Cat Coughing in Dubai: Causes, Treatment & When to Worry

What to do if your cat is coughing

Recognising how serious your cat’s cough is helps determine how urgently they need to see a vet

Contact emergency veterinary services immediately if your cat develops:

• Severe breathing difficulties or rapid, shallow breathing
• Blue or pale gum colour, suggesting a severe lack of oxygen
• Wheezing, open-mouth breathing or obvious distress during breathing
• Inability to rest comfortably, constant restlessness
• Complete refusal to eat or drink for more than 24 hours
• Hiding behaviour, weakness or reluctance to move

Schedule a routine veterinary consultation for:

• Frequent, harsh coughing episodes
• A persistent cough lasting more than one week
• Gradual decline in activity levels or appetite
• Changes in voice, purring, or vocalisation
• Coughing that worsens during specific times or activities

Dubai’s extreme temperatures can rapidly worsen respiratory conditions, making prompt veterinary assessment essential for your cat’s safety and well-being.

What causes coughing in cats?

Understanding potential causes helps you recognise when urgent care is needed. Dubai’s environment also plays a significant role in many conditions.

Common infectious causes:

• Respiratory (airway) infections: Viral infections like Feline Rhinotracheitis or bacterial infections such as Mycoplasma. These are particularly common in young cats.
• Parasitic infections: Lungworm from hunting prey. More prevalent in cats with outdoor access.

Allergic and environmental causes:

• Asthma/allergic bronchial (airways) disease: Often triggered by dust, pollen or changes in air quality.
• Foreign bodies: Grass seeds, sand particles or debris inhaled during outdoor activities.
• Hairballs: Particularly problematic for long-haired breeds or during shedding seasons.

Structural and systemic causes:

• Nasal polyps: Small growths affecting the nasal passages and throat.
• Heart disease: Advanced cases causing fluid build-up in the lungs.
• Tumours or cancer: Growth or spread to the chest cavity, causing persistent coughing.

Dubai-specific considerations:

• Air conditioning systems may harbor bacteria, mould or irritants.
• Construction dust and sandstorms frequently trigger respiratory sensitivities in susceptible cats.
• Rapid temperature changes between indoor and outdoor environments can stress your cat’s airways and lungs.
• Reduced ventilation in sealed, air-conditioned homes may concentrate allergens.

Rare causes:

• Aspiration pneumonia: Happens when a cat accidentally inhales vomit or food into the lungs, which can happen more easily in weak or sick cats.
• Trauma-related: Head injuries or electrocution, causing fluid accumulation in the lungs.
• Pulmonary thromboembolism: Blood clots blocking blood vessels and lung circulation.

Diagnosis of coughing in cats

Professional veterinary examination is essential to identify the underlying cause and guide appropriate treatment.

Initial assessment includes:

• Observing breathing patterns, gum color and general behaviour
• Listening to the chest with a stethoscope to evaluate lung and heart sounds
• Checking for signs of dehydration or systemic illness

Advanced diagnostic procedures may involve:

• Blood tests: Checking for infections, organ function or systemic diseases
• Imaging (X-rays or ultrasound): Detecting lung changes, heart problems or fluid accumulation
• Faecal (poo) examinations: Identifying parasitic infections

Specialised tests:

• Bronchoscopy: Using a small camera to inspect airways for foreign bodies or structural abnormalities
• Bronchoalveolar lavage: Collecting fluid samples from airways for detailed laboratory tests
• Allergy testing: Identifying specific environmental triggers

If your cat is very unwell, your vet may give oxygen straight away to stabilise their breathing before running tests.

How to help a cat that is coughing

Home care can support veterinary treatment and help keep your cat comfortable during recovery.

Daily comfort:

• Offer soft, wet food if swallowing appears uncomfortable
• Let your cat breathe warm mist air by placing them in a shower room after running a hot shower to steam up the room
• Ensure your cat has access to multiple sources of fresh water throughout your home
• Create quiet, stress-free environments away from household activity and other pets

Environmental modifications:

• Use air purifiers or improve ventilation to reduce airborne irritants
• Avoid scented candles, air fresheners, cleaning sprays or smoking
• Maintain consistent, comfortable temperatures with adequate air conditioning
• Keep litter boxes clean and dust-free

Important precautions:

• Never give human cough medications or treatments without veterinary approval
• Monitor symptoms closely and report any changes to your veterinary team
• Avoid suppressing coughs unless specifically instructed by your vet, as coughing helps clear airways

How vets treat coughing in cats

Professional veterinary care addresses underlying causes, manages symptoms and prevents serious complications.

