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Cat Cough
Any irritation of the breathing tubes will trigger one of your cat's best defense mechanisms the cough reflex. In a cough, a violent rush of air cleans material from the breathing tubes and the lungs. Pollens and pollution can irritate the respiratory system, and even mild irritations to the breathing tubes will initiate the cough reflex. If your cat's cough is accompanied by fever, difficult breathing, weight loss, low energy, blue gums and tongue, and a history of heart murmur, heart disease, or a malignant tumor, see your doctor. Your pet may have a serious disease needing veterinary assistance. Cat Cough Causes There can be various reasons behind the occurrence of cat cough. The following are some of the possible reasons of the incidence of cough in your cat. Hair or Fur Balls Dry cough accompanied by sneezing can be caused due to the presence of a hair of the fur inside the nasal chamber of your pet. You do not have to worry about it as your cat would ultimately be able to get rid of the hair in its own by repeated coughing. Cold and Flu Your pet cat may cough if it is suffering from cold or flu. Along with cough the cat would also experience running nose and eyes. Chronic Brronchitis It is one of the most common causes of cat cough. Your cat would experience extended neck and phlegm as well. Respiratory infections The occurrence of infection in the respiratory system is also one of the reasons responsible for the occurrence of cough in cats. Fever is often accompanied with the cough. Allergies The cat may get in contact with the allergens when exposed to dust, pollens and smoke. Feline Bordetella The disease is caused when infection takes place in the upper part of the respiratory tract. Feline Asthma The cough would sound like a wheez and is moist in nature. Wheile coughing you may perceive your cat to be running out of breath. Heartworms - Though rare among cats but when the disease occurs the cough sounds alike of that of asthma. Parasites Often kittens get in touch with parasites like hook worms or round worms while staying in an unhygienic environment. Loss of appetite, lethargic and weight loss are the related symptoms. Cat Cough Home Remedies To help clear the unwanted material from breathing tubes, use a cool mist vaporizer in the bathroom or take your pet into the bathroom and turn on the hot shower to produce thick clouds of steam. Some relief from the congestion should be seen in fifteen minutes. If there is no improvement, see your doctor. It your pet becomes more distressed in the steam room or when using the cool mist vaporizer. Stop the treatment and see your doctor. Cough syrup containing just guaifenesin can be used. Cat Cough Treatment An examination of the throat, neck, and chest will be made. If pneumonia or lung involvement is suspected, blood tests and a chest X-ray will be taken. Antibiotics will be prescribed if a bacterial infection is suspected. Cough depressants may be given if the cough is severe enough to injure the delicate breathing-tube lining. If a heart problem such as cardiomyopathy or metastasis (spread) of a malignant tumor is suspected, heartworm blood tests, urinalysis, radiographs, an electrocardiogram, and an echo cardiogram may be necessary to diagnose the condition and monitor the treatment.
Bronchial disease is common in cats. Along with blood tests and radiographs, your veterinarian may do a tracheo-bronchial wash and endoscopy to evaluate your cat's condition. Your doctor will prescribe antibiotics, bronchodilators, and steroids. Feline bronchitis is easier to manage than to cure. A consultation with a veterinary respiratory specialist may also be advised.
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