancer. Though it’s important to get your cat checked out by an experienced veterinarian to determine the cause, there are treatments for cat coughing that can help make your pet more comfortable.

One common form of treatment for cats with a cough is to administer an antihistamine such as diphenhydramine or cetirizine. Allergies can often be the root of feline coughing, so giving the cat an antihistamine pill or liquid can often reduce their symptoms considerably. Pet owners should be aware, however, that some cats may have adverse reactions to these types of drugs, and it highly recommended to speak with your veterinarian before administering any type of medication.

In addition to antihistamines, there are other treatments available to help cats stop coughing, including over-the-counter cough suppressants and antibiotics. These can sometimes help relieve the symptoms associated with viral or bacterial infections, but they should not be used without consulting a veterinarian first. Additionally, inhalers, nebulizers and other forms of respiratory system treatments may be recommended.

For more serious coughing and breathing issues, oxygen therapy and bronchodilators can also be prescribed by a vet. It’s important to discuss all potential treatment options with your veterinarian and decide which is right for your cat. Cat coughing can be uncomfortable, but often times treatment can provide relief.

Prevention of Hairballs Related to Cat Coughing

Prevention of hairballs related to cat coughing is a serious consideration for pet owners. Hairballs are a common side effect of regular cat grooming, as cats tend to swallow their own hair while they groom themselves. When these hairballs build up in the digestive system, they can get stuck somewhere and cause problems like coughing. Fortunately, regular brushing can go a long way towards preventing this issue. Regularly brushing your cat’s fur will help reduce the amount of hair they ingest while grooming, reducing the chances of hairball build-up and subsequent coughing. Additionally, it is a good idea to provide your cat with special treats formulated to help move hair through their system. These kinds of treats contain fiber which helps keep hairs moving throughout the digestive system instead of getting trapped. Lastly, it is important that your cat has plenty of fresh water available at all times, as proper hydration is essential for any cat’s digestive health. With a little extra effort on the owner’s part, hairballs related to cat coughing should not be a major concern.