Why Is My Cat Coughing?

As a cat parent in Milwaukee, you’ve undoubtedly observed a wide range of feline behaviors. While purring or scratching is typical, what about coughing? Should it cause alarm? A cough can be a normal reflex to clear the throat and airways. However, if it becomes persistent, it might signal underlying health issues. Let’s take a closer look at this common concern: “Why is my cat coughing?”

Common Causes of Cat Coughing

Cats cough for a variety of reasons, some of which may be benign, while others might require urgent veterinary attention.

One common cause is hairballs. While grooming, your cat may ingest loose hair, which forms clumps in the digestive tract. These hairballs are usually expelled through forceful vomiting and gagging which is often confused for coughing.

Respiratory disease such as feline asthma, bronchitis, or pneumonia can also cause your cat to cough. These conditions may occur due to allergic, viral, bacterial, or fungal infections, and often come with other symptoms like wheezing, rapid breathing, and loss of appetite.

Heart diseases, especially those causing fluid accumulation around the lungs, can induce coughing in cats. If your cat is coughing and showing signs of open mouth breathing, lethargy, decreased appetite, or rapid breathing, it’s critical to seek veterinary care immediately.

Parasites like lungworms can cause a chronic cough in cats, usually accompanied by weight loss, breathing difficulties, and a reduced appetite.

When to Seek Veterinary Care for Your Coughing Cat

If your cat’s cough is persistent, worsening, or accompanied by other symptoms, it’s crucial to get veterinary help. Frontier Veterinary Urgent Care, based in Milwaukee, WI, provides comprehensive diagnostic and treatment services to help your cat feel their best.

Expert Diagnosis and Treatment at Frontier Veterinary Urgent Care

At Frontier Veterinary Urgent Care, we’re committed to providing high-quality, compassionate care for our feline patients. Our team uses state-of-the-art diagnostic tools to accurately diagnose the cause of your cat’s coughing. Together, we will devise a tailored treatment plan based on our findings.

Our Approach to Feline Coughing

Upon visiting our clinic, your cat will undergo a thorough physical examination. Depending on their symptoms and history, we may also recommend additional diagnostic tests such as blood work, x-rays, airway sampling or CT.

Treatment of a coughing cat largely depends on the underlying cause. It may include medication to control cough and inflammation, antibiotics for bacterial infections, deworming for parasitic infections, or even hospitalization for severe cases.

Speak our Milwaukee, WI, Vets Today

Don’t let your cat’s health hang in the balance. Whether it’s a persistent cough or another health concern, Frontier Veterinary Urgent Care is ready to help. Call us at (262) 226-2055 or visit us for your cat’s evaluation. Remember, your cat’s health is our priority, and we’re committed to providing the care they deserve.

Remember to always trust your instincts when it comes to your pet’s health. Coughing might seem innocuous, but if it’s out of the ordinary for your feline friend, it’s always worth reaching out to professionals. Your vigilance, coupled with our medical expertise, will ensure your cat stays happy, healthy, and purring.