My cat is coughing, stretching neck, nothing comes up. Is it serious?
Updated On September 23rd, 2025
Pet's info: Cat | American Shorthair | Male | unneutered | 2 years and 1 month old
Hi, my cat has been having coughing fits, making himself very small, stretching out his neck and getting very close to the ground and coughing for a long time but nothing is coming up. It's been happening for about 5 days. Could this be serious?
2 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
Published on February 12th, 2017
Oh no, poor Oscar! It could be that he is suffering from a respiratory infection, and given that it's been going on for five days now, I would have him seen by a vet. He may benefit from some medications for his symptoms, which the vet can prescribe. There are some things you can do for him at home that will work well with medications from the vet. First, you can try starting him on an L-lysine supplement - this is an amino acid that has been shown to help the immune system fight off respiratory infections more effectively. Enisyl and Viralys are both good brands, and can be purchased over the counter without a prescription - just follow the dosing instructions on the label based on your cat's weight. If he's congested, you can also try using a humidifier or bringing him into the bathroom with the door closed while you take a hot shower - the steam and humidity help to break up congestion and temporarily relieve symptoms associated with respiratory infections.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Related Answers from Veterinarians
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Published on January 1st, 2017
These lumps under his chin are likely Magneto's lymph nodes, which become enlarged when there is infection in the body. He should see a vet for his respiratory infection who can prescribe medication to treat it, and I would bring him into the vet first thing on Monday. There are also a few things you can do at home for him. First, you can try starting him on an L-lysine supplement - this is an amino acid that has been shown to help the immune system fight off respiratory infections more effectively. Enisyl and Viralys are both good brands, and can be purchased over the counter without a prescription - just follow the dosing instructions on the label based on your cat's weight. If he's congested, you can also try using a humidifier or bringing him into the bathroom with the door closed while you take a hot shower - the steam and humidity help to break up congestion and temporarily relieve symptoms associated with respiratory infections.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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