Cat Cough Home Remedy
Written by: Richard Rowland
Humans aren't the only ones that struggle with stubborn coughs. Cats develop coughs for nearly the same reason that humans do – as a reflex to something irritating their throat or breathing passages.
In most cases, if your cat coughs, it's generally nothing to worry about and the problem will resolve itself. However, if your cat has a persistent cough, they may need help from you or a vet to treat their symptoms. Read on to learn why your cat is coughing and 8 at-home remedies for treating the problem.
Why is Your Cat Coughing?
First, let's take a look at why your cat may be coughing. Common causes of coughing in cats include:
- Cold or respiratory infections
- Allergens
- Hairballs
- Asthma
- Pleural effusion
- Inhaled foreign objects
- Cancer
- Trauma
- Heartworms
8 Natural Home Remedies for Your Cat's Cough and Cold
These natural, at-home remedies can be used to treat coughing caused by a variety of issues. However, if your cat's cough persists or worsens, always make sure to bring them to your vet for professional treatment.
1) Check for Foreign Bodies in Your Cat's Throat
The most immediate cause for concern if your cat is coughing repeatedly is that there's a foreign object obstructing their airways. If your cat is pawing at their mouth in addition to coughing, it's likely that there's something stuck in their throat.
If possible, open up your cat's mouth carefully and look inside. If you can see the foreign object and know that you can easily remove it, do so slowly. If you can't easily remove it, take your cat to an emergency vet immediately.
2) Make Sure Your Cat's Collar Fits Well
If your cat wears a collar, ensure that the collar fits properly and isn't too tight. A collar that's too tight can put pressure on your cat's neck and cause them to cough.
To check if your cat's collar fits properly, try to slip 1-2 fingers underneath the collar while your cat wears it. If you can't, loosen the collar to provide your cat with more breathing room.
3) Try an Over-the-Counter Hairball Medication
In many cases, what sounds like a cough is actually your cat expelling a hairball. If you find that your cat's cough is producing long, tube-shaped clumps, these are trichobezoars, or hairballs, and typically no cause for alarm.
It's normal for a cat to experience a hairball every 1-2 weeks because of the frequency that they groom themselves. More than that, however, and you may want to check with your vet to determine if there are any underlying health conditions at play.
If your cat is producing hairballs, you can try an over-the-counter hairball medication to lubricant your cat's stomach, making it easier for your cat to pass these hairballs the natural way instead of coughing them back up.
Pet Naturals Soft Chew Hairball Treats for Cats are an excellent option for natural relief. They contain beneficial ingredients like Omega 3 & 6 fatty acids, lecithin, biotin, and zinc to support your cat's overall health. Plus, the tasty, chicken liver flavored soft chews are easy to administer and cats love them!
4) Clean Your Cat's Nose and Eyes Regularly
If your cat's cough is caused by a cold or allergies, they'll likely be producing discharge from their nose and eyes regularly while they're sick.
To keep your cat comfortable and help them recover more quickly, use a damp cloth or cotton ball that's been soaked in warm water to clean their nose and eyes throughout the day.
This will ease congestion, helping them to breathe better and reducing coughing. You can also consider a homeopathic, like Only Natural Pet Eye & Upper Respiratory Homeopathic Remedy to help with congestion.
5) Add a Humidifier to the Room
If your cat is coughing because they're congested, a humidifier or steam treatment can help loosen the cause of their congestion, as well as soothe their nasal passages. Place a humidifier in whichever room your cat spends most of their time, and regularly replace the water.
If you don't have a humidifier, you can also try a DIY steam treatment in your bathroom. Take your kitty into the bathroom, turn on a hot shower, and close the door. The hot shower will produce steam that can have similar effects as the humidifier. Stay inside the bathroom for 5-10 minutes and repeat this process a few times throughout the day.
6) Switch to Soft Food to Encourage Your Cat's Appetite
If you've ever had a cold, you know that your taste buds are often affected, leaving you with very little appetite. The same is true of cats with a cold.
Your feline friend needs food to keep up their strength and fight off the cold. If you're struggling to get your cat to eat, consider switching to soft, natural wet cat food, especially ones that have an especially strong odor, like canned food, canned tuna, or sardines.
The texture and strong smell will encourage their appetite, and it will also help them get extra fluids which are also equally as important when fighting off a cold.
7) Provide Extra Blankets or a Heating Pad
Just like humans, cats need plenty of rest when they're feeling sick, and the best place to rest is in a warm, soft place. Provide your cat with plenty of soft, warm blankets to lounge on, or consider adding a pet-safe heating pad on a low temperature to the spot your cat likes to lay in most often.
If you give your cat additional blankets, make sure you wash them daily, or offer your cat new blankets every day to minimize the spread of germs. This is especially important if you have other animals in the house.
8) Boost Your Cat's Immune System
If your cat is sick, their immune system could use some extra help fighting off the illness. Your cat's gut health plays a large part in the health of their immune system, so making sure your cat is eating a healthy, balanced diet is key.
Adding probiotics to your cat's diet can also help support their gut health, and Vitamin C is great for boosting their immune system. You can also give your kitty a natural immune support supplement like Only Natural Pet Immune Strengthener Support Supplement. This mushroom, herb, vitamin, and compound powder blend helps support essential immune health in cats and dogs.
When Should You Visit the Vet for Your Cat's Coughing?
While many coughs can be treated at home with rest, nutrition, and time, some coughs can be signs of a greater health issue.
If your cat's cough is producing phlegm, seems severe, recurs consistently, or has lasted for longer than a few days, it's a good idea to consult with your veterinarian on next steps and treatment options.
Keep Your Cat Feeling Happy and Healthy
Every pet parent's worst nightmare is having their furry friends be sick. If your cat has a cough, it's natural to be worried about them. But in most cases, your cat is likely to be fine and the cough may go away on its own with enough rest, care, and the cat cough home remedy tips listed above.
Check out our online store for a wide range of natural products to keep your feline friend healthy and happy.
