Coughing is a natural and common occurrence in both humans and animals, but it can be concerning when you hear your beloved pet hacking away. Coughing is a reflex that helps clear the throat and airways of irritants, foreign bodies, or mucus. If your Ragdoll cat is coughing, it could be due to a number of reasons. It could be something as simple as a hairball or something more serious, like a respiratory infection.
Here are some other possible causes of coughing in Ragdoll cats and what you can do about them.
Hairball
There are a few reasons why your ragdoll cat might be coughing. One possibility is that your cat has a hairball. When cats groom themselves, they can ingest hair which can form into a hairball in their stomach. If the hairball doesn’t pass through their digestive system, it can get stuck and cause your cat to hack up a cough in an attempt to dislodge the hairball.
If your ragdoll cat has a hairball, there are a few things you can do to help them out. First, try to brush them more often. This will help to reduce the amount of hair they shed and help to prevent hairballs from forming in the first place. If they’re already coughing up hairballs, you can try giving them a little bit of hairball paste. This will help them pass the hairball more easily. Finally, make sure they’re getting enough fiber in their diet. A high-fiber diet will help to move hair through their system so it doesn’t have a chance to form into a hairball.
Gentle hairball remedy for cats: Tomlyn Laxatone oral gel helps eliminate and prevent cat furballs. Hairball gel contains vet-formulated lubricants including soybean oil; Omega -3, -6, and -9 Fatty Acids.
Allergies
Another common reason your Ragdoll cat may cough is allergies. Cats can be allergic to various things in their environment, such as pollen, dust, and even certain types of food. Our Ragdoll cat was allergic to fabric conditioner which caused him to have coughing fits. If your cat is coughing and you suspect allergies may be the cause, talk to your veterinarian. They can help you identify the allergen and recommend treatment options.
Asthma
There are several reasons why your cat may be coughing, but one possibility is asthma. Asthma is a condition in which the airways constrict and make it difficult to breathe. Asthma is a common condition in cats, and can be caused by allergies, infections, or environmental irritants. If your cat is coughing, wheezing, or having difficulty breathing, it’s important to take them to the vet for an evaluation. A diagnosis of asthma can be confirmed with a chest x-ray or CT scan. Treatment for asthma typically includes steroids and other medications to help reduce inflammation and open up the airways.
Respiratory Infection
A cough in cats can be a sign of an underlying respiratory infection. The most common causes of these infections are viruses, bacteria, and fungi. If your cat is coughing, it’s important to take them to the vet so they can properly diagnose the cause and prescribe the appropriate treatment.
Viral respiratory infections in cats are typically caused by one of three viruses: feline calicivirus (FCV), feline herpesvirus-1 (FHV-1), or feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV). FCV and FHV-1 are highly contagious and can be spread through contact with an infected cat’s saliva, mucus, or respiratory secretions. FIV is less contagious and is typically spread through bites from an infected cat.
Your cat’s coughing may be due to a respiratory infection such as bronchitis. If your cat is coughing up mucus or has a fever, they may need antibiotics to clear the infection. If your cat is having trouble breathing, they may need to be seen by a veterinarian immediately.
Parasites
One possibility your Ragdoll cat is coughing is that they have parasites. Parasites can live in the lungs and cause an infection, which leads to coughing. In some cases, the parasite can also migrate to other parts of the body and cause other problems.
Tumor
There are many possible explanations for why your cat may be coughing, but one possibility is that they have a tumor. Tumors in the lungs or chest can cause coughing by pressing on the airways or lungs and making it difficult to breathe. If your cat is coughing up blood or has difficulty breathing, it’s important to take them to the vet right away as this could be a sign of a serious problem.
Is my cat coughing something I should be worried about?
If your cat is coughing, it’s important to take note of other symptoms and how often the coughing is occurring. Coughing can be a sign of an underlying health condition, so it’s always best to consult with your veterinarian. There are a few different conditions that could cause your cat to cough, including hairballs, allergies, and heart disease. Hairballs are the most common cause of coughing in cats and usually aren’t anything to worry about. If your cat is having trouble breathing or coughing up blood, however, it could be a sign of a more serious condition and you should take them to the vet right away.
In conclusion, If your ragdoll cat is coughing, it could be because of a number of reasons. It could be something as simple as a hairball, or it could be a sign of a more serious condition like feline asthma. If your cat is coughing up blood or has difficulty breathing, it’s important to take them to the vet right away. Here are some possible causes of your ragdoll cat’s cough and what you can do about them.
