Cat coughing a couple times a week

[tml1991]

My 7 year old FIV+ cat, Lee Lee, has been coughing like this a couple times a week for the last few weeks. Is this cause for concern? He's done this sparingly since he was little, the size of his kitten friend in the video. One of the times he did this he threw up undigested kibble. Usually too when doing this his neck is elongated and put low to the ground. I've read this can sometimes be asthma or heart failure. He did have an arrhythmia during his first attempt at tooth extraction in 2021 and one towards the end of his and second full extraction in June last year, but that one was fixed with medication.

 

[FeebysOwner]

Have you shared this video with the vet, or even asked them about what he is doing? He is 7, FIV+, and sounds like he has had some issues that could be heart related, but may just as easily be lung related as well. You will get tons of different opinions about what that 'coughing' looks/sounds like, but since all cats are different and react differently to things, there isn't going to be a conclusive answer for you.

I'd strongly suggest you talk to your vet and go from there. There could be some tests involved - and sometimes that is what it takes to get to the bottom of issues like this.

 

[tml1991]

Have you shared this video with the vet, or even asked them about what he is doing? He is 7, FIV+, and sounds like he has had some issues that could be heart related, but may just as easily be lung related as well. You will get tons of different opinions about what that 'coughing' looks/sounds like, but since all cats are different and react differently to things, there isn't going to be a conclusive answer for you.

I'd strongly suggest you talk to your vet and go from there. There could be some tests involved - and sometimes that is what it takes to get to the bottom of issues like this.

The cat cardiologist is three hours away and he hates car rides. Getting him tested for asthma would be much easier though. He's done this since he's been little, it's just happening a little more now.

 

[FeebysOwner]

Can't you just start with your vet first to see what they say/think? I presume they know his history. The fact that it is happening more often suggests whatever it is, is progressing - and aging in general can do that, as I am sure you know.

X-rays can tell some things - such as lung cloudiness that could suggest asthma, or an enlarged heart, as primary examples. The fact that you are aware of the closest cardiologist tells me that he might have had some background with that. How about consulting, via phone or teleconference with a share of the video?

My cat has had similar sounding/'looking 'coughs', and they have mostly been from hairballs (that she never throws up). But, that is the reason why I said nothing is going to come of showing the video that won't result in multiple assessments from anyone on this site.

 

[Mighty Orange]

My cat does the same it was asthma. My cat is also orange. Have the vet check for asthma.

 

[Kwik]

My 7 year old FIV+ cat, Lee Lee, has been coughing like this a couple times a week for the last few weeks. Is this cause for concern? He's done this sparingly since he was little, the size of his kitten friend in the video. One of the times he did this he threw up undigested kibble. Usually too when doing this his neck is elongated and put low to the ground. I've read this can sometimes be asthma or heart failure. He did have an arrhythmia during his first attempt at tooth extraction in 2021 and one towards the end of his and second full extraction in June last year, but that one was fixed with medication.

The first step is to make an appt with your primary Vet- coughing is always cause for concern and as mentioned their are far too many disorders,diseases and health issues with " coughing" one of the symptoms- to speculate resolves nothing and one thing thst is highly likely is that unaddressed it does not resolve itself on its own

My own Graycie had a cough that was persistent,perhaps a couple of times a week which really seemed she was trying to cough up hairballs- that thick Russian Blue double coat- immediately went to the Vet and we suspected allergies( trying to avoid the expense of xrays)...

I'll make a very long story short,after many different meds and finally xrays we still could not determine what the inconclusive " congestion" is in her lungs and sent them out to radiology specialist- " suspecting" asthma.....7 wks ago she was given a steroid injection and hasn't coughed once

Begin with your Vet and if he suggests xrays dont hesitate because it will probably cost less in the long run to "see" what exactly is going on

Wishing you the best.....