A cat crouches, stretches its neck, and makes a hacking sound. Is it bringing up a hairball or actually coughing? The motions can be surprisingly similar, and the difference matters: coughing may signal trouble in the airways rather than the stomach. Describe what happened instead of trying to diagnose it from the sound alone.
Watch the episode, not just the noise
During coughing, a cat may crouch low, extend the head, and make several forceful expiratory efforts without bringing anything up. Retching may end with food, liquid, or a hairball, although not every retch produces material. Sneezing usually comes from the nose. A brief phone video can help your vet distinguish the behaviors, but only record it if the cat is comfortable and filming will not postpone treatment.
Breathing trouble changes the plan immediately
Open-mouth breathing, obvious belly effort, blue or very pale gums, collapse, or marked weakness are emergencies. Keep your cat calm, minimize handling, and go to a veterinary emergency service. Do not try steam, an inhaler belonging to a person, or oral medication while the cat is struggling for breath. Even if an episode stops, a cat that is repeatedly coughing needs an examination.
Why cats cough
Inflammation of the lower airways, including feline asthma and chronic bronchitis, can produce coughing or wheezing. Respiratory infections, parasites, inhaled irritants, and other chest problems are possible too. A diagnosis cannot be made from a cough’s sound or a single video. Cigarette smoke, aerosol cleaners, perfume, and dusty litter can aggravate some cats, but eliminating irritants is not a substitute for care.
Useful notes for your veterinarian
- First episode, how often it recurs, and approximately how long each spell lasts.
- Whether breathing is quiet between episodes and whether there is exercise intolerance.
- Any reduced appetite, weight loss, lethargy, or change in activity.
- Recent respiratory illness, parasite prevention, outdoor access, and exposure to smoke or sprays.
- Any new medicines, household products, or litter.
Your vet may listen to the lungs, assess respiratory effort, and recommend chest radiographs or other testing based on the examination. Treatment depends on the cause; antibiotics are not appropriate for every cough.
What to do before the appointment
Provide a quiet, well-ventilated space and remove strong scents and smoke. Do not use essential oils or human cough syrups. If your cat has a known respiratory condition, follow the individual action plan your veterinarian gave you rather than experimenting with doses.
Our cat coughing guide explains how a veterinarian evaluates similar signs. The Merck Veterinary Manual’s overview of feline bronchitis and asthma provides clinical background. This information is not a diagnosis for an individual cat.
This article is for general education and is not a substitute for care from your own veterinarian. Learn about The Pet Vet and our editorial policy.