Question
My cat started to display some coughing behaviour. I have seen him cough just once in the last year but last week, he coughed three times, and all coughing sessions take like twenty seconds. There might be some more fits, as he usually spends a little more than half the time with me and the rest outside.
I video taped one of them here.
Is this coughing behaviour or gagging behaviour? Does this require an emergency vet visit? He is supposed to visit a vet in the beginning of March so is it possible to wait for that long? If it is okay to wait, is there a sign that I should look for to know that it turns into an emergency?
Thanks!
Answer
That video is very informative. It's clearly coughing and not gagging. What almost sounds like sneezing is his coughing and the squeaky sound is the air being pressed through his windpipe.
I don't think he requires an emergency vet visit, but you should reschedule your vet appointment to as soon as possible (within a week at most. Don't drag this out). It becomes an emergency if he gets trouble breathing and pants. Behavior changes like unusual hiding away or listlessness also indicate a medical emergency.
I suggest keeping him inside until he got examined by a vet. If he has a contagious infection you should try stopping the spread. Since face masks are no option for your cat, you should go with social distancing ;)
Coughing in cats can also be caused by airborne irritants like air refresheners, essential oils and volatile cleaning products.
Answered By - Elmy