Coughs In Cats
Sometimes we do not give importance to the cough of our cats and in others we get scared, especially if it is a persistent symptom. Actually, coughs in cats can be a sign of different diseases ; the proceeding is the consultation to the veterinarian.
How does a cough occur? It is a motivated reflex action because the airways become irritated. The cause can be a bacterial or viral infection, by ingestion of a foreign object, an allergic reaction, feline asthma or pressure from the collar.
The sound that our cat will make when coughing will not, in practice, be so different from what humans make; therefore, it is easy to identify when the problem occurs.
Causes of Cough in Cats
Virus
Some viruses seriously affect the respiratory system of the small felines that we keep as pets. In addition to coughing, symptoms may be very greenish discharge from your nose; There is also a lack of appetite, watery eyes, fever, etc.
Irritant effects
Although sometimes there is no real cause of a cough at home, it can be caused by different bacterial or viral agents. Tobacco smoke or the strong scent of perfume could be one of these agents.
The solution is simple in these cases on the part of the owners: it will be enough to prevent our cat from coming into contact with these elements that irritate his throat.
Heart failure
Although it may seem like a normal cough, without a fever or runny nose, there may be a more serious cause. In case the animal has heart failure, the cough will appear continuously.
It is very important in these cases to visit the vet; only he can diagnose and prescribe timely treatment. It would not really just be about alleviating the cough, but about addressing the underlying problem, heart failure.
Presence of foreign elements
Animals are very curious about things they find in the garden, in the park, etc. There are many elements that you eat and cause a reaction in your body when you try to expel it; the difficulty of this expulsion can cause coughing.
The collar too tight
It may be due to an oversight or a bad habit of the owner that the cat’s collar is too tight. The pressure we put on her little neck will lead to a dry cough.
It is very important that, when placing the collar, there is space for two fingers of a person between the device and the cat’s skin ; otherwise it would carry significant risks to the health of the kitten.
Parasites and bacteria
At some point in the life of our cat, some parasites may settle in the wall of the cat’s lung and cause a cough. Among other things, this symptom will be due to difficulty breathing.
There are also bacteria that affect cats, especially if they are puppies. In addition to coughing, other symptoms such as eye discharge, sneezing, fever, etc. may arise.
Asthma
When there is feline asthma, the cough will be accompanied by the difficulty of the animal to breathe, as well as a general decay and an excessive feeling of exhaustion.
Allergies
Certain medications, bites of some insects, and even food, can cause allergies in our cat. Along with the cough, there will be inflammation of the respiratory tract, skin, and very red and watery eyes .
Is coughing in cats serious?
As we are seeing, if the cough occurs only a few times, it will not matter much. But if it is maintained, proceed to immediate consultation with the veterinarian.
What type of cough is serious?
- A dry cough, produced at the same time that the cat extends its neck. This type of cough can be the symptom of chronic bronchitis in the animal.
- When the cough is accompanied by red eyes, greenish discharge and sneezing. In these cases, the cause is most likely a bacteria or a virus; you have to consult a professional in the shortest possible time.
- A dry cough, with breathing difficulties and ‘wheezing’ or noises when breathing, may be indicative of feline asthma.
- The cough that originates after doing the cat a little exercise could be a sign of the existence of acute bronchitis.
- In cases of coughing with the calm animal, at night or even asleep, it can be a symptom of heart failure.
Treating Coughs in Cats
There are many treatments, depending on the severity of the cough and the agent that causes it ; the solution can be injected or orally. We will never medicate our pet, and it will always be a veterinarian who prescribes the appropriate treatment.
