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My cat is coughing up blood and bloody drool. What's the cause?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Domestic Shorthair | Male | neutered

For the past few days my 1 year old male cat has been, what sounds like, coughing up a hairball. Today, he coughed up a tiny bit of blood on his paw. The first time it looked like it was bloody mucus. The second time it was like drool. It was on his paw again and on his chin. He has eaten today. Help please!! What could be causing this?

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Stacey Anstaett, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on July 1st, 2018

I am so sorry Boxer is having a problem. I don't see Boxer's age listed, and some possible causes are more likely in older cats; but I will answer as though we are answering for a cat of any age. (If Boxer is 8 months old, for example, I"m not terribly worried about cancer).
If the blood and fluid is, indeed, coming from his airways, I would be concerned that he may have a severe allergic bronchitis or asthma, tracheal irritation resulting from an frequent heavy cough, or he may have pneumonia, lung cancer, or even heart failure.
The other possibility is that the blood and drool may be coming directly from the mouth, and we are incidentally seeing it come out when he coughs. Take a peek in his mouth as much as he will let you (but don't risk getting bit!). Severe gingivitis, cancerous oral tumors, or a diseased tooth could all result in intermittent bleeding from the gums.
Regardless, get Boxer in to see your vet so he can do an exam. X-rays of his chest will likely be recommended and will help your veterinarian determine the next steps in both diagnosis and in treatment. If heart disease is suspected, an echocardiogram (sonogram of the heart) and starting heart meds may be recommended. If asthma or allergic issues are suspected as the cause for the cough, a steroid may be recommended. Your vet will be able t help you decide the best path moving forward to see if Boxer can get some relief from this cough.

I hope thats helpful for you! Thanks or asking Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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