Allergy in Cats With Coughing

When a cat coughs, it is due to only a handful of conditions such as asthma, chronic bronchitis, heartworm disease, cardiovascular illness and upper respiratory infection. Allergies alone are rarely the primary cause for a cat's cough, according to Dr. Mike Richards of VetInfo.com. Allergies, however, can and do play a large role in triggering asthma attacks, bronchitis and upper respiratory infection in cats. For this reason, it is important to make sure cats with severe allergies receive proper preventative treatment.

  1. Coughing

    • A cat with allergies has an immune system that is extremely sensitive to certain substances, according to the ASPCA website. While these allergens are usually common in most environments and harmless to other animals, a cat allergic to the allergens will have an extreme reaction once contact is made. As the cat's body tries to rid itself of those mistakenly dangerous substances, he will show a variety of symptoms, including sneezing, wheezing, itching, runny eyes or nose and coughing.

    Asthma

    • Cats that cough typically have asthma, which is believed to be triggered by an allergic reaction, according to FelineAsthma.org. Many veterinarians believe cats with asthma suffer from a chronic inflammation in the tissues that line the bronchial walls in their lungs, the website adds. When the cat comes into an environment with certain allergens, viruses or infections, it triggers the inflammation. This causes increased mucous secretion that in return causes a decrease in the size of the cat's airways. The cat reacts by wheezing and coughing.

    Triggers

    • Many substances can cause an allergic reaction in a cat that is sensitive to them, according to the ASCPA website. Such allergens include food, tree, dust, grass, weed, mold, mildew, fleas and flea-control products, prescription drugs, cigarette smoke, fabrics, perfumes, rubber, plastic materials and cleaning products.

    Diagnosis

    • To determine the underlying cause of coughing, owners should consult with a veterinarian. Tests such as blood work and X-rays can be conducted to diagnose asthma, bronchitis, heartworm or other parasites, and infection. A veterinarian can also conduct an allergy test, which is often given as an intradermal skin test. According to the ASCPA website, blood allergy tests are not considered as reliable when determining the specific allergies affecting a cat.

    Treatment

    • Cats with allergies or asthma are often put on a diet to reduce weight. Owners are also advised to reduce the cat's exposure to identified allergens and substances that may cause a reaction. Since not all substances can be removed from the environment, affected cats also can be put on regular medications such as steroids, cortisone, allergy injections and antihistamines such as Benadryl, according to Dr. Mike Richards of VetInfo.com.