If your cat is coughing, it’s worth paying attention, and in many cases, it’s worth calling the vet. Cat coughing is not as common as coughing in dogs or humans, which means when a cat coughs, there’s usually a reason. A cat that coughs occasionally may be dealing with a hairball. A cat that coughs repeatedly, sounds like it’s struggling to breathe, or has other symptoms alongside the coughing needs veterinary evaluation. Our team at Minnieville Animal Hospital in Woodbridge, VA sees respiratory concerns in cats regularly and wants cat owners to know when to seek care.

What Does a Cat Cough Sound Like?

Cat coughing can be tricky to identify because it doesn’t always look or sound like you’d expect. Many cat owners mistake a coughing cat for a cat that’s about to vomit or trying to bring up a hairball. When a cat coughs, it typically extends its neck, lowers its head, and makes a hacking, retching, or wheezing sound. The body may heave slightly, but unlike vomiting, nothing is expelled.

Some cats produce a wet, productive cough, while others cough with a dry, hacking sound. Both can indicate different underlying conditions. If you’re unsure whether what you’re seeing is a cough, a sneeze, or a gag, a short video recorded at home can be a helpful tool to share with your veterinarian.

Common Causes of Coughing in Cats

There are many possible causes of cat coughing, ranging from mild and temporary to serious and chronic.

Hairballs

As cats groom themselves, they ingest loose fur, which can accumulate in the stomach and be expelled through coughing or vomiting. A cat that coughs and then produces a hairball, then returns to normal, is likely not cause for concern. However, if coughing related to hairballs becomes frequent, is unproductive, or is accompanied by other symptoms, it’s worth discussing with your vet.

Feline Asthma

Feline asthma is a lower airway disease in which the airways become inflamed and constricted, making it difficult for a cat to breathe normally. Cats with asthma often cough in episodes, and these episodes can range from mild to severe. In a serious asthma attack, a cat may breathe with its mouth open, crouch low, and appear to be gasping. Feline asthma is a manageable condition with proper veterinary treatment, which often includes inhaled or oral medications.

Upper Respiratory Infections

Viral and bacterial respiratory infections are another frequent cause of coughing in cats, particularly in younger cats, cats in multi-cat households, or cats recently adopted from shelters. Upper respiratory infections in cats often cause sneezing alongside coughing, and may be accompanied by nasal discharge, watery eyes, lethargy, or loss of appetite. Common culprits include feline herpesvirus and feline calicivirus.

Heartworm Disease

Cats can get heartworm disease, though it presents differently than it does in dogs. In cats, heartworm often affects the respiratory system rather than the heart, causing coughing, wheezing, and difficulty breathing. This condition is sometimes mistaken for asthma because the symptoms are similar. Heartworm in cats can be life-threatening, and there is no approved treatment, which makes prevention critical. Minnieville Animal Hospital strongly recommends year-round heartworm prevention for cats.

Other Causes of Cat Coughing

Beyond the most common causes, cat coughing can also result from lung tumors, pleural effusion (fluid around the lungs), inhaled foreign objects, fungal infections, and certain parasites. These less common but serious causes are another reason why a coughing cat should be evaluated by your veterinarian rather than dismissed as a hairball issue.

When Should I Be Concerned About My Cat Coughing?

Not every cough requires an emergency vet visit, but cat owners in Woodbridge and across Northern Virginia should contact Minnieville Animal Hospital promptly if their cat is:

• Coughing frequently or in repeated episodes
• Struggling to breathe, breathing with an open mouth, or gasping
• Wheezing or making noisy, labored breathing sounds
• Coughing up blood or dark-colored discharge
• Lethargic, refusing food, or losing weight
• Showing blue or grey gums (this is an emergency & requires a call immediately)

Any cat that appears to be in respiratory distress needs emergency veterinary care right away. Don’t wait to see if it improves.

How Is Cat Coughing Diagnosed?

Diagnosing the cause of cat coughing requires a thorough approach. At Minnieville Animal Hospital, a veterinary evaluation of a coughing cat typically includes a complete physical exam with focused attention on the respiratory system, and a detailed review of the cat’s history and when the coughing started. From there, diagnostic tools may include:

• Chest X-rays: To evaluate the lungs and airways for signs of asthma, infection, fluid, or masses
• Blood work: To assess overall health and rule out infection or systemic disease
• Heartworm testing: To check for this underdiagnosed but serious condition
• Bronchoscopy or airway wash: In some cases, samples from the airways are analyzed to identify infectious organisms or inflammatory cells

Because coughing in cats has so many possible causes, diagnostic testing is often necessary to reach a clear answer and choose the right treatment.

Is Cat Coughing Contagious to Other Pets or People?

This depends on the cause. Coughing due to asthma, hairballs, or heartworm is not contagious. However, coughing caused by upper respiratory infections can absolutely spread between cats in the same household. Feline herpesvirus and calicivirus are highly contagious between cats. If you have a coughing cat in a multi-cat home, it’s worth keeping them separated while seeking veterinary guidance. Respiratory infections in cats are not transmissible to humans or dogs.

Cat Coughing and Respiratory Health at Minnieville Animal Hospital

A coughing cat is your cat’s way of telling you something isn’t right. Whether it turns out to be a manageable condition like asthma or something that needs urgent attention, early evaluation is always the right call. Our veterinary team at Minnieville Animal Hospital in Woodbridge, VA is experienced in diagnosing and treating respiratory conditions in cats. If your cat has been coughing, call us at (703) 680-4000 or book an appointment online and get your cat the answers they deserve.