Coughing in cats is less common than in dogs and can sometimes be mistaken for gagging or trying to bring up a hairball. While occasional coughing may not be serious, persistent or unusual coughing can indicate an underlying issue that requires veterinary attention.
Because respiratory issues in cats can become serious quickly, it’s important to understand what may be causing the cough and when to seek care.
Coughing in cats is often related to irritation or disease affecting the respiratory system. Common causes include:
The sound and frequency of the cough can help guide diagnosis.
While occasional coughing may not be urgent, certain signs indicate your cat should be evaluated by a veterinarian.
You should seek care if your cat:
If your cat is having difficulty breathing or breathing with their mouth open, this is an emergency and requires immediate care.
At L&L Animal Urgent Care, we evaluate coughing by identifying whether the issue is respiratory, cardiac, or related to another system.
Diagnostics may include:
Our goal is to determine the cause and provide appropriate treatment.
Treatment depends on the underlying cause of your cat’s coughing.
Common treatments may include:
More severe cases may require oxygen support or hospitalization.
Coughing in cats should never be ignored, especially if it’s persistent or worsening. If your cat’s breathing or behavior seems unusual, it’s best to have them evaluated.
At L&L Animal Urgent Care, we provide same-day urgent care for dogs and cats—helping you get answers and treatment when your pet needs it most.
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