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My cat's been coughing for weeks and losing weight. What's wrong?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | American Bobtail | Male | neutered | 9 lbs

Leo has been coughing off and on for well over a month now. Sometimes after he cleans himself. And just when he is laying there, and when he wakes from sleeping. He has begun to lose some weight which concerns me a lot. He was a ferrel cat when I got him so I don't know how old he is. I've had him for about 4 and a half yrs. He had a pretty rough life before then. He has always been on the lazy side so I don't know if he feels bad or not but he looks like he should. Any suggestions? Vet next!

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Daniel Fonza, DVM

Answered By Daniel Fonza, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on September 4th, 2017

Hi there and thank you for using pet coach to address your concern. If you got him as a feral cat, you most likely do not have a full history on him. Since you don't have a full history, I would get him tested for FeLV and FIV. These infectious diseases are not curable and can cause cats to become prone to secondary infections such as respiratory infections. I would get him seen by your vet to have additional tests performed to figure out the source of the cough. Some cats are prone to herpes viral respiratory infections and these typically resolve on their own. He may need a course of an antibiotic to get over this. I hope this helps! Please feel free to contact me with any further questions or concerns you may have. I am also available via consultation if needed.
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Related Answers from Veterinarians

  • Answered By Vanessa Yeager DVM MPH

    Veterinarian

    Hi and thank you for your question on Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

    It is hard to say exactly what is going on with Leo sight unseen, but I can offer a few possibilities.

    Coughing as well as weight loss can be a sign of heart failure in cats. Other possibilities may be lung disease (including a tumor), an upper respiratory infection, or asthma. You veterinarian will be able to accurately diagnosis Leo with an exam and a few tests. Treatment will vary depending on what your veterinarian discovers.

    I hope this has helped and best of luck to you and Leo! I wish you both the very best!

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    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

  • Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

    Veterinarian

    Published on February 7th, 2019

    Without seeing Leo in person, I cannot diagnosis him definitively but it could be they are wrong. On the other hand, cats can not show signs of illness until they are quite sick and the disease is very advanced. I would take him into another vet for a second opinion. Best of luck.

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    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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