Coughing is a symptom that cats usually have at some point in their life. Being originally from the African continent, there are many who seek the shelter of a blanket or human arms during the autumn and winter. And still, they can catch cold and cough. A cough can occur due to natural causes or illness.Therefore, it is advisable to observe its nature and duration.
It is not usually a serious problem, unless other symptoms such as fever, vomiting and/or diarrhea are present, but it is still important that they are treated. If the cough lasts more than 24-48 hours, makes breathing difficult, or is accompanied by nasal discharge, lethargy, or loss of appetite, seek medical attention.Consult your veterinarian for a diagnosis. Therefore, we offer you a series of suggestions below. home remedies for cough in cats.
Why is my cat coughing?
Identifying the type of cough helps to pinpoint the causeIt can be dry and intense, mild, with mucus, or accompanied by sneezing. It is also helpful to distinguish acute cough (abrupt onset, for example due to a foreign body) of chronic cough (weeks or months, more compatible with asthma or tumor processes).
- Heart problems: heart failure, heartworm or filariasis, pulmonary edema or thrombosis.
- Of the upper airways: common cold, tumors in the throat, trachea or larynx.
- Of the lower airways: inflammation, infection or tumors in the lungs, bronchi or lymph nodes.
In addition, there are infectious causes (viruses such as calicivirus and feline herpesvirus 1; bacteria such as Bordetella, Chlamydophila, mycoplasmas; fungi) and parasitic (lungworms like Aelurostrongylus abstrususIn young cats, the so-called feline flu It can present with cough, conjunctivitis, and mucosal damage. Among the non-infectious causes the strange bodies (blades of grass, threads, spikes), dust, smoke, cleaning products, plant seeds, food particles, and hairballs. Although the heart may be involved, In cats, coughs of cardiac origin are less common than in dogs..
Home remedies for cough
The remedies we are going to tell you about below are aimed at relieving coughs. But you should know that, before doing anything, It's best to go to the vet. so they can be examined. In some cases, they will need veterinary treatment to recover. That said, here is the care you can provide them at home:
- You have to keep them warm, providing blanketsYou can also buy them cave-like beds, lined with plush fabric that is not only very comfortable but also protects them from the cold, since Cats get cold easily.
- Have all the doors and windows closed. This prevents drafts.
- Clean the eyes and nose. To do this, use a clean gauze with physiological saline for each eye and another for the nose.
- You have to let them rest. It is very, very important that they get as much sleep as they need to recover.
- Make sure they drink enough. If they become dehydrated, they will quickly get worse. So that you can take better control, you should know that a cat should drink about 50ml for every kg it weighs. If they drink less, give them wet cat food or boneless chicken broth so they get the water they need.
Occasional steam bathsClose the bathroom door, turn on the hot water to create steam, and leave the cat inside (without getting it wet) for 10-15 minutes, once a day. Other methods can also be applied. warm, dry cloths on the chest si if the steam stresses you out.
Hygiene of secretionsIn addition to saline solution, remove mucus with moistened cotton and keep a clear nose so it can smell and eat better. Avoid bathing it during the process so it doesn't stress it or cool it down.
Propolis suitable for catsSome tutors use propolis syrup for its properties antibacterial and anti-inflammatoryIf you use it, make it specifically for felines and according to the instructions given by your veterinarian; it can be diluted in water or in lactose free milk.
Healthy environmentUse a humidifier, eliminate smoke, dust and aerosols, and clean with appropriate products. non-irritatingThese measures relieve coughs caused by irritation or allergies and support the treatment of feline asthma.
When to go to the vet
Check without delay if there is respiratory distressbreathing with the mouth open, fevercough with blood or pus, lethargyloss of appetite, or if It lasts more than a dayIn puppies and seniors, don't wait.
Professional diagnosis and treatment
The veterinarian will assess the type of cough, will listen to lungs and may recommend radiographs, blood and stool tests (for lungworms) or endoscopy if suspected strange bodiesDepending on the cause, the following may be indicated: antiparasiticantibiotics, anti-inflammatories, bronchodilators, antitussives, corticosteroids for asthma, or oncological/surgical treatments for tumors, along with hygiene measures to avoid contagion.
Prevention
Keep a antiparasitic prophylaxis regular vaccination against calicivirus and feline herpesvirus (according to veterinary guidelines), hygiene of sandboxes and feeders, control of dust and smokeand avoid contact with sick animals. Brushing helps to reduce hairballs that can trigger coughing.
We hope this article has been helpful. With careful observation, safe home care, and guidance from your veterinarian, most cases of feline cough can be resolved. They have a good prognosis. And your cat can breathe and rest normally again.
