Why is my cat suddenly coughing and sneezing?
Matthew Wilson
Published Mar 20, 2026
Why is my cat suddenly coughing and sneezing?
Coughing in Cats Causes of coughing can range from mild to severe. Upper respiratory infection: Just like with sneezing, coughing can be a sign of a respiratory infection. Especially if there is an excess of mucus entering the airways. Asthma: If coughing is accompanied by wheezing, your cat may have asthma.
Why is my cat sneezing and coughing and gagging?
Feline upper respiratory tract infections are a frequent cause of sneezing in cats; often with goopy, green or blood-tinged snot and watery eyes. The cat may sound congested and cough or gag. An infected cat may have thick discharge from its eyes and have difficulty holding its eyes open.
How do I know if my cats cough is serious?
If your cat’s cough is persistent, continues for more than a few days, or begins to worsen, take them to the vet. A cough that persists may be an indication of a respiratory infection or asthma.
Why does it look like my cat is coughing?
In cats, coughing is most often a sign of an inflammatory problem affecting the lower respiratory tract, especially some form of bronchitis. This inflammation is often due to an infection, particularly with viruses such as feline viral rhinotracheitis, or bacteria such as Bordetella.
What home remedy can I give my cat for a cough?
Coughing cats can also benefit from symptomatic and supportive care (fluid and oxygen therapy, for example). At home, treatments like regularly wiping away nasal discharge or loosening congestion by placing your cat in a steamy bathroom (if your veterinarian recommends doing so) may also be helpful.
What can I give my cat for a cough?
Allergies could be the possible trigger of your cat coughing a lot. When a thorough cleaning of your home isn’t enough, antihistamines such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl) or cetirizine (Zyrtec) can help alleviate coughing symptoms.
Will a cat’s upper respiratory infection go away on its own?
Most upper respiratory infections in cats will resolve themselves with a little extra TLC and time. However, more severe infections may require treatment, prescription pet medication or even hospitalization. As a rule of thumb, a sniffly kitty that is still eating, active and feeling fine can be watched for a few days.
What does feline asthma sound like?
During an asthma attack, your cat may be coughing or hacking. A coughing cat sounds a bit different than a coughing human—it will sound like your cat is trying to pass a hairball.
What should I do if my cat is coughing?
Cats may cough if they have hairballs, asthma, or heartworm disease. If your cat is coughing, you should have it checked out by your veterinarian. Choking, on the other hand, is a dire situation for which you should seek immediate veterinary care.
What are the symptoms of lungworm in cats?
Eucoleus aerophilus in cats has a direct cycle, with infective eggs being consumed along with food or water. Signs of lungworm infection range from moderate coughing with slightly increased breathing rates to severe, persistent coughing, labored breathing, and respiratory distress or failure.
When should I worry about my cat sneezing?
Sneezing from time to time is nothing to worry about, but you should contact your vet if your cat starts sneezing often. Contact your vet for an urgent appointment if your cat can’t stop sneezing, sneezes blood or seems painful. Consider insuring your cat as soon as you get them, before any signs of illness start.
What to do if cat is coughing?
Why does my cat keep sneezing and coughing?
One of the main causes of sneezing is infection. In some cases, the vet may take a swab from the mouth, throat, eyes, or nose and send it to a lab to confirm an infection. Inhaled irritants or allergens are other common causes of sneezing in cats. Viral, bacterial, or fungal infections.
What is the treatment for a sneezing cat?
A steam bath can be effective in reducing sneezing, as long as the sneezing is not caused by allergies. The steam will clear the sinuses and relieve symptoms such as sneezing or coughing. Place the cat in a bathroom filled with steam and keep him in there for 5 minutes.
Why does my cat have coughing spells?
Timing: When it happens at night, that’s often a sign of fluid in the lungs or heart failure. Triggers: If your cat coughs after exercise, he might have heart disease. If it happens after a meal, it could mean problems with his larynx or esophagus.
What causes a sneezing cat?
Contagious Respiratory Illness. So do cats get colds and other contagious respiratory illnesses?