Why Is My Cat Coughing? Causes From Hairballs to Asthma
The sound of a cat coughing is unmistakable: a crouched body, an extended neck and a dry hack. Owners often assume it is a hairball, and sometimes that is right. But coughing is also a common sign of asthma and other airway diseases, so a cough that returns deserves attention.
Cough or something else?
Cats do several things that look like coughing. A true cough is a forceful exhalation, often preceded by a deep breath. Retching or gagging, which often comes with a hairball, involves the stomach and ends with vomit. Sneezing comes from the nose. Reverse sneezing is a rapid inhale, rare in cats. Wheezing is a high-pitched whistle, and a sign of narrow airways. A video helps your vet tell them apart.
Common causes
- Feline asthma. Inflammation and narrowing of the airways, triggered by dust, smoke, litter, pollen or perfumes. See feline asthma.
- Hairballs. Retching up a hairball can look like coughing. See hairballs in cats.
- Upper respiratory infections, with sneezing, discharge and cough. See upper respiratory infections in cats.
- Chronic bronchitis.
- Pneumonia.
- Heartworm disease. See heartworm in cats.
- Lungworm, in outdoor cats that hunt.
- Heart disease and fluid in the lungs. See congestive heart failure in cats.
- Foreign objects, such as grass blades or food.
- Tumors of the lung or airway. See cancer in cats.
- Irritants, such as smoke, aerosol sprays, strong cleaners and dusty litter. See how to choose cat litter and cat-safe cleaning products.
- Allergies.
When it is an emergency
Go to the vet at once if your cat coughs and also:
- Breathes with an open mouth, or is panting. See cat panting and open-mouth breathing.
- Has blue or gray gums.
- Breathes fast, with the belly heaving.
- Is lethargic or collapses.
- Has a cough that does not stop.
What to record for your vet
- A video of a coughing episode, with sound.
- How often it happens, and at what time of day.
- Triggers, such as litter, cleaning or a new product.
- Whether the cat produces hair or foam.
- Appetite, energy, weight and other signs.
- Resting breathing rate.
Diagnosis
The vet listens to the chest, and may take X-rays, run bloodwork and heartworm tests. Further tests may include a lung wash, called a bronchoalveolar lavage, sampling of the airway, or a heart ultrasound. A fecal test can find lungworm. See worms in cats.
Treatment
- Asthma: corticosteroids, often given by inhaler, and bronchodilators. Many cats accept a mask and a spacer.
- Infections: antibiotics, antivirals, fluids and supportive care.
- Parasites: specific anti-parasite treatment.
- Heart disease: diuretics and heart medicines.
- Hairballs: grooming, diet and laxatives, as advised.
- Removing irritants: a key step.
Managing the home
- Choose low-dust, unscented litter.
- Do not smoke or use incense near cats.
- Avoid aerosol sprays and plug-in fresheners.
- Use a HEPA purifier.
- Keep cats lean. See how to help an overweight cat lose weight.
- Groom regularly. See how to brush a cat.
Kittens and seniors
Kittens with coughing need prompt care. Seniors may have heart or lung disease. See kitten sneezing and eye discharge and senior cat care guide.
Asthma in more detail
Feline asthma is one of the most common causes of chronic cough. Attacks may involve wheezing, a crouched posture and open-mouth breathing. Many cats are controlled with inhaled steroids, delivered with a mask and spacer, and rescue bronchodilators for flare-ups. Triggers include dusty litter, smoke, candles, aerosols and pollen. Keeping a diary of attacks helps find triggers.
Hairball cough or something else?
True hairball coughing is occasional, and ends with a hairball, though not every time. If your cat coughs often without producing hair, or the cough is accompanied by wheezing or labored breathing, think of asthma or other disease. Do not keep treating with hairball remedies if the cough returns. See your vet.
Lungworm and outdoor cats
Cats that hunt prey, such as rodents, birds and snails, can pick up lungworm, which causes cough and breathing difficulty. A fecal test, and anti-parasite treatment, can help. Ask your vet about parasite control suited to outdoor cats.
Smoke, scents and sprays
Cigarette smoke, incense, scented candles, plug-in air fresheners and aerosol sprays can irritate cat airways. Switch to fragrance-free products, and ventilate well. If you smoke, do it outdoors, and wash your hands before handling your cat.
When to see a vet
See a vet if the cough repeats, lasts more than a few days or comes with other signs. Use the US vet directory to find a clinic.
Frequently asked questions
Is coughing normal in cats?
An occasional cough or hairball is common, but frequent coughing is not.
How can I tell asthma from hairballs?
Asthma attacks cause wheezing and repeated coughing, often without producing hair.
Should I film my cat?
Yes. A video helps the vet identify the type of cough.
Can smoke or litter dust cause coughing?
Yes, irritants can trigger or worsen airway disease.
Sources and further reading
Health information changes as research does. These organizations publish guidance worth reading alongside our articles.
- Merck Veterinary Manual: cat ownersPlain-language veterinary reference written for owners.
- American Veterinary Medical Association: pet owner resourcesPolicy-level guidance from the national veterinary association.
- CDC Healthy Pets, Healthy PeoplePublic-health advice on pets, zoonotic disease and safe handling.
Tailwisp is independent and written under our editorial policy. Learn who we are, or browse all cat guides.
This article is general educational information, not veterinary advice. Every cat is different. If your cat is unwell, or you are unsure about a symptom, diet change or medication, contact your veterinarian.