Help! My Cat is Coughing! (Vet Answered)
This question has been answered by a vet
Veterinarian & Animal Behaviorist
With nearly two decades in veterinary medicine, Dr. Paola brings hands-on experience across multiple species. A graduate of the University of Guadalajara, she specializes in preventive care, animal welfare, and positive reinforcement training.
The Question
“My healthy 16-year-old cat, Jake, recently started coughing like he’s going to cough
up a hairball, but then he doesn’t. Even in a dead sleep, he’ll jump up and crouch down
on all fours for several seconds. Then it’s over. Does this sound serious? I have 5 cats, but have never experienced this before.“ – Cheryl
Quick Info about Jake
📹 Vet's Video Reply (scroll down to see text answer)
Hi Cheryl,
At 16 years old, even subtle changes like this deserve attention. A dry, unproductive cough, especially if it’s frequent, wakes him from sleep, or happens while crouched with neck extended, may suggest irritation or inflammation in his airways rather than a simple hairball. In senior cats, this can sometimes point to conditions like feline asthma, chronic bronchitis, or even early signs of heart disease, particularly if the episodes are becoming more frequent or intense.
What you’re describing does sound like more than a typical grooming-related cough. Since he’s otherwise healthy and this is new behavior, I recommend scheduling a veterinary exam where a thorough physical can be done, potentially along with chest radiographs or airway evaluation. These tools help rule out more serious causes and ensure Jake gets the support he may need. Acting early often prevents medical complications. Please stay vigilant; if the coughing becomes more frequent or if you notice any labored breathing, open-mouth breathing, or lethargy, those would all be considered more urgent signs.
I hope this helps!
– Dr. Paola