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My cat has a persistent wheezy cough. Does he need to see a vet?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Domestic Longhair | Male | neutered | 3 years and 2 months old | 16 lbs

My three-year old longhaired cat was just at the vet on Friday, and on Wednesday he started coughing. He's never coughed before, but this is very persistent and has happened many times today and yesterday. He isn't coughing up phlegm or a hairball, and the cough sounds wheezy. He'll hack several times for about a minute and then be ok for a while before it happens again. Will this pass? He just got a clean bill of health at the vet, so we're not sure if this merits taking him again.

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on June 4th, 2020

Thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach with your question about Frodo. Poor boy. It sounds like he could have a respiratory infection. The fact that his cough sounds wheezy is concerning and suggests he's congested. Due to that, it is worth having him checked out by a vet for this. I hope this helps!

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