Cat Coughing: Causes, Symptoms & When to Worry

Hearing your cat suddenly start coughing or hacking is scary. Is it just a hairball, or a sign of something serious? The short answer: cats don’t actually cough up hairballs – they vomit them. A true cough usually means something is irritating your cat’s airways or lungs.

This guide will help you quickly tell a cough from a hairball, understand the most common causes of cat coughing, and know exactly when you should call a vet versus when it’s usually okay to monitor at home.

Quick answer: when is cat coughing an emergency?

• Go to an emergency vet now – if your cat is coughing and also breathing with an open mouth, looks blue or very pale, is extremely weak/collapsed, or coughs up pink or bloody foam.
• Book a vet appointment soon – if the cough keeps coming back for more than 2–3 days, happens more than a few times a week, or your cat is eating, playing, or grooming less.
• Monitor at home – if your cat only coughs once in a while, stops quickly, and otherwise seems completely normal – but still mention it at your next check-up.

If you can, take a short video of a coughing episode on your phone. Vets find this incredibly helpful to decide whether it sounds more like a cough, a hairball event, or something else.

Cough vs. Hairball: What Is Cat Coughing Really?

When your cat makes a hacking noise, it’s natural to wonder: is this a cough, a hairball, or vomiting? Understanding the difference is the first step to knowing when to worry.

What true cat coughing looks and sounds like

Cat coughing is the act of a cat forcefully expelling air from the lungs through the mouth, usually because something is irritating or inflaming the airways.

Typical signs of a true cough include:

• A dry, hoarse “hack” or series of hacks
• Your cat stretching their head and neck forward
• Sometimes a slight side-to-side motion of the head
• Often nothing comes out, or only a small amount of foamy saliva

So if your cat keeps coughing but nothing comes up, that’s more likely a respiratory problem than a simple hairball.

How to tell cough, hairball, and vomiting apart

Many cat parents think their cat is “coughing up” hairballs, but cats actually vomit hairballs. Coughing comes from the lungs and airways; vomiting and hairballs come from the stomach.

Use this quick comparison:

A hairball episode usually includes:

• Repeated gagging or retching with obvious abdominal effort
• A slimy tube or clump of hair on the floor afterward

A coughing episode, on the other hand, is:

• More of a noisy expulsion of air from the lungs
• Often ends with a swallow or tiny bit of foam
• Sometimes mistaken for a hairball attempt because of the posture

Simple rule of thumb:
If your cat produces a hairball or vomit, that was not a cough – it was a gastrointestinal episode.
If your cat makes a hacking sound and nothing comes up (or just a little foam), it’s much more likely to be a true cough.

When gagging or retching is a concern

Severe coughing bouts can end in a retch or gag, which is why things get confusing. But you should call your vet promptly if:

• Your cat is gagging or retching frequently
• There is no hairball or vomit produced
• Your cat also seems tired, breathing faster, or eating less

At that point, it’s safer to assume something more serious than “just a hairball” is going on and let a veterinarian check your cat.

Why Is My Cat Coughing? 8 Common Causes

Most of the time, a cat that keeps coughing has something irritating the respiratory tract. Causes range from mild and treatable to serious medical conditions.

Here are the most common reasons cats cough:

• Feline asthma (allergic bronchitis)
• Respiratory infections and pneumonia
• Parasites such as lungworm and heartworm
• Allergies and mild airway inflammation
• Inhaled foreign objects (grass, food, small items)
• Tumors or growths in the airways or lungs
• Heart disease with fluid in the lungs (less common in cats)
• Environmental irritants like smoke, dust and strong scents

We’ll walk through each one and what to watch for.

1. Feline Asthma (Allergic Bronchitis)

Feline asthma is one of the most common causes of repeated, dry coughing in cats. It’s an inflammatory disease of the lower airways, often triggered by allergens or irritants your cat inhales.

Typical signs

• Dry, hacking cough that keeps coming back
• Cat crouched low to the ground with neck extended while coughing
• Wheezing or noisy breathing, especially after exertion
• Occasional open-mouth breathing during or after a coughing fit

When it’s an emergency

If you see open-mouth breathing, a wide-eyed panicked look, or blue-tinged gums/tongue, treat it as an emergency and see a vet immediately. Cats normally breathe through their nose; open-mouth panting in a cat is always a red flag.

Asthma can’t be “cured,” but many cats do very well long-term with medications (such as inhalers or steroids) and by reducing triggers like dust, smoke, and heavily scented products.

