Can cats cough?
Yes. Cats do cough, though it is easy to mistake for something else. A cough usually comes from the chest or airway and often looks like a crouched cat with the neck stretched out, making a hacking sound. Coughing is a sign that something is irritating or affecting the airways or lungs, so it is not something to ignore if it keeps happening.
Cough, hairball or vomiting?
Many owners are unsure what they have heard.
- Hairball or vomiting: deep retching and heaving from the stomach (see cat dry heaving), often ending in hair, liquid or foam.
- Cough: a hacking, wheezy or dry sound, sometimes followed by a swallow or a small amount of frothy fluid.
Cats often swallow what they bring up, so you may never see mucus. A short video is the best thing to show your vet. Our guide to asthma versus hairballs goes into this comparison in more detail.
What a mucus cough may mean
A wet or productive cough can suggest that extra mucus or fluid is building up in the airways. It is not considered normal in cats, so a vet visit is wise, especially if it repeats or lasts more than a day or two.
Possible causes
- Respiratory infections: viral, bacterial or fungal. Many are upper respiratory (see the cat cold), but infections can reach the lower airways.
- Feline asthma or chronic bronchitis: inflamed, mucus-producing airways.
- Pneumonia: infection in the lungs.
- Fluid around the lungs or heart-related problems: these need prompt veterinary assessment.
- Parasites: including lungworm and, in some areas, heartworm.
- Irritants: smoke, dusty litter and strong scents.
- Inhaled foreign material.
- Tumors or other growths: less common, but possible.
Only a vet can tell these apart, usually with a physical exam and tests.
Emergency signs
Go to an emergency vet right away if your cat has:
- Open-mouth breathing or gasping
- Fast, shallow or labored breathing (see how fast a cat should breathe)
- Blue, gray or pale gums or tongue
- Extreme tiredness, collapse, or hiding along with the cough
- A cough that begins suddenly after possibly inhaling something
What a vet may do
Your vet may listen to the lungs, check temperature and oxygen levels, and suggest chest X-rays, bloodwork, parasite tests or airway samples. Treatment depends on the cause. It could include inhaled or oral medication, antibiotics, parasite treatment, or hospital care for breathing support.
Helping at home (and what to avoid)
While you wait for an appointment, and in mild cases once your vet has advised:
- Switch to a low-dust litter and keep the litter area clean
- Avoid smoke, aerosols, air fresheners and scented candles
- Keep your cat warm, calm and hydrated
- Brush long-haired cats regularly to reduce hair swallowing
Do not give human cough syrups or decongestants, which may be unsafe for cats.
Natural remedies: what to know
Owners often ask about natural remedies. Be cautious: some herbs, essential oils and supplements can be harmful to cats, and trying them can delay a diagnosis. A steamy bathroom or a humidifier may feel soothing for mild irritation, but is not a substitute for care. Check any remedy with your vet first.
Frequently asked questions
How can I help my cat get rid of phlegm? The best help is finding the cause. A vet can suggest treatment, and supportive care such as clean air and fluids can make your cat more comfortable.
Should I worry about a single cough? One isolated cough may not matter, but repeated coughing, or a cough with other signs, warrants a call to your vet.
What if a kitten is coughing? Kittens can worsen quickly, so see our article on kitten coughing. If nasal signs are present too, read about cat nose discharge.