Coughing cat

[bendybeep]

My 13 year old boy has had 2 coughing fits over the last few months.

It's a dry hacking cough, definitely not the same as trying to bring up a hairball.

It's constant for about 2 minutes, then stops and he's right as rain, wandering around investigating or curled up purring.

Haven't taken him to the vet as it's not a frequent occurrence and he is completely fine afterwards.

All up to date on his vaccinations. He has been scratching his ears more recently, not sure if it could somehow be linked!

Never had this with any previous cats. Any idea what it could be?

One of mine does it. I thought it was asthma but the vet said it wasn't. She used to do it daily but it's almost stopped completely now. So no idea. Has he had his heart checked as it can be a sign of heart problems I believe.

I rushed my cat to the vet once, he does this dry wheezing non stop cough for a couple of minutes then stops. The vet explained that it is most likely a piece of grass stuck in his soft palate and the coughing is him trying to dislodge it. Still scares the life out of me but he always seems right as rain afterwards.

Make sure he has been wormed with a wormer that covers lungworm. Its probably worth getting him checked if it doesn't clear up, an enlarged thyroid or heart issues can also cause a cough.

@Toddlerteaplease he had a full health check in June with his jabs, no heart problems reported but not sure how much they check. He spends time racing around like a kitten so still pretty fit anyway!

@frostymornings it is scary isn't it! He looks so distressed while it's happening too! Then afterwards it's like it never happened. He hardly goes outside now its so cold so may not be grass but could be tufts of his own hair maybe

@drinkarsefeck good thinking, just checked and it covers ringworm. If it becomes more frequent will definitely get him checked out

Thanks all!

*lungworm! Autocorrect!

Nasal/ear polyps could trigger those signs vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/nasal-polyps-in-cats

Also an allergic reaction
Or a heart/lung problem.
It's best to get him examined

Thanks will have a look into those!

Activity before coughing can be a clue, as an asthma cough can often be triggered by excitement, so not just running around but something fun like playing with a toy or another cat. It's unusual for a cat to cough so I'd definitely mention it to the vet when next there even if it's only happening once or twice a month.

@Veterinari

Nasal/ear polyps could trigger those signs vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/nasal-polyps-in-cats

Also an allergic reaction
Or a heart/lung problem.
It's best to get him examined

Took my lad to the vet last week as his breathing was very fast. I also told her that he frequently seemed to be trying to expel a furball and she told me exactly what Veterinari has said. I have to take him back in 2 weeks for another check-up - dreading it