Cat cough can have a number of different causes, and there are several natural remedies for different types of feline cough. Here's a guide to cat cough symptoms, possible causes of cat cough, and ways to treat your cat's cough naturally.
Recognizing Cat Cough Symptoms
A cat cough may be dry and hacking, or it may sound moist. Cat cough can be accompanied by symptoms including fever or runny nose. Cat cough usually isn't serious, but if your cat continues to cough for longer than 24 hours, or if there seems to be something stuck in his throat, take him to the vet right away.
Diagnosis and Causes of Cat Cough Symptoms
Your vet will perform a physical exam and may need a stool sample to check for the presence of parasites in your cat's body. X-rays may be necessary; your vet may use a bronchoscope to look at your cat's airways or take cell samples from inside your cat's throat using a transracheal washing.
Some possible causes of feline cough include:
- Hairballs, which in most cases don't require medical treatment. Hairballs are accompanied by a hacking cough and the expulsion of a hair ball.
- Cold or flu is usually accompanied by other symptoms, such as fever, and discharge from the eyes and nose.
- Chronic bronchitis is the most common form of feline cough. Cats suffering from bronchitis may display wet coughing symptoms, with their necks extended, and may expel phlegm.
- Respiratory infections may cause symptoms similar to cold and flu.
- Allergies are usually accompanied by discharge from the eyes, sneezing, and sometimes nasal discharge.
- Feline bordatella, or kennel cough, causes an upper respiratory infection in cats, and could cause feline pneumonia. It can be prevented with a vaccine.
- Feline asthma may cause "spells" of moist coughing and wheezing. Your cat may seem to have difficulty catching his breath. He'll appear normal in between episodes.
- Heartworms are rare in cats but produce symptoms similar to those of feline asthma.
- Feline heart disease may cause cat cough; usually symptoms will be worse at night than they are during the day.
- Tracheal collapse can occur if your cat's collar is tugged on.
- A disease of the larnyx or esophagus could cause cat cough symptoms to appear while your cat is eating, as such a disease could prevent your cat's lungs from closing to exclude food as he swallows.
- Lung cancer usually occurs in geriatric animals.
Natural Treatments for Cat Breathing Problems
There are several natural treatments that can help improve the symptoms of cat cough. They include:
- Plantago lanceolata is an herbal remedy that can help soothe the throat. It can help relieve congestion in the chest, nose and throat.
- Bryonia (6C) is a homeopathic remedy used to keep the chest clear and soothe the throat.
- Echinacea purpurea strengthens the immune system and can help your cat recover from illnesses that might cause coughing.
- Ferrum phospate (D6) strengthens the immune system as well as the cell walls.
- Kalium sulphate (D6) is well known for its ability to support respiratory function.
- Magnesium phospate (D6) is known for soothing the throat and the lungs.