What causes cat coughing?
In cats, coughing is most often a sign of an inflammatory problem affecting the lower respiratory tract, especially some form of bronchitis. This inflammation will often be from infection particularly with viruses such as Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis or bacteria such as Bordetella. Parasitic worms may be responsible in a few cases. Allergies of various origins may also cause coughing. Cats can cough for a variety of other reasons, including the presence of foreign material within the airway (e.g. pieces of inhaled grass), or irritation from inhaled liquids or gases. Chest tumors (cancer) can occasionally cause coughing. Coughing is rarely associated with heart disease in cats. Coughing can also be seen with upper respiratory tract disease when irritation or inflammation affects the larynx or trachea, or a disease in the nose that results in excessive secretions draining into the larynx and trachea, causing irritation and coughing. When does a coughing feline need veterinary attention?
