Why is my cat coughing, retching, and stretching out her body?

Hi, thanks for your question. It's unusual to see vomiting and coughing at the same time, although it's possible. Typically, though, the cat is just retching and nothing is coming up. It's likely, especially if your cat is bringing up stomach contents from time to time, that this is solely a GI problem. Vomiting can have a number of causes. Depending on how old your cat is, whether it goes outside, etc, one possibility might be more likely than another. Here are some possibilities: parasites, food intolerance/dietary indiscretion (eating something that made her sick), exposure to a toxin, a blockage either in the stomach or intestines, kidney disease, liver disease, diseases of the pancreas, inflammatory bowel disease, and cancer. As you can see these are all very different diseases. Your vet can help you figure you what's going on with a good physical exam and some tests, probably blood work and x-rays to start with. Get your cat seen as soon as you can.

Hi there. Coughing in an older cat like this could be caused by a number of different things, including asthma, allergies, bronchitis, or some type of respiratory infection. Since it's been going on for two weeks now, I would recommend taking Cleopatra to the vet on Monday for an exam. He/she can listen to her heart and lungs to check for any obvious abnormalities, and may recommend chest x-rays or other testing if needed to help diagnose the problem and see what kind of treatment is needed.

I'm sorry to hear that Jo has been experiencing a cough and breathing changes. Coughing and respiratory changes are always concerning in cats, but I am happy to hear that she is otherwise active and seems normal. Possible underlying causes of her issues could be related to underlying heart disease, heartworm disease, hyperthyroidism, tracheal masses/irritation, asthma, among others. Jo needs to be examined by a vet, but stress could certainly exacerbate her current clinical signs. If possible, try to look into house call vets in your area. Many areas have vets either with mobile veterinary practices or those in brick and mortar practices that are willing to make house calls. If these options are unavailable, Jo may need to brave the car ride and trip to the vet. I hope that all goes well!

From what you're describing, it sounds like Cookie is coughing - this can be caused by a number of different things including a respiratory infection, allergies, bronchitis, or even feline asthma. If she's doing this frequently, I would recommend taking her to the vet for an exam. He/she can listen to her heart and lungs to check for any abnormalities, and may prescribe medication or recommend further testing such as chest x-rays if needed to help diagnose the problem.

Hello and thank you for reaching out to Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. I'm sorry to hear that Mittens has been vomiting and is now coughing. Cats can vomit for a number of reasons, including trying to vomit a hairball, eating something they shouldn't have, gastrointestinal obstruction, infection, inflammation, or even cancer. From the information you provided, my concern is that Mittens may have aspirated (taken fluid into the lungs) during one of these vomiting episodes, and is now coughing as a result. Aspiration pneumonia can be a scary thing in cats, and especially if Mittens is not acting himself or wanting to eat, I would recommend bringing him to your veterinarian to be examined. If your veterinarian determines that he has abnormal lung sounds, he/she may recommend blood work and chest x-rays to look for evidence of pneumonia. If present, they will likely start Mittens on some antibiotics. There are other possibilities for Mitten's cough including bronchitis or an upper airway infection, which should also be managed by a veterinarian. I hope this is helpful!

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! I’m sorry to hear Lil Man isn’t feeling well. Coughing is usually a sign of respiratory disease and that is very concerning in a cat. There could be a problem in the lungs like fluid build up or asthma or a problem with the heart like heartworms or something congenital. There are many different possibilities and without seeing him it’s hard to say what the cause is. I recommend taking Lil Man to a vet right away for an exam and possible xrays and blood work. Try not to stress him out while transporting him because this could make him worse. Put him in a carrier and cover it with a blanket. Good luck and kisses to Lil Man!

Hello and thank you for reaching out about your cat. The most common causes for coughing in a cat of his age are: heart disease and bronchitis/asthma. Other, but less likely causes: infection or parasite. When a cat is coughing it is very important to get him to the vet so a doctor can listen to his heart and lungs and take an xray. This will help to determine which medication(s) would be best to treat his cough. Thank you.