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My kitten is coughing a lot. What's causing it and when to see a vet?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Sphynx | Male | unneutered | 2 months and 14 days old | 1.5 lbs

My 12 week old Sphynx kitten has been doing a weird sort of cough since last night. He coughs about 2-5 times every 5 minutes. I have a video if needed.

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Elva Ma DVM

Veterinarian

Published on February 13th, 2018

Hello, and thank you for your question. The most common cause of coughing in kittens is an upper respiratory infection, due to an underlying viral infection such as herpesvirus. Along with this, you may notice sneezing, runny eyes or runny nose. Other possibilities would include pneumonia (lung infection), hairball cough, or feline asthma (which would be rare in a young kitten).

If Ash's coughing is continuing overnight, I would recommend taking him in to the vet tomorrow morning. They can perform a full physical exam, check for fever or dehydration, and prescribe the appropriate antibiotic medication if an infection is suspected.

If Ash seems to be getting worse tonight, is having trouble breathing, or is lethargic, I would suggest getting him to the emergency vet tonight. Kittens can decompensate quickly, so it is important to get him stabilized soon if he is worsening. Hopefully this is not the case with Ash.

I hope this helps, and that Ash feels better soon!

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Dr. Dayna, DVM, CVA
Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist
Published on September 17th, 2017
Coughing cats are definitely a concern. Many things can cause cough in your cats, but I certainly worry about viral upper respiratory infections, FIP ( which fills their chest with fluid), and possibly birth defects that are becoming more apparent as they grow. An examination by a veterinarian and likely chest x-rays would be important for your kitten. I hope she improves!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Ricardo Fernandez, DVM
Veterinarian, Veterinary Oncology Resident
Published on July 4th, 2018
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. A hairball is possible though not as likely. I recommend that you have Sky 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 day!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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