A coughing cat is a sign that something is going on in the feline's respiratory tract. Just like us, cats cough in an attempt to "expel" something unusual present in the larynx, trachea or bronchi. Obviously, this reflex frightens guardians who wonder if it is something serious. However, not everything is a cause for concern. Coughing in cats can be occasional, such as choking or accumulation of food.But when it becomes recurrent, it's good to sound the alarm: this may be a sign of respiratory problems. We've prepared this article with everything about cat cough, what to do to help your feline and when it can be a serious problem. check out!

Cat coughing is a respiratory tract response against infectious agents

A cat cough (dry or not) occurs when the respiratory system has a natural reflex in the face of an irritation in the airways, due to the inhalation of an external particle, and that the body tries to expel from there. Generally, the way felines cough is very particular and different from humans or dogs. Called the orthopneic position, at these times cats lean on both front paws, with thechest against the surface and elbows back with the neck stretched out. In this way they can cough, which can be accompanied by noises or wheezing, as well as spasms, and can be dry or with secretion. All this movement frightens the guardians, either because of the way the cough happens or because it is something unusual.

Cat health: coughing is linked to common feline diseases

Hairballs in cats can cause coughing, as can allergies to cleaning products or dust, for example. These are easy to treat and require little care. However, when a cat's cough is recurrent and phlegmy, it can be serious and is usually associated with respiratory diseases. Feline flu and pneumonia are the most common diseases and in this case the condition canBut other conditions can also affect felines and cause coughing, such as:

• Feline asthma
• Bronchitis in cats
• Rhinotracheitis
• Pneumonia in cats
• Rhinitis
• Sinusitis
• Tumors

Although these diseases are common among humans, they are not zoonoses and are acquired in other ways among felines. Even so, many still wonder if cat cough catches in humans and the answer is no. However, external agents, such as cigarette smoke, are also harmful to felines. Another detail is that coughing cat can be related to heart problems, so it is good towatch out for symptoms other than coughing.

Is home remedy for cat cough indicated? What to do at these times?

When it comes to a coughing cat, what to do is a very common question. The best advice is to seek veterinary help. Maneuvers at home are only in case of coughing by a choking cat, in which the guardian must perform the Heimlich maneuver. In other cases, turning to a professional will help to treat what results in this symptom, as well as recommend the ideal cat cough medicine. The veterinarian willorder the necessary tests to assess the condition, including: CT scan, X-ray, ultrasound, blood count and observation of clinical signs. Even so, there are certain basic recommendations for some diseases:

• Rhinotracheitis: Treatment of this viral disease makes use of remedies that fight feline flu. The home remedy for cat cough with the disease is to clean the eyes and nose well with saline solution, in addition to following the veterinarian's recommendations. This prevents the accumulation of secretions that can lead to other problems, such as feline conjunctivitis. Offering plenty of water and moist food also helps.
• Asthma or bronchitis: allergens that trigger a flare should be avoided. The use of firecrackers or nebulization may be recommended.
• Pneumonia: veterinarians prescribe antibiotics, anti-inflammatory drugs, among other specific medications to treat the disease. Supplementation with vitamin C also helps to improve the cat's immunity.
• Choking cat: In addition to the Heimlich manoeuvre, it is important to avoid this situation. Cats often suffer from feeders and drinkers that are not at the right height. Ideally, they should be close to the animal's chest. In addition to being more comfortable, this also prevents choking. But if the feline continues to choke, the problem may be that he is in a hurry to eat or drink water. In this case, it is important to avoid choking.stimulate him to eat slowly. The labyrinth feeder and toys that make use of food or snacks are some solutions.
• Cat coughing up hairball: Hairballs in cats are a problem that happens due to the fur they swallow during their own grooming. Self-grooming is common in cats, but the furriest ones can suffer from it. So, it is important to help him in this task. Daily brushing eliminates dead hair and grass for cats improves digestion and helps him expel the accumulation of hair more easily.

Kitten coughing and other symptoms that arise during the condition

Cat coughing is often accompanied by other problems that are related to the disease that is causing it. Cat sneezing and coughing, for example, is a classic sign of feline flu. Then, depending on the cause, along with the condition, he may also suffer from:

• Lack of appetite
• Fever
• Weight loss
• Shortness of breath
• Gasping for breath
• Secretions in the eyes and nose
• Depression
• Drowsiness
• Sudden hoarseness
• Vomiting
• Body aches

Care that prevents cat illness with coughing and other problems

All cat breeds (including mongrels) can cough at some point in their lives. But to prevent a coughing cat, respiratory diseases should be avoided. However, some breeds are predisposed to these problems. The Siamese cat, for example, often suffers from asthma. The incidence of bronchitis is also higher in fraidy cats. Brachycephalic cats, such as the Persian and British Shorthair,Testing your cat is also important, as FIV and FeLV also present respiratory infections as a symptom. Attention to viral diseases is also essential, so do not let the animal go for those walks on the street - it can come back contaminated. The smells that cats hate can cause allergies.