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 A coughing cat can be a very distressing sight (and sound) to its owner. There are many causes of coughing in cats and these require investigating to rule out serious problems, and to provide the correct treatment.
Coughing in cats may be due to upper (larynx and trachea) or lower (lungs) respiratory problems.
Cats usually do not cough as much as dogs with the same type of disorder.
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What are the causes of coughing in cats?
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There are many causes of coughing in cats, including:
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- infectious disease (viruses, bacteria, fungi)
- parasites (lungworm, heartworm, roundworm and others),
- aspiration pneumonia – follows aspiration of liquid or solid material into the lungs, such as with forceful administration of oils to cats to prevent hairballs
- tumours – either arising in the lung, or after spread from other sites since the lungs are a common site for metastasis
- fluid accumulation – initially in the lung tissue, then within the airways, such as heart disease, blood clots in the lung vessels, and others
- allergic disease – ‘feline asthma’
- other chronic lung and airway diseases. These include some diseases that are poorly understood.
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How is coughing investigated?
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A history of the cat is taken, including its breed and age, and the signs noticed by the owner. Important information includes any signs of ill health, such as loss of appetite, weight loss, and the character of the cough – whether it is dry, or productive, whether blood is coughed up.
A thorough physical examination is performed, and often an X-ray is recommended. If a mass is seen on the X-ray, or the lungs are not easily visualised due to fluid buildup, an ultrasound may be advised. Blood tests and specimens from the airways may be required for diagnosis.
These specimens of cells and microorganisms are obtained by a procedure called BAL (bronchoalveolar lavage). In this procedure, the cat is anaesthetised and sterile water is passed into the lungs then recovered, usually containing clues to help the diagnosis. Other tests include bronchoscopy (visualisation of the larger airways), heartworm tests and investigation of heart disease.
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What is feline asthma?
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Feline allergic bronchial disease, allergic bronchitis, or feline asthma, is due to a hypersensitivity reaction affecting the airways, similar to asthma in humans. Inflammation results in airway obstruction due to constriction of the airways, exudates and mucus in the airways, and other inflammatory changes in the airway walls.
One of the triggers of feline asthma can be cold outdoor temperatures, so an increase in the incidence of this condition may be seen during the winter months. Feline asthma is more common in Burmese and Siamese cats, especially young adult and middle-aged cats (one to eight years), but can occur in any breed. As in humans, it is believed that cats have a genetic predisposition for asthma.
Coughing and wheezing is heard, but is rarely life threatening. Feline allergic bronchial disease is diagnosed by X-rays showing characteristic lung patterns and by analysis of cells from the airways obtained by BAL. There is no cure for the disease, although in most cases it can be successfully managed.
An attempt is made to identify the allergen, such as cigarette or fireplace smoke, aerosols (perfumes, deodorants etc), or carpet cleaning agents, as removal of the allergen can resolve the signs. Drug therapy consists of cortisone, bronchodilators (to reduce constriction in the airways), antibiotics, and sometimes an antihistamine. If a cat is in sudden respiratory distress due to the hypersensitivity reaction, adrenaline and oxygen may be required as the cortisone takes effect.
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How is coughing treated?
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Treatment for coughing depends on the cause. In some cases, the history and physical examination will give an indication of the diagnosis and trial treatment can be given, such as drugs against lungworm, or antibiotics. However, if this is unsuccessful, further investigation is warranted.
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Petalia Resident Vet Dr Julia Adams BVSC
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