Cat Cough

by Jackie Maciag
(Pomona, NY)

Cat Cough Reader Question:

My cat coughs mostly when he purrs and when we are petting him. He has been treated for upper respiratory infections 3 X. When he is on meds, he does not cough.

He also was treated for several weeks for Giardia. Vet said he was cured. He has no runny nose or eyes or temperature. He had a blood test to rule out aids and leukemia. What could it be, and should I change vets, I am starting to have my doubts? He is a Maine Coon and is 6 months old now. please help!!!!

Editor Response to Cat Cough Problem:

Dear Jackie,

Thank you for your question and sorry to hear about your cat's cough related problems.

The cough experienced by your pet appears to be a side affect of the treatment done for Giardiasis.

There is no approved treatment for Giardiasis in animals. Drugs used for this purpose, like Fenbendazole, Albendazole or Metronidazole etc, can cause some mild side effects including vomiting, diarrhea, and related to immunity in some cases severe bone marrow suppression can be experienced by both cats and dogs.

So, in my opinion, the drugs used for several weeks for Giardiasis have possibly caused this condition. None of the above mentioned drugs are recommended to be used for more then 5 days in cats.

The symptoms you mentioned for this particular condition - upper respiratory tract problems, i.e. dry cough with no temperature, discharge and that your cat coughs only while purring or petting, indicates that the respiratory tract is unable to properly work in terms of inhalation and exhalation while the voice box or larynx is busy.

Look for additional symptoms, such as whether or not your cat experiences problems while sleeping or eating/drinking. Be sure to go for a detailed check of your cat's immune system status. Discuss the condition with your vet, and it is recommended that you take your cat for a detailed examination of the upper respiratory tract.

While your cat is being diagnosed, you would be better off not extensively using drugs meant for treating upper respiratory tract problems, as you might have noticed that they are only reducing the affect of any symptoms, not eliminating them.

You can try some natural preparations, which can help to reduce symptoms such as KC-Defense Formula for cough or Immunity & Liver Support Formula for Immune system support. These types of products will help to strengthen the immune system and soothe the upper respiratory tract while you seek a more specific treatment.

In case you haven't already, you might want to disinfect/clean all of your cat's belongings and your house after the Cat Giardia infestation. Different stages of Feline Giardia can pass into the feces of an affected cat and even recovered cats can be a reservoir for this parasite, so it is recommended that you wash all belongings and the bedding of your cat with common bleach and boiling water (1:32 or 1:16 dilution) or purchase a commercial disinfectant made for this purpose such as Benzarid.

Disinfect all the corners, floors and lawn with a quality disinfectant. Giardia can be transmitted to you and your family, so along with above mentioned measures, improve the hygienic standards of your home for your safety such as increasing the frequency of cleaning.