Know Before You Act: Understand When To Approach a Vet

Given the potential for serious underlying causes, it is vital to seek prompt veterinary attention if your cat is coughing, especially if you observe any of the following:

• Difficulty breathing or rapid breathing
• Lethargy or decreased energy
• Loss of appetite
• Fever
• Continuous or worsening cough
• Coughing up white or yellow phlegm
• Wheezing

Gentle Support Options for Mild Cat Coughs (Always Under Veterinary Guidance)

If your veterinarian has diagnosed your cat with a mild, uncomplicated cough and suggested supportive care, the following options available at Supertails might be recommended as part of their treatment plan:

Cat Cough Syrup

Certain over-the-counter or natural syrups are formulated to help soothe irritated throats and temporarily ease mild coughing in cats. However, always obtain your vet's specific recommendation and dosage instructions.

Natural Remedies (with Veterinary Approval)

Some pet owners explore cat cough home remedy approaches using ingredients like honey or certain herbs. It is crucial to discuss any home remedies with your veterinarian before trying them, as some human remedies can be harmful to cats.

Respiratory Support Supplements

Certain supplements containing ingredients like Vitamin C or Echinacea may help support your cat's overall respiratory health, but these are not direct treatments for coughs and should only be used under veterinary guidance.

Important Considerations Before Using Any Cat Cough Medicine

• Never use human cough medicine on your cat: Many human formulations contain ingredients that are toxic to felines. They are made specially to fulfill their needs, it will not cure your feline cough problems.
• Always consult your veterinarian for diagnosis and treatment: Many pet parents try to cure their cat's cough by using home remedies. Sometimes you might be successful, but many times there are chances that it will not work, instead, it can get things worse. Self-treating can mask underlying conditions and delay appropriate care.
• Follow your veterinarian's dosage instructions precisely.
• Monitor your cat closely for any adverse reactions.
• If your cat's cough worsens or doesn't improve, contact your veterinarian immediately.

Shop Responsibly for Cat Respiratory Support at Supertails (With Veterinary Guidance)

At Supertails, we offer a curated selection of products that may provide gentle support for mild feline respiratory discomfort, but only under the guidance of your trusted veterinarian. We prioritize your cat's health and strongly advise seeking professional veterinary care for any persistent or concerning cough. Explore our options and discuss them with your vet to determine the most appropriate course of action for your beloved companion.

FAQs

What to do when your cat is coughing?

If your cat is coughing, here's what you should do:

• Observe the cough: Note the frequency, duration, and sound of the cough. Is it dry or productive? Does anything come up? Does it happen at specific times?
• Check for other symptoms: Look for sneezing, nasal discharge, watery eyes, difficulty breathing, wheezing, lethargy, loss of appetite, changes in gum colour, or fever. These signs can provide clues to the underlying cause.
• Ensure a comfortable environment: Avoid irritants like smoke, strong perfumes, or dusty litter. Ensure the air isn't too dry; a humidifier might help if dryness is a concern.
• Avoid over-the-counter medications: Do not give your cat human medications, as many can be toxic.

Can cats catch kennel cough from dogs?

While kennel cough is primarily known as a canine respiratory illness, the main bacterium responsible, Bordetella bronchiseptica, can indeed be transmitted to cats. However, it's less common for cats to contract kennel cough from dogs and, when they do, the symptoms are often milder and may be referred to as feline bordetellosis or an upper respiratory infection. Transmission typically occurs through direct contact, airborne droplets from coughing or sneezing, or through contaminated shared environments.

Is coughing serious in cats?

While occasional coughing in cats might be a harmless way to clear their throat, persistent or severe coughing can indeed be serious and warrants veterinary attention. Unlike dogs, coughing is not a common occurrence in cats and often indicates an underlying health issue affecting their respiratory system. Several factors can cause coughing in cats, ranging from relatively mild conditions like hairballs or allergies to more severe problems such as asthma, respiratory infections (viral, bacterial, or fungal), foreign objects in the airway, heart disease, parasites (like lungworms or heartworms), or even tumors.