When your cat starts coughing, it’s natural to feel alarmed. We understand how unsettling it can be to hear those strange hacking sounds from your feline friend.
In our experience as cat lovers and pet care professionals, coughing in cats is a surprisingly common issue – but it’s often misunderstood. Many people assume a cat’s cough is “just a hairball,” yet that’s not always the case.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explain what cat coughing really is (and how to tell it apart from hairball gagging), break down the causes of cat coughs, and share practical tips for caring for a coughing cat at home.
Most importantly, we’ll help you recognize when a cough is serious and requires prompt veterinary attention.
Our goal is to empower you with knowledge while reassuring you that with the right care (and help from your veterinarian), your kitty can feel better. Let’s dive in.
What Is Cat Coughing? (And Is It a Hairball or Something Else?)
Cat coughing is the act of a cat forcefully expelling air from the lungs through the mouth – usually in response to irritation or inflammation in the airways. It often sounds like a dry, hoarse “hack” and might come in fits.
When coughing, a cat typically extends their head and neck forward and may even have a slight side-to-side motion with the head.
Often, nothing is expelled during a cough, though sometimes a bit of foamy saliva can be produced at the end of a coughing spell.
It’s important to distinguish coughing from vomiting or retching. Cat coughing involves the airways and lungs, whereas vomiting/retching involves the stomach. Many cat owners confuse the two.
In fact, cats do not actually cough up hairballs – they vomit them. A hairball episode will typically involve gagging and retching movements with strong abdominal contractions, and the result is a slimy tube of hair brought up from the stomach (often with clear liquid or bile).
Coughing, on the other hand, is more of a throat/chest action – it’s a “noisy expulsion of air from the lungs”. Severe coughing bouts can end in a retch or gag, which is why it’s easy to mix them up. But here’s a simple rule: if your cat produces a hairball or vomit, that was not a cough (it was a gastrointestinal issue).
If your cat makes a hacking sound and nothing comes out (or just a small amount of foam), that’s more likely a true cough.
Causes of Cat Coughing
Why do cats cough? In our team’s experience, cat coughing is usually a sign that something is irritating the respiratory tract. It can range from relatively mild issues to serious medical conditions. Here’s a breakdown of common causes of coughing in cats:
Infections (Viral, Bacterial, Fungal)
Respiratory infections are a top cause of cat coughs. Viruses like feline herpesvirus (feline viral rhinotracheitis) or feline calicivirus, and bacteria like Bordetella bronchiseptica (the “kennel cough” bacterium), can lead to inflammation of the airways.
Cats with respiratory infections often cough and sneeze, have nasal or eye discharge, and may be lethargic. Fungal infections of the lungs (such as those caused by Histoplasma or Cryptococcus fungi) are less common but can also cause coughing and difficulty breathing.
Infections that cause pneumonia (lung infection) often trigger a wet, crackly-sounding cough due to fluid in the lungs. If your cat has any trouble breathing or nasal/eye discharge along with a cough, see a vet immediately, as pneumonia or severe infection needs prompt treatment.
Parasites (Lungworms and Heartworms)
Parasites can be an overlooked cause of coughing. Certain lungworms (parasitic worms that invade the lungs) can trigger coughs in cats. Cats become infected by ingesting hosts like snails or rodents, and the worms irritate the airways.
In fact, a heavy lungworm infection might even cause a cat to cough up tiny worms in severe cases. Heartworm disease – caused by mosquito-transmitted parasites – is another culprit.
In cats, heartworms primarily lodge in the lungs and blood vessels (rather than the heart itself), causing a syndrome called Heartworm Associated Respiratory Disease (HARD). The signs can be subtle, but chronic coughing is a common clue. Even a few heartworms can be dangerous for a cat, so prevention is key.
Feline Asthma (Allergic Bronchitis)
Asthma is one of the most common causes of recurring cough in cats. Feline asthma is an inflammatory condition of the lower airways, often triggered by allergens or irritants that the cat inhales.
Common asthma triggers include pollens, mold, dust mites, cigarette smoke, dusty cat litter, perfumes, and even stress. During an asthma attack, the cat’s airways constrict and produce mucus, which leads to coughing and wheezing.
