Home Remedies for a Cat That's Coughing & Sneezing

When your cat begins coughing and sneezing, it can be a simple feline cold or something much more serious. The important thing is to keep your cat warm and dry, preferably inside, and to watch him closely. If his symptoms get worse, or don't go away after a few days, take him to the vet, as it could be a more serious problem.

Coughing

Cats typically cough, gag and vomit hairballs. This is nothing to be overly concerned about and usually works itself out. The best way to prevent hairballs is to regularly groom your cat, especially if she's a long-haired cat. Make it easier for her to pass hairballs by adding 1 tsp. of vegetable or olive oil, butter or mayonnaise to her food, which will coat her throat and allow the hair to go through her system. Make sure she has fresh water at all times. Listen to the cough, so if it does persist more than a few days, you can accurately describe if it has a wet or cold sound or if she's wheezing, which could indicate asthma. Keep in mind that cats will cough occasionally for the same reasons humans do, to clear their throat or protect their lungs from tiny irritants in the air.

Sneezing

Sneezing could mean allergies or a feline cold, among other things. If you have recently switched your cat's food, switch it back to see if the sneezing stops. Think of other elements your cat has recently been introduced to, such as new carpeting, or a new shampoo, powder or litter. Try a humidifier to add moisture to the air. Adding a fatty acid supplement can help and will build his immune system. Saline nose drops can be used to clear his passageways. Sneezing and having watery eyes and nose could be an indication of an upper respiratory infection or chronic sinusitis, or worse.

Medication

Because of the small size of cats, and their biological makeup, they cannot take human or dog medications. Never give your cat ibuprofen, acetaminophen, aspirin or other over-the-counter medications, as they are toxic and deadly to felines. Only administer medications given or recommended by your cat's vet. Vaccinations and boosters will prevent many of the illnesses your cat may face in her lifetime.