2. Respiratory Infections and Pneumonia

Viruses (like feline herpesvirus or calicivirus), bacteria (such as Bordetella bronchiseptica), and sometimes fungi can infect a cat’s airways and lungs, causing inflammation and coughing.

You may notice:

• Coughing and sneezing
• Nasal or eye discharge
• Fever, lethargy, or hiding more than usual
• Breathing that sounds wet, crackly or congested

If infection reaches the lungs, it can cause pneumonia, which often produces a wet-sounding cough and obvious trouble breathing.

Any cat that is coughing plus breathing hard, breathing fast, or has thick nasal discharge should see a vet urgently, as pneumonia and severe infections need prompt treatment.

3. Parasites: Lungworms and Heartworms

Parasites are an often overlooked cause of cat coughing.

• Lungworms are parasitic worms that invade the lungs and irritate the airways. Cats can become infected by eating infected snails, slugs, or rodents. Heavy infections may rarely cause cats to cough up tiny worms.
• Heartworms, spread by mosquitoes, can also affect cats. In cats, heartworms primarily settle in the lungs and nearby blood vessels, causing a condition called Heartworm Associated Respiratory Disease (HARD).

Signs can include:

• Chronic, intermittent coughing
• Occasional wheezing
• Reduced activity or “slowing down”

Even a few heartworms can be dangerous for a cat, so prevention is much safer than treatment. If your cat lives where mosquitoes are common and has an unexplained cough, ask your vet about heartworm testing and preventatives.

4. Allergies and Mild Airway Inflammation

Not every allergy leads to full-blown asthma. Some cats develop milder respiratory allergies that still cause a nagging cough.

Possible triggers

• Dust, pollen, mold
• Scented candles, air fresheners, perfumes
• Dusty or heavily scented cat litter
• Cigarette or vape smoke

Common signs

• Occasional cough and sneezing
• Watery eyes or clear nasal discharge
• Itchy skin or increased scratching in some cats

If the cough is seasonal or linked to specific exposures (for example, every time you clean with a certain product or pour dusty litter), allergies could be part of the picture. Reducing or removing the suspected trigger and improving air quality (HEPA filters, unscented litter) often helps.

5. Inhaled Foreign Objects

Cats are curious, and sometimes they inhale things they shouldn’t. A blade of grass, crumb of food, or tiny object can lodge in the throat or windpipe and trigger sudden coughing fits.

Things to watch for

• Sudden onset of intense coughing in an otherwise normal cat
• Coughing and sneezing at the same time (for example, with grass awns)
• Pawing at the mouth or face
• Excessive drooling or swallowing

Small pieces of grass may cause short-term coughing that resolves when the grass moves or is swallowed. But if the coughing is persistent, getting worse, or your cat seems distressed, a vet visit is urgent. Your vet may need to sedate your cat and inspect the airways or take X-rays.

Never try to reach into your cat’s throat to remove a suspected object.
You could push it deeper or cause injury. Let a veterinarian handle it.

6. Tumors or Growths in the Airways or Lungs

Tumors, whether benign or malignant, can develop in the nose, throat, or lungs and interfere with normal breathing.

Possible signs include:

• Persistent, often dry cough that doesn’t go away
• Noisy breathing or a change in your cat’s voice (hoarseness)
• Difficulty breathing or rapid breathing
• Weight loss, reduced appetite, or general decline

Coughing up blood or pink-tinged foam is a major warning sign and should be treated as an emergency. While cancers are more common in older cats, younger cats are not completely exempt. If a cough won’t resolve and common causes have been ruled out, your vet may recommend chest X-rays or scoping the airways to look for masses.

7. Heart Disease and Fluid in the Lungs

In dogs, coughing is a common sign of heart disease, but in cats it’s less typical. Still, some cats with heart problems can develop fluid build-up in or around the lungs, which can cause coughing or breathing difficulty.

Warning signs may include:

• Rapid, shallow breathing at rest
• Breathing with the belly heaving in and out
• Sudden episodes of distress or collapse
• Weakness, lethargy, or cool extremities

Any cat that is struggling to breathe should be seen by a vet immediately, even if you’re not sure whether the heart or lungs are to blame.

8. Environmental Irritants

Sometimes the problem isn’t disease at all, but something in the environment irritating your cat’s sensitive airways.

Common irritants include:

• Cigarette or vape smoke
• Dusty or strongly scented cat litter
• Household cleaning sprays and air fresheners
• Aerosol sprays, hairspray, and perfume
• Smoke from fireplaces, candles, or incense

If you notice your cat coughing right after using a spray, changing litter, or entering a dusty room, the environment may be the culprit.