An asthmatic cough is typically dry and hacking. You might notice your cat hunching low to the ground with neck extended, coughing in fits.
If the attack is severe, the cat may struggle to breathe; you could see open-mouth breathing and even blue-tinged gums or tongue – signs of inadequate oxygen that constitute an emergency. (Cats normally breathe only through the nose, so open-mouth panting in a cat is always a red flag).
Asthma in cats can’t be “cured” but it can be managed with medications (like inhalers or steroids) and by avoiding triggers. Many asthmatic cats live a good quality life with proper treatment and environmental adjustments.
Allergies (Non-Asthma Allergic Irritation)
Beyond full-blown asthma, cats can have milder respiratory allergies. For example, a cat allergic to dust or pollen might have intermittent cough and sneezing without severe wheezing.
Allergies can cause inflammation in the airways (sometimes called allergic bronchitis or pneumonitis), leading to a chronic cough that may be either dry or accompanied by some clear mucus.
Often there are other clues, like watery eyes, runny nose, or itchy skin. If your cat’s coughing is seasonal or coincides with exposure to something (e.g. a new household cleaner, cigarette smoke, or a scented candle), an allergy could be to blame.
Removing or reducing the allergen in the environment usually helps; for instance, using dust-free, unscented litter and air purifiers can reduce irritants.
Always consult your vet if you suspect allergies – they can help distinguish allergies from asthma or infections and may prescribe antihistamines or other meds for relief.
Inhaling Foreign Objects
Cats are curious creatures, and sometimes they inhale things they shouldn’t. A blade of grass, a bit of food, or small objects can get lodged or irritate the throat or windpipe, causing sudden coughing fits.
If your cat is coughing and sneezing at the same time, it might indicate something like a grass awn stuck in the nasal passages or throat.
Generally, if a foreign object is irritating the airway, the cough will be acute (sudden) and persistent – the cat is literally trying to eject the invader. You might see pawing at the mouth or extreme drooling if something is stuck.
Small pieces of grass often cause short-term coughing that resolves once the grass is coughed out or swallowed; however, if the coughing does not improve within a short time, a vet visit is necessary.
They may need to sedate the cat to inspect the airways or take X-rays. (Never try to pull something from your cat’s throat with your fingers – you could cause injury; let a professional handle it if you suspect a stuck object.)
Tumors or Growths
Tumors in the respiratory tract (benign or malignant) can trigger coughing. Masses can develop in the nose, throat (larynx/trachea), or lungs and interfere with normal breathing.
For example, a tumor in the larynx might cause a cat to have a hoarse voice or breathing noise along with a cough, while a lung tumor often leads to a persistent dry cough, difficulty breathing, and even weight loss over time.
One red-flag sign of possible tumor (or severe infection) is if a cat coughs up blood (even a pink-tinged sputum). Coughing up blood is never normal – if you see this, contact a vet immediately.
Keep in mind that cancers are more commonly seen in older cats, but younger cats aren’t immune. Early diagnosis can make a big difference. If a cough simply “won’t go away” and other causes have been ruled out, your vet might recommend chest X-rays or an airway scope to check for masses.
Environmental Irritants
Sometimes, a cat’s cough is not due to an infection or disease at all, but rather an irritant in the environment. Cats have sensitive airways, and things like cigarette smoke, dusty environments, cleaning chemicals, aerosol sprays, or even scented candles can provoke coughing.
For example, if you recently switched to a new cat litter that produces a lot of dust, and you notice your cat starts coughing when using the litter box, the dust could be the trigger. Similarly, long-term exposure to secondhand smoke can cause chronic coughing or bronchitis in cats.
In these cases, the key is identifying and removing the irritant – often the cough will improve once the air is clear. Always ensure your cat’s environment has good ventilation and clean, allergen-free air.
Using a HEPA air purifier and avoiding sprays or smoking indoors can go a long way toward preventing irritant-induced coughs.
Types of Cat Coughs: Wet vs. Dry
One helpful way to interpret your cat’s cough is by listening to whether it’s “wet” or “dry.” These terms describe what the cough sounds like and whether the cat is bringing up any mucus or phlegm. Not every cough fits neatly into one category, but understanding the difference can give you clues:
Wet Cough
A “wet” cough is one that produces phlegm or mucus. It often sounds moist, and you may hear gurgling or congested noises as the cat coughs. Sometimes the cat will swallow after coughing (as they swallow the mucus they brought up).
