Tos del gato: causas, síntomas y cuándo preocuparse

Un gato atigrado posado en una piedra con vegetación y un fondo natural de enfoque suave.

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 tos verdadera incluyen:

  • 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 no sale nada, 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 vómito hairballs. Coughing comes from the lungs and airways; vomiting and hairballs come from the stomach.

Use this quick comparison:

 True CoughHairball / Vomiting
Body movementChest and throat; neck stretched forwardStrong abdominal crunches and heaving
SoundDry “hack” or hoot, often in short fitsWet gurgling, retching, then a louder “urrrp”
What comes outUsually nothing, maybe a little foamTube/ball of hair with clear fluid, bile or food
Main body systemLungs and airways (respiratory)Stomach and intestines (gastrointestinal)
When to see a vetIf coughing is new, frequent, or getting worseIf hairballs are frequent or cat seems unwell

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 no a cough – it was a gastrointestinal episode.
Si su gato emite un sonido seco y 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
  • Hay 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.

Lindo gatito Scottish Fold sentado en un cómodo sofá en el interior, añadiendo encanto a cualquier espacio vital.

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)
  • Infecciones respiratorias and pneumonia
  • Parásitos such as lungworm and heartworm
  • Alergias 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 y sneezing
  • Nasal or eye discharge
  • Fever, lethargy, or ocultar 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.

  • Gusanos pulmonares 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.
  • Gusanos del corazón, spread by mosquitoes, can also affect cats. In cats, heartworms primarily settle in the lungs and nearby blood vessels, causing a condition called Enfermedad respiratoria asociada al gusano del corazón (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 alergias respiratorias más leves 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 Lecho higiénico de bajo contenido en polvo y sin perfume
  • 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.

Gato

Tipos de tos del gato: Húmeda vs. Seca

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 y pneumonia, and sometimes severe allergic airway disease or heart-related fluid in the lungs.

Importante:
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 no sale nada.

Dry coughs are commonly associated with:

  • Feline asthma
  • Alergias and airway irritation
  • Cuerpos extraños inhalados (like dust or grass)
  • Tumores 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.

Retrato en primer plano de un gato atigrado con llamativos ojos verdes y largos bigotes.

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

Short answer: Cat coughing is never something to ignore.

  • Es 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 no 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 hace 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.

LevelWhat It Looks LikeWhat You Should Do
Leve y ocasionalOne-off or very rare coughs; cat is bright, eating and playing normally; no breathing changes or other symptoms.Monitor at home, keep notes and remove obvious irritants. Mention it at the next routine vet visit.
Moderada o persistenteCoughing more than a few times a week or over several days; mild sneezing or discharge; slight drop in energy or appetite; cough may end with clear/foamy fluid.Schedule a vet appointment within a day or two for an exam and possible tests.
Grave o preocupanteContinuous or very intense coughing; any breathing difficulty; open-mouth breathing; blue/pale gums; collapse, extreme weakness, or coughing up blood.Emergency vet visit immediately. Go to the nearest vet or emergency clinic without delay.

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.

Cuidados y monitorización en casa de un gato que tose

Aunque siempre hay que tratar la causa subyacente de la tos de un gato (con la orientación de su veterinario), hay varias opciones medidas prácticas en casa que pueden ayudar a su gato tosedor a sentirse más cómodo e incluso a reducir la frecuencia de la tos. A continuación le explicamos cómo puede ayudar a su mascota cuando su gato tose:

Llevar un diario de síntomas

Comience un pequeño "diario de la tos" para su gato. Anote las fecha y hora cuando oigas una tos, y cualquier cosa digna de mención que haya ocurrido alrededor de ese momento.

Este diario será de gran ayuda a su veterinario para el diagnóstico. Como se ha mencionado, intente capturar vídeo de la tos, si es posible. Incluso una grabación de audio puede ayudar al veterinario a identificar si se trata de una tos seca o congestionada.

Confort y calma

Durante un episodio de tos, los gatos pueden ponerse nerviosos (¡y nosotros también!). Mantenga la calma y tranquilice suavemente a su gato con una voz suave. Puedes acariciarle ligeramente si parece que eso le tranquiliza, pero si prefiere que le dejes solo, dale espacio. 

