Why Is My Cat Coughing (Wheezing)

1 Overview

I. Cough from a Cold

Cat colds are mostly from cold exposure and large temperature swings. Early signs: sneezing, tearing, clear nasal discharge, normal appetite. Later: respiratory disease, poor appetite, cough/wheeze, hoarse voice, more eye discharge.

How to prevent this?

1. Boost the cat’s own immunity

2. Use proper water temperature for home baths (better to use a professional)

3. Mind the diet

4. Don’t set AC too low

5. Regular vaccination and deworming

6. Keep the environment clean

7. Avoid contact with sick cats

II. Asthma

Feline asthma is like human asthma — chronic bronchitis with wheezing.

What causes it? Usually allergies: grass, pollen, smoke, sprays, dry shampoo, litter dust, food. Asthma is a chronic allergic disease causing more airway secretions and narrowing.

How to prevent?

1. Use low-dust litter

2. Keep the cat from allergens and irritants.

III. Foreign Objects

After swallowing a foreign object, cats usually vomit; if not expelled, see a vet promptly — fish bones and thin bones are dangerous.

How to avoid this?

1. Adjust diet (supplement vitamins and trace elements)

2. Warn and stop the behavior

3. Remove harmful substances at home

4. Spend more time with the cat

IV. Feline Rhinotracheitis (Feline Herpesvirus)

Also called infectious rhinotracheitis, an acute contagious disease. Early: sneezing, tearing, nasal discharge, reduced appetite.

Mid-late: red swollen eyes, thick pale-yellow discharge, conjunctivitis, keratitis, breathing difficulty, cough/wheeze, fever, mouth ulcers, poor appetite.

How to prevent?

1. Vaccinate the cat.

2. Regular deworming.

3. Boost resistance.

4. Keep environment clean.

5. Disinfect the cat’s items regularly.

6. Don’t casually adopt strays unless you can responsibly ensure safety.

V. Heartworm Infection

Early: chronic wheezing, easy fatigue on exercise; as it progresses, heart murmur, breathing difficulty, chest/abdominal fluid, whole-body edema.

How to prevent?

1. Regular preventive deworming

2. Disinfect the environment