My cat is coughing and congested, but acting normal. Should I worry?

This may be just an upper respiratory infection which can be viral and last a good two weeks. If B isn't eating or isn't acting right then I would recommend going back to the veterinarian. When you shower you can take him in the bathroom and have the steam help with the congestion. Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Coughing can be a sign of many conditions such as pneumonia, bronchitis, heart disease, among many other possibilities. I recommend that you have Wolfgang evaluated by your veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. Likely diagnostics to be performed include thoracic radiographs and bloodwork. Treatment would be dependent on findings. Good luck and have a good night!

Hello. Yes, a watch & wait may be prudent as long as Sundee is not in any respiratory distress, and her activity & appetite are normal. Definitely have her seen if her resting respiratory rate exceeds 30-40 breaths per minute when sleeping, the cough becomes more frequent, or she stops eating, becomes lethargic or anything else concerns you. Hopefully this is a mild upper respiratory infection & it will clear in the next few days. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Aw poor Socks! It's pretty common to have a rescue kitten develop upper respiratory infections. I'm glad to hear he's acting normally otherwise. You can try to run a hot shower and steam up the bathroom while Socks is in the room. Sometimes this will help break up congestion. Make sure he continues to eat and drink normally. Warming some canned food up will often encourage a cat to eat more as they will eat more if they can smell the food. If Socks continues to be congested or at any point he stops eating, develops an eye issue, or becomes lethargic he should be examined by a veterinarian. It's best not to wait too long as kittens can develop pneumonia or labored breathing if the respiratory infection progresses. If necessary antibiotics can be prescribed or a supplement like lysine can be used. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Wishing Socks a speedy recovery!

Poor Gus! He sure looks cute curled up with his buddy! I would recommend taking him in to get a exam by a veterinarian. They will check to make sure that his eyes are ok- some cats get ulcers with an upper respiratory infection. They will check for a secondary bacterial infection that would need antibiotics. Sometimes- they will prescribe a nebulization solution which is to be used in a nebulizer to help open up his airways. It is important to make sure that he keeps eating. Cats can get a secondary liver problem if they stop eating. Hope Gus feels better soon! Please keep an eye on buddy too because the upper respiratory viruses are contagious. Thanks for reaching out to Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

I would call your veterinarian in the morning to get Flynn looked at. He may just have an upper respiratory infection but it can quickly develop into pneumonia. Your veterinarian can listen to Flynn's lungs. They can then prescribe medication as needed. Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Upper respiratory infections, allergies, and minor issues with the throat or lungs can sometimes cause congestion or coughing/snoring sounds, however minor cases may resolve on their own with little symptoms. If your cat is still eating and drinking and acting normally, it may just be best to keep an eye on her and watch for any changes. If you do see symptoms such as wheezing, coughing, loss of appetite, fever, difficulty breathing or discharge from the eyes and nose, then scheduling a veterinary appointment for further care is best. If she stays normal, then bringing it up at your next vet checkup if still concerned is best so that your vet can make sure to examine those areas more thoroughly.