A wet cough suggests there is fluid or inflammation in the airways or lungs. Common causes of wet coughs include respiratory infections and pneumonia.
In these cases, the body produces mucus in response to infection (to trap and help expel the pathogens). You might notice other “wet” signs like a runny nose or eyes along with the cough.
For example, a cat with pneumonia might have a wet, crackly-sounding cough and difficulty breathing. A wet cough can also occur with severe allergic bronchitis or heart failure (fluid in lungs), though in cats heart-related cough is uncommon.
Key point
If you hear mucus in the cough or see any phlegm, the issue could be something like an infection, and it’s wise to involve your vet. Cats are good at hiding phlegm (they usually swallow it), so sometimes the “wetness” is subtle.
Dry Cough
A “dry” cough is one where no noticeable phlegm is produced. It sounds more like a hoot or a hack, often in short bursts. A dry cough in cats is commonly associated with asthma or airway irritation.
For instance, during a mild asthma flare, a cat may have a brief dry coughing fit that sounds like a hairball attempt but nothing comes out. Inhaled foreign bodies or tumors can also cause a persistent dry cough. Think of a dry cough as the airways being irritated but not full of fluid – something is tickling or constricting the bronchial tubes.
One classic dry cough example is the asthma cough: it’s typically a gagging, hacking sound with the cat crouched low; if you didn’t know better you’d think they’re trying to hack up a hairball.
On the other hand, a dry cough due to a tracheal irritation (like inhaled dust) might be a single “cough” sound here or there rather than a fit.
Important
Even though we call it “dry,” sometimes a dry cough can end with a bit of foamy spit or a retch. Don’t get confused by that – it’s still about what’s happening in the lungs.
Generally, dry coughs point to non-infectious causes (allergies, asthma, irritants, etc.), whereas wet coughs point to infections or fluid build-up. These distinctions aren’t absolute, but they can guide you and your vet toward likely causes.
When to Seek Veterinary Help
If your cat has a one-off cough (just a single cough or a brief episode) but then seems fine, you can usually monitor them at home initially. Occasional, infrequent coughs in an otherwise healthy cat can happen, much like we humans might cough once or twice from dust.
However, it’s important to know when a cat’s cough has crossed the line and needs professional evaluation. Here we provide a simple guide on symptom severity and recommended action:
Severity & Situation – What to Do
| Severity | Signs and Situation | Recommended Action |
|---|---|---|
| Mild & Occasional | – Cat coughs once in a while, but behavior is normal (playing, eating well). – No other symptoms (no discharge, no wheezing, no lethargy). – Cough is not producing phlegm (dry cough) and only lasts a second or two. | Monitor at Home In this case, keep an eye on your kitty. Occasional, mild coughs can be watched for a few days. Ensure the environment is clear of smoke or dust. You can jot down when the cough happens to see if there’s a pattern. If the cough stops or is very infrequent, mention it at your next regular vet visit but urgent care likely isn’t needed. If you’re unsure, a quick call to your vet for advice doesn’t hurt. |
| Moderate or Persistent | – Coughing is frequent or recurring over several days (more than a few times a day, or most days of the week). – You notice other mild symptoms such as occasional sneezing, slight decrease in activity or appetite, or your cat is just not quite themselves. – The cough may be getting more frequent or lasting longer each time. – Cat might be bringing up a bit of clear foamy fluid occasionally when coughing. | Schedule a Vet Appointment A cough persisting more than a few days or accompanied by any other signs should be checked by a veterinarian. It’s not an emergency if your cat is still breathing comfortably and acting mostly normal, but don’t ignore it. Call your vet and describe the symptoms; they will likely recommend coming in within a day or two for an exam. Persistent coughs can indicate issues like a low-grade infection, asthma, or parasites that need treatment. Early intervention can prevent more serious developments. |
| Severe or Concerning | – Cough is continuous, very intense, or causing distress (cat may look panicked, can’t stop coughing). – Difficulty breathing: any open-mouth breathing, panting, or obvious struggle to breathe between coughs. – Blue-tinged or pale gums/tongue, or drooling excessively while coughing. – Cat is very lethargic or unresponsive, possibly collapsed or too weak to stand. – Presence of blood in the coughed-up material (even a pink froth). – Coughing is accompanied by vomiting, seizures, or other alarming signs. | Emergency Vet Visit (Immediate This level of coughing is a medical emergency. You should contact a vet right away – even if it’s after hours, go to an emergency animal hospital. Signs like open-mouth breathing, blue gums, or collapse mean your cat isn’t getting enough oxygen. Don’t wait or try home remedies in these cases. Transport your cat carefully (in a carrier, keep them calm) and get to the vet. Cats in severe respiratory distress may need oxygen therapy and urgent treatment. As a rule: if you are ever in doubt or the cat seems to be in distress, err on the side of emergency care. |
(Table: Guidelines for when to monitor at home vs. seek veterinary care, based on cough frequency and accompanying symptoms.)
