C09998682 / invoice 10000

06/03/2026 Coughing in cats, often mistaken for hairballs, is a non-specific sign usually indicating lower airway disease, with feline asthma and chronic bronchitis being the most common causes
. Other critical differentials include parasites (heartworm, lungworm), infections (pneumonia), foreign objects, neoplasia, and fluid accumulation (pleural effusion). 
Primary Differential Diagnoses for Coughing in Cats:

    Feline Lower Airway Disease (FLAD):
        Feline Asthma: Common, often causes wheezing.
        Chronic Bronchitis: Inflammation of the airways.
    Infectious Disease:
        Bacterial Pneumonia: Often due to Mycoplasma, Bordetella, or Pasteurella.
        Viral Infection: Such as Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP).
        Fungal Infection: (e.g., Cryptococcus, Histoplasma).
    Parasitic Infection:
        Heartworm Disease (HARD): Heartworm-associated respiratory disease.
        Lungworms: (e.g., Aelurostrongylus), Eucoleus.
    Environmental/Traumatic Causes:
        Irritants/Allergies: Tobacco smoke, litter dust, aerosols, scented products.
        Foreign Body: Inhaled grass or debris.
    Other Conditions:
        Neoplasia (Cancer): Lung tumors or bronchial cancer.
        Pleural Effusion: Fluid around the lungs.
        Cardiogenic Disease: Rare in cats as a cause of cough, but possible.


 Describing the Cough

    What does the cough sound like? (e.g., dry and hacking, moist/wet, "goose honk," wheezing).
    What does the posture look like? (e.g., crouching low to the ground, extending the neck).
    Is it productive? Does the cat bring up phlegm, mucus, or fluid (white/frothy)?.
    How long have you noticed this? (e.g., days, weeks, months).
    How frequent are the episodes? (e.g., daily, only at night, in the morning).
    Is it associated with activity? Does it happen after playing, running, or after eating/drinking?.
    Is it getting worse?. 

2. Distinguishing Cough vs. Vomiting/Hairballs 

    Does the cat produce a hairball? (True coughing often results in no hairball, just retching).
    Does the cat vomit afterward? (Forceful coughing can cause vomiting).
    Does the cat swallow immediately after the coughing fits?. 

3. Physical Changes & Health Status

    Is the cat experiencing any breathing difficulty? (e.g., open-mouth breathing, fast/labored breathing, wheezing).
    Has there been any weight loss or decrease in appetite?.
    Is the cat more lethargic than usual?.
    Have you noticed sneezing or nasal discharge? (Suggests upper respiratory infection). 

4. Environmental & Lifestyle Factors

    Are there any new, strong odors in the home? (e.g., scented candles, cleaning products, perfume, incense).
    Is there smoke exposure? (e.g., cigarette, fireplace).
    Has the cat’s litter changed recently? (Dusty litter can cause coughing).
    Is the cat indoor or outdoor?.
    Has the cat been to a boarding facility or around new pets recently?.
    Is the cat on parasite prevention? (Heartworm/lungworm). 

5. Medical History

    Does the cat have any known allergies or asthma?.
    What is the cat’s vaccination status? (Specifically for feline herpesvirus/calicivirus).
    Is the cat on any other medications or supplements

HISTORY:
Presented for:

this morning retching/coughing but nothing coming up
ate dental food but brought it up
new kitten at home, would also eat the kitten's food
initially hissing and stressed
stopped eating for the day


EXAM:
Mentation:
BCS:
Hydration status:
Eyes:
Ears:
Nose:
Mouth:
MM:
Throat:
LNs:
CV: HR:
Resp:
Abdo:
MSK:
Integ:
Neuro:
Genitourinary:
Rectal:
T:

ASSESSMENT:

PLAN:

COMMUNICATION: