Cat Cough Symptoms

Cat coughs can run the gamut from dry hacking coughs to wet, phlegm coughs. Coughing may be accompanied by other symptoms, such as runny nose or eyes and fever.

Cat Cough Diagnosis

If your cat has a persistent cough, a trip the veterinarian is in order. A full physical exam should include a lung x-ray and perhaps a stool sample to rule out parasites or other possible causes.

Possible cat cough diagnosis includes:

  • Hairballs or Fur balls – Every cat owner has heard the unique hacking cough that precedes a hairball on the floor. Frequent or untreated hairballs can be a hazard. National Pet Pharmacy carries a wide selection of hairball treatments, including Nutri-Vet Hairball Paw Gel for Cats.
  • Cold or flu- Coughs associated with a runny nose or nasal discharges are probably caused by a virus or upper respiratory infection. National Pet Pharmacy has a full selection of supportive care items for cats suffering from URIs or cat colds, including HomeoPet Cough.
  • Chronic Bronchitis: Also known as cat asthma, chronic bronchitis in cats is characterized by long phlegm-laden coughs. This is the primary cause of cat cough.
  • Respiratory infections - These coughs are similar to those caused by cold or flu. Fever is likely. The URIs are typically not terribly serious, but symptomatic relief can be had with Vetoquinol Enisyl-F Oral Paste and Clavamox at National Pet Pharmacy.
  • Allergies – These are irritant-triggered coughs that can be problematic. However, they can be easily managed with a wide variety of allergy treatments at National Pet Pharmacy, including Cyclosporine and Methylprednisolone.
  • Feline Bordetella (kennel cough): Bordetella bronchiseptica is an upper respiratory tract infection in cats.
  • Feline Asthma - These coughs may sound “moist.” Your cat will wheeze and sound as if she is having trouble catching her breath and will act normal in between episodes.
  • Heartworms - These are rare in cats but it does occur. The coughs sound a lot like asthma.
  • Parasites such as hookworms or roundworms - These are common in kittens, particularly in unsanitary environments. Symptoms include weight loss, lethargic and reduction in appetite.
  • Feline Heart Disease - Heart disease such as murmurs can trigger a cough.
  • Disease of the larynx or esophagus: Occurs during or shortly after eating. The larynx normally closes when food is swallowed to prevent food from entering the trachea. If the larynx has a disease it may not close when food is swallowed resulting in food entering the trachea.
  • Lung Cancer – A cough resulting from lung cancer would require significant veterinary treatment.

About National Pet Pharmacy

From whiskers to tail, your cat deserves the best in pet medicine and pet supplies. National Pet Pharmacy has quality pet medications like Revolution and Frontline as well as veterinarian diet cat food and cat supplies. Find total health for your cat at National Pet Pharmacy.

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