What you can do:

• Make your home a no-smoking zone
• Switch to a low-dust, unscented litter
• Avoid spraying products near your cat or their bedding
• Improve ventilation and consider a HEPA air purifier

In many cases, the cough improves significantly once the irritant is removed, but if it doesn’t, have your vet check for underlying asthma or other disease.

Types of Cat Coughs: Wet vs. Dry

Listening to what your cat’s cough sounds like can give useful clues. Vets often talk about coughs being “wet” or “dry.” Not every cough fits perfectly into a box, but understanding the difference helps you describe it accurately.

What is a “wet” cough in cats?

A wet cough sounds moist, bubbly, or gurgly, as if there is fluid or mucus in the airways. You may notice your cat swallowing after coughing, as they clear mucus from the throat.

Wet coughs often go along with:

• Runny nose or eye discharge
• Congested or noisy breathing
• Lethargy, fever, or reduced appetite
• Obvious effort to breathe

Common causes of wet coughs include respiratory infections and pneumonia, and sometimes severe allergic airway disease or heart-related fluid in the lungs.

Important:
A wet, crackly-sounding cough plus difficulty breathing is a reason to call your vet the same day or seek emergency care, depending on how distressed your cat appears.

What is a “dry” cough in cats?

A dry cough doesn’t sound gurgly or full of mucus. It’s more like a sharp “hack,” “hoot,” or series of hacks, often in short fits. Many cats with a dry cough look like they’re trying to bring something up, but nothing comes out.

Dry coughs are commonly associated with:

• Feline asthma
• Allergies and airway irritation
• Inhaled foreign bodies (like dust or grass)
• Tumors or structural problems in the airways

A classic example is the asthma cough: your cat crouches low, stretches their neck out, and has repeated dry hacks that sound similar to a hairball attempt but never produce a hairball.

On the other hand, a dry cough from throat or trachea irritation (for example, from dust or a collar pulling) might be just a single cough here and there, not full coughing fits.

Even a “dry” cough may end in a small amount of foamy spit or a retch.
What matters more is whether the cough sounds wet or whether your cat is bringing up obvious phlegm or mucus.

Using cough type to guide next steps

These general rules can help you talk to your vet:

• Dry coughs often point toward non-infectious causes such as asthma, allergies, irritants, or airway obstruction.
• Wet coughs more often suggest infection or fluid build-up in the lungs, such as pneumonia.

However, cough type alone is not enough to diagnose your cat. Always consider:

• How often your cat is coughing
• Whether they seem otherwise well or “off”
• Any changes in breathing, appetite, energy, or behavior

If you’re able, record a short video or audio of your cat’s cough on your phone. This gives your vet a much clearer picture of whether it sounds more wet or dry and how urgently your cat needs to be seen.

When to See a Vet for Cat Coughing (and When It’s an Emergency)

Short answer: Cat coughing is never something to ignore.

• It’s okay to monitor briefly at home if your cat coughs only once in a while and is otherwise completely normal.
• Book a vet appointment soon if the cough keeps coming back or your cat just isn’t themselves.
• Go to an emergency vet immediately if there are any signs of breathing trouble, weakness, or blue/pale gums.

Emergency – Get to a Vet Now

Treat the following as an emergency and seek veterinary care immediately (even if it’s at night or on a weekend):

• Open-mouth breathing, panting, or very obvious effort to breathe
• Breathing that is fast, noisy, or looks labored even when your cat is resting
• Blue, purple or very pale gums or tongue
• Continuous or very intense coughing that doesn’t stop, or your cat looks panicked
• Collapse, extreme weakness, or your cat can’t stand/walk normally
• Any blood in the coughed-up material (even a pink froth)

These signs mean your cat might not be getting enough oxygen or could have a serious condition such as severe asthma, pneumonia, trauma, or heart/lung disease. Do not try home remedies in these situations – keep your cat calm in a carrier and go straight to the nearest vet or emergency clinic.

Book a Vet Appointment Soon (Within a Day or Two)

Make a non-emergency vet appointment as soon as you can if you notice any of the following:

• Coughing is happening more than a few times a week, or keeps coming back over several days
• Coughing fits are getting more frequent, longer, or more intense
• Mild but noticeable changes in behaviour: slightly less active, hiding more, or playing less
• Mild nasal or eye discharge, sneezing, or occasional wheezing
• Your cat brings up a small amount of clear or foamy fluid at the end of a coughing spell
• Your cat has a known medical condition (like asthma or heart disease) and their coughing pattern has changed

This level is not usually an emergency if your cat is still breathing comfortably, but it does need a vet’s attention. Early diagnosis of problems like asthma, infection, or parasites can prevent more serious illness and help your cat feel much better, much sooner.