Emergency treatment:

• Hospitalisation for intensive monitoring and supportive care
• Providing oxygen to help your cat breathe effectively
• Removing fluid from your cat’s lungs using specialised drainage techniques
• Placing a small tube in the chest to drain away ongoing fluid build-up

Diagnostic and treatment procedures:

• Foreign body removal via bronchoscopy or rhinoscopy (inspecting the nasal chambers)
• Targeted antibiotic therapy for confirmed bacterial infections
• Anti-inflammatory medications for asthma or allergic conditions
• Heart medications when cardiac disease contributes to coughing

Ongoing management:

• Regular monitoring of response to treatment and progression of symptoms
• Adjusting medication based on improvement of cough and general health
• Long-term management plans for chronic conditions, such as asthma

Supportive care:

• Nutritional support and fluids into the bloodstream (a drip) when needed
• Pain management for comfort during recovery
• Environmental recommendations specific to your cat’s condition

Are some cats more at risk of coughing?

Certain breeds, ages, and health conditions make some cats more prone to coughing.

Age-related factors:

• Young cats: Higher risk of respiratory (airway) infections and developmental (growth-related) problems
• Senior cats: More likely to develop illnesses, such as heart disease, tumours or chronic conditions

Breed predispositions:

• Siamese and Oriental cats: Higher risk of asthma and allergic respiratory disease
• Persian and long-haired breeds: More prone to hairball-related coughing
• Maine Coon, Ragdoll, and British Shorthair: Increased risk of heart disease, sometimes causing coughing

Health and lifestyle factors:

• Overweight cats: Carrying too much weight places additional strain on the chest and circulation
• Indoor-only cats: Potentially more sensitive to air quality changes and build-up of allergens
• Cats with pre-existing conditions: Diabetes, kidney disease or weakened immune defences increase the risk of complications

Dubai-specific risk factors:

• Cats spending long periods of time in air-conditioned environments may become more sensitive to temperature variations
• Limited outdoor access during extreme heat may mask early signs of lower energy and poorer ability to exercise
• Exposure to construction dust and urban pollutants increases respiratory sensitivity

How to reduce the risk of coughing in cats

Simple preventive measures play a key role in reducing coughing risks, especially in Dubai’s challenging environmental conditions.

Vaccination and parasite control:

• Keep vaccinations up to date for Feline Rhinotracheitis and other respiratory viruses, even for indoor cats.
• Regular deworming helps prevent parasitic lung diseases, particularly in hunting cats.
• Routine health checks are essential for the early detection and treatment of chronic conditions.

Environmental management:

• Keep air conditioning filters clean to reduce indoor allergens and irritants.
• Avoid strong fragrances, cleaning chemicals or cigarette smoke.
• Limit outdoor access during sandstorms and high pollution days.
• Provide adequate ventilation, whilst maintaining comfortable temperatures.
• Use air purifiers to improve indoor air quality.

Breed and lifestyle considerations:

• Long-haired breeds: Groom regularly and consider preventative hairball treatments, particularly during shedding seasons.
• Indoor cats: Ensure proper ventilation and consider controlled outdoor access during cooler periods.
• All cats: Maintain a healthy weight and body condition to reduce strain on the respiratory system.

Dubai lifestyle adaptations:

• Provide multiple water sources, especially during hot weather.
• Create quiet, comfortable resting areas with consistent temperatures.
• Consider implementing gradual temperature transitions when moving between indoor and outdoor environments.

Worried about your cat’s cough? Schedule a checkup or emergency appointment today at Modern Vet Hospital in Dubai. Their experienced team provides thorough diagnostics, prompt treatment, and ongoing care tailored to feline respiratory health. From routine examinations to urgent care for persistent or severe coughing, Modern Vet Hospital is your trusted veterinary clinic in Dubai for expert, compassionate care for your cat.