My kitten has a dry cough. Is it allergies or should I see a vet?
Updated On September 23rd, 2025
Pet's info: Cat | Oriental | Male | neutered | 5 months and 6 days old | 5 lbs
My 5mo old kitten, neutered, finished all shots, has had a cough for the past two weeks or so, no other symptoms. No runny nose, no boogers in eyes, very active, same sunny disposition as always, eating/drinking well. Should he go see the vet or is it likely just the change in weather or allergies? We observe the cough about once every couple of days and it is dry and honky and he will cough for a good minute or so. He did have mycoplasma felis around 2mos old but it was promptly treated.
4 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
Published on December 10th, 2016
There are several things it could be, first of all hairballs, especially of it is only occasional, in this case a hairball paste supplement should solve the problem. The other options are feline asthma or a respiratory infection. If the hairball paste does not resolve it, I would recommend taking him to the vet in order to get it checked.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Related Answers from Veterinarians
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Published on November 2nd, 2016
If this coughing happens rarely and just for 30-60 seconds, it's more likely to be hairballs, asthma tends to happen more often and for a longer time. Try providing him a supplement for hairballs on a regular basis and see if it make it disappear.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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Published on January 8th, 2019
He may indeed have hairballs. Treatment and prevention is as follows: As for preventing hair balls there are several things you can and should do: 1) brush/comb your cat regularly, removing any loose hair from its fur as well as mattes, before they get too big. 2) buy some hair ball remedy paste from either your vet or a pet shop and feed it to your cat according to the instructions on the tube. This helps prevent formation of hairballs. 3) Next time you buy dry food pick the type that specifies "Hair ball Prevention" on the bag. This should make you and your kitty happy! Should he be wheezing or keep coughing and not bring up a hairball he may be suffering from an upper respiratory infection or possibly have a foreign body such as a blade of grass or similar lodged somewhere in the upper respiratory tract which is irritating. You should then take your kitty to a veterinarian for an exam.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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Published on May 5th, 2018
I recommend you have Kitty examined by your veterinarian. If this is feline asthma it is important to get it treated as soon as possible. Your veterinarian will also be able to make recommendations for foods and supplements to help reduce hair balls if that is the problem.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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