Home Care and Monitoring for a Coughing Cat
While you always want to treat the underlying cause of a cat’s cough (with your vet’s guidance), there are several practical steps at home that can help your coughing cat feel more comfortable and maybe even reduce the coughing frequency. Here’s how you can be a supportive pet parent when your cat is coughing:
Keep a Symptom Journal
Start a little “cough diary” for your cat. Note down the date and time when you hear a cough, and anything noteworthy that happened around that time.
This journal will be extremely helpful to your vet for diagnosis. As mentioned, try to capture video of the cough if possible. Even an audio recording can help the vet identify if it’s a dry hack or a congested cough.
Comfort and Calm
During a coughing episode, cats can get anxious (and so do we!). Stay calm and gently reassure your cat with a soft voice. You can lightly pet them if it seems to soothe them, but if they prefer to be left alone, give them space.
Stress or excitement can worsen coughing, especially in asthma cases. So keep the environment quiet and relaxed.
If your cat is open-mouth breathing or panicking, minimize handling and get to the vet – but for milder coughs, a calm atmosphere helps the coughing pass quicker.
Humidity and Steam Therapy
Moist air can ease a cat’s irritated airways, much like it helps humans. If your cat has congestion or a wet cough, bringing them into a steamy bathroom might provide relief.
Turn on a hot shower in the bathroom with door closed to build up steam, and sit in there with your cat (not in the water, just in the steamy room) for 10–15 minutes.
A humidifier in the room where your cat spends time can maintain air moisture (especially in dry climates or winter when heating dries the air). Be sure to clean humidifiers regularly to prevent mold.
Air Purification and Allergen Control
We can’t always remove every possible irritant, but we can improve air quality. Using a HEPA air purifier in your home can remove dust, pollen, and other particles that might be triggering coughs or asthma.
If you suspect cigarette smoke or aerosol sprays bother your cat, make your home a no-smoking zone and use unscented, cat-safe cleaning products.
Cat litter is a big one – choose a low-dust, unscented litter. Many “hypoallergenic” litters made from paper, wood pellets, or crystal have less dust than traditional clay litter.
When pouring litter, do it gently to avoid kicking up a cloud of dust (maybe wear a mask yourself and do it away from your cat). Small changes like this can significantly reduce a chronic cough if irritants were the cause.
Nutrition and Hydration
Keep your cat well-hydrated. Hydration helps keep mucus secretions thinner. While you can’t force a cat to drink, you can try offering wet food (which has higher moisture content) if they’re on dry kibble. Consider a pet water fountain to encourage more drinking. Good nutrition also supports the immune system.
Always check with your vet before giving anything beyond the cat’s normal diet and prescribed meds.
Follow Vet Treatment Plans
This might sound obvious, but it’s worth emphasizing. If your vet has prescribed medications (antibiotics, inhalers, steroids, etc.), give them exactly as directed and for the full duration.
Cats can be challenging to medicate, we know! Ask your vet for tips if you struggle (like hiding pills in treats or using pill pockets).
Rest and Restricted Activity
If your cat is having frequent coughing spells, it’s a good idea to limit strenuous play or exercise temporarily. Increased physical activity could trigger more coughing if the airways are sensitive.
