When a cat crouches with its neck stretched and makes hacking sounds, many owners assume it is trying to bring up a hairball. Sometimes it is actually coughing. The distinction matters because repeated coughing can be a sign of airway disease, infection or another problem that deserves evaluation.
How coughing differs from a hairball
A cough is a sudden forced expiration that may be followed by retching. A cat bringing up a hairball generally produces material from the stomach; repeated hacking with nothing produced may be coughing. A short video can help the veterinarian tell the difference.
When breathing signs are an emergency
Open-mouth breathing at rest, obvious effort to breathe, blue or gray gums, collapse or severe weakness require immediate emergency veterinary care. Do not wait for a video appointment or try to use a human inhaler. Read our guide to fast breathing in cats for additional warning signs.
Possible reasons for a cough
Feline asthma and chronic bronchitis are common possibilities, but infections, inhaled irritation, some parasites and other airway conditions may also cause coughing. Heart disease in cats is not as commonly a direct cause of cough as in dogs. Dust, smoke, strong scents and aerosols may irritate sensitive airways but should not be assumed to explain persistent symptoms.
What the veterinarian may do
The examination may include listening to the chest, taking X-rays, and choosing other testing based on the cat’s history. Treatment for asthma differs from treatment for infection or other conditions. As VCA’s clinical overview notes, a persistent, severe or recurring cough calls for veterinary attention.
What to record at home
- How often episodes happen and how long they last
- Whether they occur during activity, at night or around cleaning products
- Whether anything is brought up
- Any change in appetite, energy, weight or breathing between episodes
- Recent illness, indoor/outdoor exposure and existing medications
Reduce obvious irritants such as smoke and strong sprays while arranging care, but do not delay an appointment based only on environmental changes.
What an online vet can contribute
A video recording and symptom log can help an online veterinarian recommend the right urgency. A remote visit cannot listen directly to lung sounds or substitute for chest imaging when indicated. Repeated cough deserves a physical assessment.
Sources: VCA: coughing in cats; Cornell: feline asthma.
For education only. Veterinary diagnosis and prescription decisions require appropriate professional evaluation.
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.