Why Is My Cat Coughing and Sticking Out Its Tongue?

The sight of your feline friend coughing and sticking out its tongue can be alarming. As responsible pet owners, it’s natural to be concerned and want to understand the underlying cause. Let’s delve into the possible reasons behind this behavior and what you can do to help your beloved companion.

One of the most common reasons for a cat’s cough, especially when accompanied by other symptoms, is a respiratory infection.

Respiratory Infections: A Frequent Culprit

Cats, just like humans, are susceptible to various respiratory infections. These infections can be caused by viruses, bacteria, or even fungi. Common culprits include feline herpesvirus (FHV-1), feline calicivirus (FCV), and Bordetella bronchiseptica (the bacteria responsible for kennel cough in dogs, which can also affect cats).

Symptoms to Watch For

Besides coughing, a cat with a respiratory infection might exhibit a range of other symptoms, including:

Sneezing: Frequent sneezing, often accompanied by nasal discharge.

Nasal Discharge: The discharge can be clear, white, yellow, or even greenish in severe cases.

Eye Discharge: Similar to nasal discharge, eye discharge can range from clear to purulent.

Lethargy: A noticeable decrease in energy levels and a lack of interest in play.

Loss of Appetite: Reduced or complete refusal to eat.

Fever: An elevated body temperature (normal feline temperature is between 100.5°F and 102.5°F).

Difficulty Breathing: Rapid or labored breathing, potentially accompanied by wheezing.

Open-Mouthed Breathing: This is a serious sign and warrants immediate veterinary attention.

What To Do

If you suspect your cat has a respiratory infection, it’s crucial to consult with your veterinarian. Depending on the severity of the infection, your vet may recommend various treatments, including:

Antibiotics: To combat bacterial infections.

Antivirals: To fight viral infections.

Nasal Decongestants: To relieve congestion and make breathing easier.

Bronchodilators: To open up the airways and improve airflow.

Fluids: To prevent dehydration, especially if your cat isn’t eating or drinking properly.

Nutritional Support: To ensure your cat receives adequate nutrition during recovery.

Lysine Supplements: Lysine is an amino acid that can help suppress the replication of feline herpesvirus.

Medications Mentioned

The reference article mentions specific medications that can be considered for cats with respiratory issues:

Furunodo: This medication is primarily used for coughs caused by colds, respiratory infections, and viral infections. It is usually given once a day for 3-5 days, but the dosage depends on the cat’s weight and it is imperative to follow the vet’s instruction and the guidance on the product label.

Nockfen Jubei Granules: These granules are traditionally used for coughs caused by tracheitis and bronchitis. It’s a traditional medicine, and it may taste bitter to cats. It’s usually given twice a day for 5 days.

Important Note: Always consult with your veterinarian before administering any medication to your cat. Never self-medicate, as this can be dangerous and potentially harmful to your pet.

Foreign Objects and Irritants: Another Possibility

Just like humans, cats can sometimes get things stuck in their throats. This can include food particles, small toys, blades of grass, or even clumps of fur.

Signs of a Foreign Object

If your cat is coughing and sticking out its tongue, it’s possible they have a foreign object lodged in their throat. Other signs to look out for include:

Gagging: Repeated attempts to dislodge the object.

Drooling: Excessive salivation.

Pawing at the Mouth: Your cat may try to scratch or rub at their face and mouth.

Restlessness: Anxious or agitated behavior.

Loss of Appetite: Difficulty or refusal to eat.

What To Do

If you suspect your cat has a foreign object stuck in their throat, try to carefully examine their mouth. If you can see the object and it’s easily accessible, you may be able to remove it gently with your fingers or tweezers. However, do not attempt to remove the object if it’s deeply embedded or if your cat is struggling. In these cases, it’s best to seek immediate veterinary assistance. Your vet may need to sedate your cat to safely remove the object.

Environmental Irritants

In addition to foreign objects, environmental irritants can also trigger coughing in cats. These irritants can include:

Dust: Excessive dust in the environment.

Smoke: Cigarette smoke, fireplace smoke, or smoke from cooking.

Perfumes and Cleaning Products: Strong scents and chemicals can irritate the respiratory system.

Cat Litter Dust: Certain types of cat litter can produce a lot of dust when disturbed.

If you suspect environmental irritants are the cause of your cat’s cough, try to identify and eliminate the source. Consider switching to a low-dust cat litter, using fragrance-free cleaning products, and ensuring good ventilation in your home.

Hairballs: A Common Feline Problem

Cats are meticulous groomers, and as a result, they often ingest a significant amount of hair. While most of this hair passes through the digestive system without issue, sometimes it can accumulate in the stomach and form hairballs.

Hairball Symptoms

One of the most common symptoms of hairballs is coughing, often accompanied by gagging and the production of a cylindrical mass of hair. Other symptoms may include:

Vomiting: Retching and vomiting, sometimes without producing a hairball.

Constipation: Difficulty passing stool.

Loss of Appetite: Reduced or complete refusal to eat.

Lethargy: A decrease in energy levels.

Managing Hairballs

There are several things you can do to help manage hairballs in your cat:

Regular Grooming: Brushing your cat regularly helps to remove loose hair and prevent them from ingesting it.

Hairball Diet: Specialized cat foods formulated to help reduce hairball formation.

Hairball Remedies: Lubricants and laxatives designed to help hairballs pass through the digestive system more easily. These often contain mineral oil or petrolatum. The reference article mentions a product named “Miao Xiang Hairball Cream,” which can be mixed in food.

Cat Grass: Providing cat grass can help your cat to naturally expel hairballs through vomiting.

Other Potential Causes

While respiratory infections, foreign objects, and hairballs are common causes of coughing in cats, there are other potential underlying conditions to consider:

Asthma: Feline asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease of the airways that can cause coughing, wheezing, and difficulty breathing.

Heart Disease: Certain heart conditions can lead to fluid buildup in the lungs, causing coughing and difficulty breathing.

Pneumonia: An infection of the lungs that can be caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi.

Lungworms: Parasitic worms that can infect the lungs and cause coughing, wheezing, and difficulty breathing.

Cancer: In rare cases, coughing can be a symptom of lung cancer or other types of cancer.

When to See a Veterinarian

Any persistent or severe coughing in your cat should be evaluated by a veterinarian. Seek immediate veterinary attention if your cat is experiencing any of the following:

Difficulty Breathing: Rapid or labored breathing, open-mouthed breathing.

Blue Tongue or Gums: A sign of oxygen deprivation.

Lethargy: Severe weakness or unresponsiveness.

Loss of Consciousness: Fainting or collapsing.

The Importance of Professional Diagnosis

It is crucial to remember that this information is for general guidance only and should not be used to self-diagnose or treat your cat. A veterinarian is the best resource for accurately diagnosing the cause of your cat’s coughing and recommending the most appropriate course of treatment. Timely diagnosis and treatment can significantly improve your cat’s health and quality of life.