El estrés o la excitación pueden empeorar la tosespecialmente en casos de asma. Así que mantenga el ambiente tranquilo y relajado.

Si su gato respira con la boca abierta o entra en pánico, reduzca al mínimo la manipulación y acuda al veterinario; pero en caso de tos leve, un ambiente tranquilo ayuda a que la tos pase más rápidamente.

Terapia de humedad y vapor

El aire húmedo puede aliviar las vías respiratorias irritadas del gatoal igual que ayuda a los humanos. Si su gato tiene congestión o tos húmeda, llévelo a un baño turbio podría proporcionar alivio.

Encienda una ducha de agua caliente en el cuarto de baño con la puerta cerrada para generar vapor, y siéntese allí con su gato (no en el agua, sólo en la habitación llena de vapor) durante 10-15 minutos.

A humidificador en la habitación donde pasa el tiempo su gato puede mantener la humedad del aire (sobre todo en climas secos o en invierno, cuando la calefacción seca el aire). Asegúrate de limpiar los humidificadores con regularidad para evitar el moho.

Purificación del aire y control de alérgenos

No siempre podemos eliminar todos los posibles irritantes, pero podemos mejorar la calidad del aire. Utilizar un Purificador de aire HEPA en su hogar puede eliminar el polvo, el polen y otras partículas que podrían estar provocando tos o asma.

Si sospecha que el humo del tabaco o los aerosoles molestan a su gato, convierta su casa en una zona de no fumadores y utilice productos de limpieza sin perfume y seguros para los gatos. 

Arena para gatos es importante: elija un Lecho higiénico de bajo contenido en polvo y sin perfume. Muchos lechos "hipoalergénicos" fabricados con papel, pellets de madera o cristal tienen menos polvo que los lechos arcillosos tradicionales.

Cuando vierta la arena, hágalo con cuidado para evitar levantar una nube de polvo (tal vez puede ponerse una mascarilla y hacerlo lejos de su gato). Pequeños cambios como éste pueden reducir significativamente la tos crónica si la causa son irritantes.

Nutrición e hidratación

Mantenga a su gato bien hidratado. La hidratación ayuda a que las secreciones mucosas sean menos espesas. Aunque no se puede obligar a un gato a beber, se puede intentar ofrecerle comida húmeda (que tiene un mayor contenido de humedad) si comen croquetas secas. Considere la posibilidad de instalar una fuente de agua para que beba más. Una buena alimentación también favorece el sistema inmunitario.

Consulte siempre a su veterinario antes de dar al gato algo que vaya más allá de su dieta normal y de los medicamentos prescritos.

Seguir los planes de tratamiento veterinario

Puede parecer obvio, pero no está de más insistir en ello. Si el veterinario te ha recetado medicamentos (antibióticos, inhaladores, esteroides, etc.), dáselos exactamente según las indicaciones y durante todo el tiempo que duren.

Los gatos pueden ser desafiando medicar, ¡lo sabemos! Pide consejos a tu veterinario si tienes problemas (como esconder las pastillas en las golosinas o usar pastilleros).

Descanso y actividad restringida

Si su gato tiene ataques de tos frecuentes, es una buena idea limitar los juegos o ejercicios extenuantes temporalmente. El aumento de la actividad física podría desencadenar más tos si las vías respiratorias son sensibles.

Deja que tu gatito descanse en un lugar cómodo. Asegúrate de que su lecho esté limpio (sin polvo) y en una zona tranquila. Si tienes otras mascotas o niños pequeños, intenta que no molesten al gato enfermo mientras se recupera. Piense que le da a su gato "días de enfermedad" para recuperarse.

Conclusión

Tener un gato que tose puede ser preocupante, pero armado de conocimientos, podrá manejarlo con mucha más confianza y tranquilidad.

Hemos repasado cómo distinguir una tos de un atragantamiento por bolas de pelo, la amplia gama de causas -desde las comunes (como el asma o una infección respiratoria) hasta las poco frecuentes (como los gusanos pulmonares o los tumores)- y lo que los distintos "estilos" de tos y los síntomas que la acompañan pueden decirle sobre la salud de su gato.

