Question: My all-white female cat?s age is unknown because she was rescued after being thrown from a moving car several years ago.
She?s always kept indoors, but she loves her outdoor screened-in porch. She wants to be out there when the temperature is in the low 40s and 50s. After one of those nights, she comes in coughing, only two or three times. Is the night air bad for her? That?s the only time I?ve heard her cough, so I figure that?s what does it. What do you think causes it? – Elsie
Answer: Thank you for rescuing this brave kitty. An occasional cough can be normal, especially when in response to breathing in dust or noxious fumes. However, a cough occurring on a predictable basis or after exercise is not normal. Cats can get heart disease, asthma, tumors, pneumonia, or parasite infections trigger a cough. In the early stages, the cough may only be occasional.
Make sure your cat is taking heartworm preventative monthly. Even indoor cats are at risk for heartworm infection. Heartworms are transmitted to cats by mosquito bites. They can cause severe inflammation in the lungs. Cats may have a cough or even sudden death with this parasite.
Asthma can come on suddenly in cats. The cat may have a mild attack and only seem to cough occasionally. In a full-blown asthma attack, the cat may cough and wheeze and have open mouth breathing. Cats with asthma may need treatment with steroids such as prednisolone or dexamethasone. They can also be treated with inhalers similar to the ones babies use. The inhaler is attached to a spacer called an Aerokat. The mask is placed over the cat?s nose and mouth and the cat breaths in the inhaler through the spacer.
Things that you can do to help your cat breath easier are: 1) Use dust free cat litter; 2) Change your air conditioning filters every month and/or use a HEPA filters to remove pollen, dust, and dander from the air; 3) Avoid using any aerosolized products inside your home; 4) Do not smoke around your cat; 5) After your shower, place your cat in the bathroom to breath in the warm steamy air.
Since your kitty is having problems with the cooler air, I would suggest keeping her inside the house at night. Older cats prefer warm, snuggly areas. If her problems persist or worsen she will need a trip to her veterinarian for a good examination.
Dr. Baker
Dr. Susan Baker
Baker Veterinary Clinic
1801 S. Congress Ave.
West Palm Beach, FL 33406
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Source: http://blogs.palmbeachpost.com/pawshere/2012/08/02/cat-has-coughing-fits-when-in-cooler-air/
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