Before your appointment, try to record a video of the coughing. Vets find this incredibly helpful, because many cats don’t cough on command during the exam.

Okay to Monitor Briefly at Home

You can usually monitor at home for a short time if:

• Your cat had just one or two isolated coughs, then went back to acting completely normal
• There are no other symptoms: normal breathing, normal appetite, normal energy, no discharge from the eyes or nose
• The cough is not getting more frequent or more intense

What you can do:

• Keep a simple “cough diary”: note date, time, how long the cough lasted, and what your cat was doing right before it started (e.g. running around, using the litter box, after you sprayed a cleaner, etc.)
• Watch for patterns – for example, only coughing after using a dusty litter box or when someone smokes nearby
• Make sure the environment is well ventilated and free from obvious irritants like smoke, strong perfumes, aerosol sprays, or very dusty litter

If the cough disappears completely and doesn’t return, you can simply mention it at your cat’s next routine check-up. If it continues or worsens at all, move up to the “Book a Vet Appointment Soon” category.

Severity & Situation – Quick Reference Table

Use this table as a quick guide, but always trust your instincts – if you feel something is seriously wrong, treat it as an emergency.

Rule of thumb: if you are ever unsure, or your cat’s breathing looks even slightly abnormal, it’s always safer to call your vet or go to an emergency clinic. Breathing problems can worsen fast in cats, and quick treatment can be life-saving.

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 don’t really cough up hairballs – they vomit them. A true cough comes from the chest and airways, often with a dry hacking sound and nothing coming out. Hairballs start in the stomach and usually end with obvious retching and a slimy lump of hair on the floor.

Why is my cat coughing but not bringing up a hairball?

If your cat keeps coughing but never produces a hairball, it usually means the problem is in the airways, not the stomach. Common causes include asthma, respiratory infections, airway irritation from dust or smoke, parasites or, more rarely, tumors. Any repeated cough with nothing coming up should be checked by a vet.

Should I worry if my cat only coughs once in a while?

An occasional single cough in an otherwise bright, active cat can be similar to us clearing our throat. Still, you should watch for patterns. If the cough happens more than a few times a week, starts to become more frequent, or comes with other symptoms like sneezing, low energy or appetite changes, schedule a vet visit.

What can I do at home if my cat keeps coughing?

You can make your cat more comfortable by improving air quality: avoid smoke and strong sprays, use low-dust, unscented litter, add a humidifier or short steam sessions, and keep stress low. However, home care alone will not fix the underlying cause. Any persistent or worsening cough needs a proper veterinary diagnosis and treatment plan.

Can indoor cats get respiratory infections or parasites?

Yes. Indoor cats can still catch viral or bacterial infections from new cats, shelter backgrounds, humans’ clothing, or vet visits. They can also be exposed to fungal spores or mosquito-borne parasites like heartworms. So even if your cat never goes outside, a new or ongoing cough should still be taken seriously.

Is feline asthma curable?

Feline asthma is not curable in the strict sense, but it is usually very manageable. With the right combination of inhalers or other medications and good control of triggers such as dust, smoke and strong scents, many asthmatic cats live long, comfortable, normal lives.

My cat wheezes and coughs – does that mean it’s asthma?

Wheezing and coughing are classic signs of feline asthma, but they can also be caused by heartworms, chronic bronchitis, infections or other lung problems. Because these conditions can look very similar at home, only your vet can tell them apart with tests like X-rays and blood work. Don’t assume it’s “just asthma” without a diagnosis.

Should I give my cat human cough medicine or herbal remedies?

No. Never give your cat human cough syrups, painkillers or random herbal products unless your vet has specifically approved them. Cats process drugs very differently from humans, and many common human medicines are toxic to them. Treating the cause of the cough with vet-prescribed medication is far safer than trying to suppress it yourself.

Can cat coughing be contagious to other cats or pets?

It can be. If the cough is caused by infectious agents such as feline herpesvirus, calicivirus or Bordetella, it may spread to other cats through shared bowls, grooming or sneezing. Most of these infections do not spread to humans, but other cats in the home can be at risk. Isolate the sick cat if you suspect infection and talk to your vet about protection for your other pets.

When should I go to an emergency vet for cat coughing?

Go to an emergency vet immediately if your cat is coughing and also breathing with an open mouth, struggling to breathe, breathing very fast, has blue or very pale gums, collapses, seems extremely weak, or coughs up blood. These are signs of serious distress and low oxygen and should never wait until the next routine appointment.

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