What is what to do when cat is coughing?

Okay, here's some information about what to do when your cat is coughing, formatted in markdown with links:

What to Do When Your Cat is Coughing

Coughing in cats, while sometimes a harmless reflex, can also indicate a serious underlying health problem. It's important to observe your cat and determine the best course of action.

• Observe the Cough: Note the frequency, sound, and duration of the cough. Is it a dry hack, a wet cough, or accompanied by gagging or retching? Is your cat also experiencing wheezing? This information is crucial for your vet.

• Identify Other Symptoms: Look for other signs like lethargy, loss%20of%20appetite, nasal%20discharge, difficulty%20breathing, or gum%20discoloration. If any of these are present, seek veterinary attention immediately.

• When to See a Vet Immediately: Any signs of respiratory distress (labored breathing, open-mouth breathing, rapid breathing) are emergencies. Coughing accompanied by any of the other symptoms mentioned above also warrants immediate veterinary care.

• Potential Causes: Coughing in cats can be caused by a variety of factors, including:

  • Feline%20Asthma
  • Heartworm%20Disease
  • Lungworm
  • Upper%20Respiratory%20Infections (URIs)
  • Foreign%20Body (e.g., grass)
  • Heart%20Disease
  • Pneumonia

• What You Can Do (While Waiting for the Vet):

  • Keep your cat calm and reduce stress.
  • Ensure your cat has access to fresh water.
  • Avoid using strong perfumes, aerosols, or cleaning products near your cat.
  • Provide a dust-free environment.
  • Do NOT give your cat any human medications without consulting your veterinarian. Many human medications are toxic to cats.

• Veterinary Diagnosis and Treatment: Your vet will perform a physical exam and may recommend diagnostic tests such as:

  • X-rays
  • Blood%20Tests
  • Fecal%20Exam
  • Bronchoscopy
  • Tracheal%20Wash Treatment will depend on the underlying cause of the cough.

Important Note: This information is for general guidance only and should not replace professional veterinary advice. Always consult with your veterinarian for any health concerns regarding your cat.