Understanding Your Cat’s Choking and Coughing Sounds: Causes, Treatments, and When to Seek Help
Cats are generally known for their independent and graceful demeanor, but when they begin making choking or coughing sounds, it can be alarming for pet owners. As a pet parent, it’s essential to understand what could be causing these sounds and when it’s
time to seek veterinary care. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the potential reasons behind your cat’s choking and coughing sounds, the treatments available, and when it’s necessary to get professional help.
Table of Contents
- What Are Choking and Coughing Sounds in Cats?
- Common Causes of Choking and Coughing in Cats
- 2.1 Hairballs
- 2.2 Respiratory Infections
- 2.3 Asthma
- 2.4 Allergies
- 2.5 Foreign Object Ingestion
- 2.6 Heart Disease
- 2.7 Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
- 2.8 Lung Diseases
- Signs That Your Cat Needs Immediate Veterinary Attention
- How Can You Help Your Cat at Home?
- Diagnosis and Treatment Options
- Preventive Measures to Keep Your Cat Healthy
- Conclusion
What Are Choking and Coughing Sounds in Cats?
Choking and coughing sounds in cats are abnormal and can indicate an underlying health problem. These sounds can range from a dry, hacking cough to a wheezing or gagging noise. It’s important to differentiate between a cat that is truly choking (unable
to breathe due to a blockage) and one that is coughing due to irritation or inflammation of the airways.
Coughing is a reflex action designed to clear the airways, while choking usually involves physical obstruction. Both symptoms require careful attention, as some conditions can lead to serious health complications.
Common Causes of Choking and Coughing in Cats
There are many reasons why a cat might exhibit choking or coughing sounds. Below are the most common causes:
2.1 Hairballs
Hairballs are one of the most common reasons cats cough. Cats groom themselves frequently, and in doing so, they ingest a significant amount of hair. Some of this hair gets stuck in their stomach and may cause discomfort, leading to coughing or gagging
as they try to expel the hair.
Symptoms: The cough may sound like a hacking noise followed by the cat vomiting a hairball.
Treatment: Regular grooming can help reduce the amount of hair your cat ingests. Specialized hairball formula foods or laxatives recommended by your vet may also help.
2.2 Respiratory Infections
Both viral and bacterial respiratory infections can cause coughing in cats. Upper respiratory infections (URI) are particularly common in kittens and cats with compromised immune systems. Symptoms of respiratory infections can include coughing, nasal
discharge, sneezing, and fever.
Symptoms: A wet or dry cough, nasal discharge, fever, and lethargy.
Treatment: Depending on the cause of the infection, antibiotics or antiviral medications may be prescribed. In some cases, supportive care such as fluid therapy or steam inhalation may be necessary.
2.3 Asthma
Feline asthma is a chronic inflammatory condition that affects the lungs and airways, causing coughing and difficulty breathing. It is often triggered by allergens, such as dust, pollen, or smoke. Asthma can be managed but not cured.
Symptoms: Recurrent coughing, wheezing, and labored breathing.
Treatment: Corticosteroids, bronchodilators, and avoiding asthma triggers are the primary treatments. In severe cases, an inhaler may be used.
2.4 Allergies
Like humans, cats can suffer from allergies, which can lead to respiratory symptoms like coughing and sneezing. These allergens might include pollen, dust mites, mold, or even certain foods.
Symptoms: Coughing, sneezing, watery eyes, and itching.
Treatment: Identifying and avoiding the allergens is key. Antihistamines, corticosteroids, or allergy injections may be prescribed by your vet.
2.5 Foreign Object Ingestion
If your cat swallows a foreign object, such as a toy, string, or bone, it can get lodged in the airway, causing choking sounds or gagging. This is an emergency situation and requires immediate attention.
Symptoms: Gagging, drooling, pawing at the mouth, and difficulty breathing.
Treatment: Seek immediate veterinary care. In some cases, your vet may need to perform endoscopy or surgery to remove the object.
2.6 Heart Disease
Heart disease can sometimes lead to coughing in cats, especially if fluid builds up in the lungs or if the heart’s ability to pump blood is impaired. Cardiomyopathy, the most common heart condition in cats, can be a hidden cause of coughing.
Symptoms: Coughing, lethargy, rapid breathing, and loss of appetite.
Treatment: Heart disease can be managed with medications such as diuretics, ACE inhibitors, or beta-blockers. Your vet will guide treatment based on the specific condition.
2.7 Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
Gastroesophageal reflux disease is a condition where stomach acid backs up into the esophagus, causing irritation and coughing. This can be exacerbated by obesity or eating too quickly.
Symptoms: Coughing, gagging, and regurgitation.
Treatment: Treatment includes dietary changes, medications to reduce stomach acid, and feeding smaller, more frequent meals.
2.8 Lung Diseases
Chronic lung diseases, including pneumonia or feline bronchitis, can also cause coughing in cats. These conditions can be caused by bacterial, viral, or fungal infections.
Symptoms: Coughing, difficulty breathing, and lethargy.
Treatment: Treatment varies depending on the underlying cause but typically includes antibiotics or antifungal medications and supportive care.
Signs That Your Cat Needs Immediate Veterinary Attention
While some causes of coughing and choking in cats are mild, others may require urgent veterinary care. Here are some warning signs that your cat needs immediate attention:
- Difficulty breathing or labored breathing
- Excessive drooling or pawing at the mouth
- Bluish or pale gums
- Loss of appetite or extreme lethargy
- Persistent coughing that doesn’t resolve
- Severe vomiting or gagging
If you notice any of these symptoms, contact your vet immediately or take your cat to an emergency animal hospital.
How Can You Help Your Cat at Home?
While some conditions require veterinary intervention, there are a few steps you can take at home to help your cat:
- Groom Regularly: Brushing your cat’s coat regularly can help reduce the occurrence of hairballs.
- Use a Humidifier: If your cat has respiratory issues, a humidifier can help loosen mucus and improve their breathing.
- Limit Exposure to Allergens: Identify and remove potential allergens from your home environment.
- Hydration: Ensure your cat always has access to fresh water, which can help with mucus production.
Diagnosis and Treatment Options
When you take your cat to the vet, the first step will usually involve a thorough examination. Your vet may also recommend diagnostic tests to determine the underlying cause of the coughing or choking:
5.1 Veterinary Examination
A physical exam can help the vet identify visible signs of respiratory distress, infection, or obstruction. The vet will listen to the cat’s chest with a stethoscope, check the mouth and throat, and examine the overall condition.
5.2 Diagnostic Tests
Depending on the symptoms, your vet may recommend one or more of the following:
- X-rays: To identify issues with the lungs, heart, or foreign objects.
- Blood Tests: To check for infection or underlying conditions like heart disease.
- Bronchoscopy: A procedure where a camera is inserted into the airways to identify blockages or abnormalities.
- Ultrasound: To evaluate the heart and lungs more closely.
5.3 Treatment Approaches
Treatment will vary depending on the diagnosis. Common treatments include:
- Medications: Such as antibiotics for infections, corticosteroids for asthma, or heart medications for heart disease.
- Surgical Intervention: If your cat has ingested a foreign object, surgery may be necessary to remove it.
- Supportive Care: Including oxygen therapy for severe breathing problems or intravenous fluids for dehydration.
