Why is my Cat Coughing?

It’s never easy to hear your cat cough—especially when you don’t know why it’s happening or what to do next. Whether the sound is dry and hacking or resembles gagging, it’s natural to feel concerned. Coughing in cats isn’t something most pet owners expect, so even a single episode can raise questions. Is it something minor, or could it be a sign of something more serious? If you’ve been asking, “Why is my cat coughing?” you’re in the right place. This blog will walk you through the most common causes, what to look for at home, and when it’s time to schedule a veterinary visit with the team at Paws and Claws Animal Medical Center in Dunedin, FL.

What a Cough in Cats Typically Sounds Like

Before jumping to conclusions, it helps to understand how coughing sounds in cats. Unlike sneezing, vomiting, or retching, a cough often involves a sudden expulsion of air from the lungs. It may be dry and hacking or wet and productive. Some cats may crouch low to the ground with their neck extended when they cough, while others might make a sound that mimics gagging or retching—leading many owners to confuse coughing with vomiting.

Coughing vs. Hairballs

Hairballs are common in cats and are often mistaken for coughing. A cat trying to pass a hairball may gag or retch, but the action doesn’t involve the lungs as coughing does. If your cat seems to be expelling fur and fluids rather than air, you’re likely dealing with a hairball event. If, however, your cat doesn’t produce a hairball and continues the motion repetitively, coughing could be the cause.

When to Be Concerned About Coughing Sounds

If your cat has a single coughing episode and appears fine afterward, it may not be urgent. However, frequent, recurring, or severe coughing should always be evaluated by your veterinarian. This is especially true if coughing is accompanied by other changes in behavior, appetite, or breathing.

Why is My Cat Coughing? Common Causes to Consider

If you’re asking, “Why is my cat coughing?” there are several reasons worth exploring. Feline coughing can stem from issues affecting the respiratory system, allergies, infections, or more complex conditions.

Feline Asthma

Asthma is one of the more common causes of chronic coughing in cats. This condition causes inflammation and narrowing of the airways, often triggered by allergens such as pollen, dust, mold, or even cigarette smoke. Cats with asthma may experience wheezing, rapid breathing, or persistent coughing that sounds dry and hacking. Over time, asthma can worsen if untreated, so prompt veterinary attention is recommended.

Respiratory Infections

Upper or lower respiratory infections—especially viral or bacterial—can also lead to coughing. Feline herpesvirus and calicivirus are two viral culprits that affect the respiratory system. Symptoms often include sneezing, nasal discharge, eye irritation, and coughing. These infections are common in shelters or multi-cat households, where close contact increases the risk of transmission.

Heartworm Disease

Although heartworm is more commonly associated with dogs, cats can also be affected. In cats, heartworms may cause a condition called heartworm-associated respiratory disease (HARD). Coughing, labored breathing, vomiting, and lethargy are some of the symptoms. Because symptoms can mimic other respiratory issues, accurate diagnosis is critical.

Allergies or Environmental Irritants

Just like people, cats can react to allergens in their environment. Exposure to smoke, strong cleaning agents, dust, or perfumes can trigger irritation and coughing. If you notice your cat only coughing after you clean, light a candle, or use a spray, environmental sensitivity may be a factor.

Foreign Bodies or Airway Obstruction

Sometimes, a small object—such as a blade of grass or food particle—can become lodged in the throat or windpipe, leading to coughing fits. This can be especially dangerous if it causes partial or full obstruction. If your cat is coughing violently, pawing at their mouth, or appears to be choking, seek emergency veterinary care immediately.

Less Common but Serious Reasons for Cat Coughing

In some cases, a cat’s cough could point to a more serious underlying problem that requires advanced diagnostic testing.

Lung Parasites

Parasites like lungworms can infect a cat’s respiratory system, causing persistent coughing and breathing difficulties. These parasites are typically contracted through the ingestion of infected prey or contact with contaminated water or soil.

Heart Disease

Heart conditions can affect the lungs and contribute to coughing. While this is less common in cats than in dogs, it’s still a possibility. Cats with heart issues may also show signs like fatigue, reduced activity, or labored breathing.

Cancer

Though rare, tumors in the lungs or chest cavity can also cause coughing. If a cough appears along with unexplained weight loss, decreased appetite, or other concerning symptoms, your veterinarian may recommend imaging to rule out more serious conditions.

What to Watch for Besides the Cough

Coughing on its own tells part of the story. Observing other symptoms can give your veterinarian a better sense of what might be going on.

Behavioral Changes

Take note if your cat seems less playful, hides more often, or avoids eating. A change in routine or demeanor can indicate that your cat isn’t feeling well.

Changes in Breathing Patterns

Rapid breathing, wheezing, or shallow breaths—especially when at rest—are red flags. Cats are adept at masking illness, so any visible struggle to breathe is significant.

Appetite and Energy Levels

A drop in appetite or energy could suggest that the cause of the cough is impacting your cat’s overall health. These signs can be particularly helpful to share with your vet during an exam.

Diagnostic Tools Your Vet May Use

If your cat’s cough isn’t going away, your veterinarian will likely recommend a series of diagnostic steps to pinpoint the issue.

Physical Examination and History

Your vet will begin with a full physical exam and will ask about your cat’s symptoms, how long they’ve been present, and any environmental changes. A detailed history can offer important clues.

Imaging and Bloodwork

X-rays or ultrasound may be used to examine the chest and lungs. Bloodwork can help detect infection, inflammation, or heartworm disease. In some cases, advanced imaging or even endoscopy may be needed.

Response to Treatment

In some cases, your vet may try a short course of treatment to see how your cat responds. This can sometimes confirm a suspected diagnosis, especially when a specific condition—like asthma—is suspected.

Take the First Step Toward Helping Your Cat Feel Better

If you’ve been asking yourself, “Why is my cat coughing?” the best way to get answers is by contacting your veterinarian. Coughing may have many possible causes—some mild and others more serious—but each case deserves attention. The team at Paws and Claws Animal Medical Center in Dunedin, FL, is here to help you understand your cat’s symptoms and recommend appropriate next steps. Call us today at (919) 847-6216 to schedule an appointment. We’ll work with you to get to the bottom of your cat’s cough and support their long-term health.