Acuérdate, usted es quien mejor conoce a su gato. Si algo te parece raro, aunque sólo sea una sutil tos de vez en cuando, préstale atención. La detección precoz de los problemas a menudo significa un tratamiento más fácil y un mejor resultado para tu amigo peludo.

Por último, tranquilícese sabiendo que muchos gatos se recuperan de problemas de tos y volver a ser normales y felices.

Esperamos que esta guía haya hecho que el tema de la "tos del gato" resulte menos misterioso y mucho menos aterrador. Tu amigo felino tiene suerte de contar con un guardián que cuida de él: con tu cariño y los conocimientos adecuados, está en buenas manos.

Nos encantaría conocer su historia. Comparta sus experiencias, únase a nuestra acogedora comunidad de amantes de los gatos en SnuggleSouls. Juntos, celebremos cada precioso momento.

PREGUNTAS FRECUENTES

¿Los gatos expulsan bolas de pelo o es otra cosa?

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.

¿Debo preocuparme si mi gato sólo tose de vez en cuando?

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.

¿Los gatos de interior pueden contraer infecciones respiratorias o parásitos?

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.

¿Es curable el asma felina?

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.

¿Debo darle a mi gato medicamentos para la tos o hierbas medicinales?

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.

¿La tos del gato puede ser contagiosa para otros gatos o mascotas?

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.

Referencias

Coates, J. (s.f.). Tos en gatos. VCA Hospitales de Animales. Obtenido de https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/coughing-in-cats

Venco, L., Marchesotti, F., & Manzocchi, S. (2015). La enfermedad del gusano del corazón felino: ¿Un problema real o una rara curiosidad? Parasitología veterinaria, 208(1-2), 111-117. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0304401714006633?via%3Dihub

Reinero, C. R. (2011). Avances en el conocimiento de la patogenia, diagnóstico y manejo del asma felino. Clínicas Veterinarias de Norteamérica: Práctica de pequeños animales, 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. Parasitología veterinaria, 122(3), 271-279. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0304401704002444?via%3Dihub

Coates, J., DVM. (s.f.). Tos del gato: causas y tratamiento. PetMD. Obtenido de https://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/respiratory/c_ct_cough

Hospital Veterinario Bowman. (2022, 15 de agosto). Tos del gato: ¿bola de pelo o algo más? [entrada de blog]. Obtenido de https://www.bowmanvet.com/blog/coughing-cat-hairball-or-more/

Clínica Just Cats. (s.f.). Toser frente a vomitar: ¿Por qué mi gato hace eso? Obtenido de https://justcatsclinic.com/coughing-versus-vomiting-why-does-my-cat-do-that/

Purina. (s.f.). Tos del gato: síntomas y cuándo actuar. Obtenido de https://www.purina.com/articles/cat/health/symptoms/coughing

Respaldado por la ciencia · Revisado por veterinarios · Independiente

¿Quién está detrás de esta guía?

Todos los artículos de SnuggleSouls están escritos por verdaderos cuidadores de gatos y revisados por expertos cualificados, para que puedas estar seguro de que recibes consejos fiables y compasivos.

Autor

Chris

Amante de los gatos e investigador independiente.

Chris ha pasado muchos años viviendo con gatos, observándolos y cuidándolos, y ahora se dedica a convertir la investigación científica en guías claras y prácticas para los cuidadores de gatos.
Te ayuda a comprender el “porqué” de los cuidados adecuados para los felinos, para que puedas comunicarte mejor con tu veterinario y tomar decisiones más informadas para tu gato.

Revisión editorial

Equipo SnuggleSouls

Normas del sitio SnuggleSouls y control de calidad

Este contenido ha sido sometido a un riguroso proceso de verificación de datos y control de precisión por parte del equipo editorial de SnuggleSouls.
Nos aseguramos de que todas las recomendaciones se basen en directrices disponibles públicamente y fuentes fiables, con interpretaciones detalladas de organizaciones autorizadas como la AVMA.

SnuggleSouls es una plataforma independiente y sin ánimo de lucro dedicada a la educación sobre el cuidado de los gatos. Nuestro contenido tiene fines educativos y no sustituye el diagnóstico ni el tratamiento veterinario personalizado. Si tu gato parece estar enfermo, ponte en contacto con tu veterinario local lo antes posible.