Let your kitty rest in a comfortable spot. Make sure their bedding is clean (dust-free) and in a calm area. If you have other pets or young children, try to prevent them from bothering the sick cat while they recover. Think of it as giving your cat “sick days” to recuperate.
Conclusion
Having a cat that’s coughing can be worrisome, but armed with knowledge, you can handle it with much more confidence and calm.
We’ve walked through how to tell a cough from a hairball gag, the wide range of causes – from the common (like asthma or a respiratory infection) to the uncommon (like lungworms or tumors) – and what different cough “styles” and accompanying symptoms can tell you about your cat’s health.
Remember, you know your cat best. If something seems off, even if it’s just a subtle cough now and then, pay attention to it. Early detection of issues often means easier treatment and a better outcome for your furry friend.
Finally, take reassurance in the fact that many cats recover from coughing issues and go back to their normal, happy selves.
We hope this guide has made the topic of “cat coughing” less mysterious and a lot less scary. Your feline friend is lucky to have a caring guardian looking out for them – with your love and the right knowledge, they’re in good hands.
We’d love to hear your story. Share your experiences, join our cozy community of cat lovers at SnuggleSouls. Together, let’s celebrate every precious, whiskered moment.
FAQ
Do cats cough up hairballs, or is that something else?
Cats vomit hairballs, not cough them up. Coughing involves the lungs and airways, while hairballs originate from the stomach and are regurgitated. If nothing is expelled, it’s more likely a cough than a hairball event.
Should I worry if my cat only coughs once in a while?
Occasional coughing may be harmless, but if it happens more than a few times a week or becomes a pattern, it could indicate asthma, allergies, or infection. Always monitor frequency and any other symptoms.
Can indoor cats get respiratory infections or parasites?
Yes. Indoor cats can be exposed to airborne particles, fungal spores, or mosquito-borne parasites like heartworms. No lifestyle offers complete immunity, so coughing should always be taken seriously.
Is feline asthma curable?
No, but it’s manageable. With inhalers, corticosteroids, and allergen control, most cats with asthma live normal, happy lives.
My cat wheezes and coughs—does that mean it’s asthma?
Possibly, but not always. Wheezing and coughing can also result from heartworms, bronchitis, or infections. A vet diagnosis (e.g., chest X-rays or bronchoalveolar lavage) is needed to confirm.
Should I give my cat human cough medicine or herbal remedies?
Absolutely not. Many human medications are toxic to cats. Only administer treatments prescribed by a veterinarian.
Can cat coughing be contagious to other cats or pets?
Yes, if caused by infectious agents like feline herpesvirus or Bordetella. Isolate symptomatic cats and consult your vet for guidance.
References
Coates, J. (n.d.). Coughing in cats. VCA Animal Hospitals. Retrieved from https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/coughing-in-cats
Venco, L., Marchesotti, F., & Manzocchi, S. (2015). Feline heartworm disease: A real problem or a rare curiosity? Veterinary Parasitology, 208(1-2), 111–117. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0304401714006633?via%3Dihub
Reinero, C. R. (2011). Advances in the understanding of pathogenesis, diagnosis, and management of feline asthma. Veterinary Clinics of North America: Small Animal Practice, 41(2), 249–260. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0195561610001567?via%3Dihub
Levy, J. K., & Edinboro, C. H. (2004). Seroprevalence of feline heartworm disease in the United States. Veterinary Parasitology, 122(3), 271–279. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0304401704002444?via%3Dihub
Coates, J., DVM. (n.d.). Cat Coughing: Causes and Treatment. PetMD. Retrieved from https://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/respiratory/c_ct_cough
Bowman Veterinary Hospital. (2022, August 15). Coughing Cat: Hairball or More? [Blog post]. Retrieved from https://www.bowmanvet.com/blog/coughing-cat-hairball-or-more/
Just Cats Clinic. (n.d.). Coughing Versus Vomiting: Why Does My Cat Do That? Retrieved from https://justcatsclinic.com/coughing-versus-vomiting-why-does-my-cat-do-that/
Purina. (n.d.). Cat Coughing: Symptoms & When to Take Action. Retrieved from https://www.purina.com/articles/cat/health/symptoms/coughing
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