When a cat coughs when picked up, it can be a sign of a respiratory infection. Other symptoms of a respiratory infection in cats include sneezing, mucous discharge from the eyes and nose, and labored breathing. If your cat has any of these symptoms, it is important to take it to the veterinarian for treatment.
Respiratory infections in cats can be caused by a variety of bacteria, viruses, or fungi. Treatment will vary depending on the cause of the infection, but may include antibiotics, antivirals, or antifungals. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to clear an obstruction in the airway.
If your cat has a respiratory infection, it is important to keep it warm and hydrated. You can also help to loosen mucous in the airway by gently blowing on the cat’s face. If your cat is having trouble breathing, it may need to be hospitalized for supplemental oxygen and IV fluids.
If your cat has a respiratory infection, it is important to take it to the veterinarian for treatment. Untreated respiratory infections can lead to serious health complications, such as pneumonia.
Understanding the Cat’s Body Language
When your cat starts coughing when you try to pick it up, it’s important to understand what’s happening and why. In most cases, this is a sign of fear or anxiety in your cat.
Cats use their coughs as a way to communicate with their humans. It can be a way to tell us that they’re afraid, uncomfortable, or in pain. In some cases, a cough can also be a sign of a respiratory infection.
If your cat starts coughing when you try to pick it up, the best thing to do is put it down and give it some space. In most cases, your cat will recover on its own and will be less likely to cough if you give it some time to calm down.
If your cat’s cough is accompanied by other symptoms, such as fever, lethargy, or difficulty breathing, it’s important to take it to the veterinarian. Your cat may have a respiratory infection and need treatment.
Possible Causes of Coughing When Picked Up
There are many potential causes of coughing when picked up, including respiratory infections, heart problems, and pain.
One common cause of coughing when picked up is a respiratory infection, such as a cold or the flu. These infections can cause inflammation and irritation in the airways, which can lead to coughing.
Another potential cause of coughing when picked up is heart problems. Certain heart conditions can cause congestion and fluid accumulation in the lungs, which can lead to coughing.
Pain can also cause coughing when picked up. Any pain in the chest, abdomen, or neck can lead to a reflexive cough.
If your cat is coughing when picked up, it is important to take them to the veterinarian for a diagnosis. There are many potential causes of coughing, and some of them can be serious. The veterinarian can perform tests to determine the cause of the coughing and prescribe the appropriate treatment.
Stress or Anxiety-Related Coughing
One of the most common questions cat owners have is why their cat coughs when they are picked up. This type of coughing is often related to stress or anxiety in cats and can be a sign that your cat is not comfortable with being handled.
There are a few things you can do to help reduce your cat’s stress and lessen the likelihood of them coughing when you pick them up. One of the most important is to always be gentle and calm when handling your cat. Try not to be too rough or sudden when you are picking them up and always give them plenty of time to adjust to being handled.
You can also help to reduce your cat’s stress by providing them with plenty of toys and areas to hide in. The more comfortable your cat feels, the less likely they are to cough when you pick them up. If your cat does continue to cough when you pick them up, it is best to consult with your veterinarian to rule out any other possible causes.
Respiratory and Health Issues
A cat that coughs when picked up may have a respiratory infection, which is a common ailment in cats. Other health issues that can cause a cat to cough when picked up include heart problems, liver disease, and cancer. If your cat has a persistent cough, it is important to take him or her to the veterinarian for a diagnosis.
Respiratory infections in cats can be caused by a variety of viruses or bacteria, including the common feline herpes virus and Bordetella bronchiseptica. These infections can cause a cat to have a dry, hacking cough, and may also lead to sneezing and a runny nose. Cats with respiratory infections may also have a fever and seem lethargic.
If your cat has a respiratory infection, your veterinarian may prescribe antibiotics, antiviral drugs, or other medications to help clear up the infection. In some cases, your cat may also need to be hospitalized for treatment.
Other health problems that can cause a cat to cough when picked up include heart problems, liver disease, and cancer. A cat with a heart problem may have a chronic cough that is caused by congestive heart failure. A cat with liver disease may have a wet, gurgling cough that is a sign of liver failure. And a cat with cancer may have a dry, persistent cough that is a sign of tumors in the chest or lungs.
If you think your cat may have a health problem that is causing him or her to cough when picked up, it is important to take your cat to the veterinarian for a diagnosis. Treatment for respiratory infections, heart problems, liver disease, and cancer may include medications, surgery, or other treatments.
When to Consult a Veterinarian
If you’ve ever picked up your cat and they’ve started coughing, you may be wondering if it’s something you should worry about. In most cases, a little coughing when picked up is nothing to worry about. However, there are a few times when you should take your cat to the veterinarian.
One of the most common reasons cats cough when picked up is due to a respiratory infection. Colds, bronchitis, and pneumonia are all common respiratory infections in cats. These infections can cause your cat to cough when picked up, as well as when they breathe, sneeze, or move. If your cat has a respiratory infection, they will likely need antibiotics to clear the infection.
Other causes of coughing when picked up include allergies, heart disease, and cancer. If your cat is coughing and you can’t pinpoint a specific cause, it’s always a good idea to take them to the veterinarian for a check-up.
Coughing can be a sign of a serious problem in cats, so it’s always best to err on the side of caution and have them checked out by a veterinarian. If your cat is coughing and you’re not sure what to do, call your veterinarian for advice.
Tips for Reducing Stress During Handling
Cats are often independent creatures that don’t like being handled. When you pick up a cat, they may sometimes cough. This is a natural response that helps to reduce stress. Here are some tips for reducing stress during handling.
-Be calm and gentle when you pick up your cat.
-Support your cat’s body weight with your hand and forearm, and avoid holding them by their scruff.
-Talk to your cat in a soft voice and pet them gently.
-Be patient and take your time. Cats may not always be comfortable being handled, but with time and patience they will likely become more relaxed.
