Health

Cats

Coughing and asthma in cats

Cats rarely cough, so a cough in a cat is a reason to see the vet. Feline asthma is a common cause: the airways narrow in reaction to things like smoke, dust or pollen. Asthma can be managed well, but a severe attack is an emergency.

What you might notice

• Coughing or hacking that comes and goes, often without a hairball.
• Wheezing or noisy breathing.
• Fast breathing, or effort when breathing out.
• Open-mouth breathing in severe cases.

Common causes

• Allergic airway inflammation (feline asthma).
• Tobacco and fireplace smoke.
• Dusty or scented cat litter.
• Aerosol sprays, incense, plug-in diffusers and cleaning vapours.
• Pollen, moulds and dust mites.

What you can do at home

• Keep the home smoke-free.
• Use dust-free, unscented cat litter.
• Vacuum regularly and avoid sprays and diffusers.
• Keep your cat at a healthy weight.
• Film a coughing episode on your phone to show your vet.

Book a vet in the next day or two if

• Any cough in a cat, even if occasional.
• Wheezing or faster breathing at rest.
• 'Hairball' hacking with no hairball produced.

Don't

• Do not smoke or use incense or air fresheners near your cat.
• Do not delay seeing a vet if your cat is struggling to breathe.
• Do not use human inhalers or medicines without vet advice.

Prevention

• Reduce smoke, dust and strong scents at home.
• Consider an air filter for indoor cats.
• Give any long-term treatment exactly as prescribed.

This guide gives general information about common health problems in dogs and cats. It is not a diagnosis and it does not replace an examination by a veterinarian. Every animal is different, and signs that look mild can sometimes hide a serious problem, especially in cats, which often hide illness and pain. If you are worried about your pet, or if your pet shows any of the warning signs listed here, contact your vet or the nearest emergency veterinary clinic straight away. Never give your pet human medicines or any medicine not prescribed for that animal by a vet.