What is Kennel Cough?
Even though there is a vaccine approved for use in cats, unlike with dogs, it is very rare for a cat to be vaccinated against Bordetella. This is because it is quite rare for an adult cat to contract Bordetella. Very young kittens are much more at risk than adult cats. Consequently, in some environments in which young kittens may be one of a large number of cats, veterinarians may recommend vaccinating the kitten against Bordetella.
Coughing is very rare in cats. If you have a cat that has developed a cough, especially if that cat is a young kitten, it is imperative that you contact your veterinarian immediately as kennel cough can be very serious in young kittens as well as in elderly or immunocompromised cats.
Although it is much more of a threat to dogs than to cats, Bordetella bronchiseptica, a bacteria that is related to the bacteria that causes whooping cough in humans, can cause very severe and even fatal respiratory infections in very young kittens or older cats with weak immune systems. It is possible, and perhaps common, that healthy adult cats contract Bordetella but only develop very minor symptoms similar to a mild cold and recover quickly. When this bacteria infects a very young or otherwise immunocompromised cat, the resulting condition, commonly called kennel cough, is identifiable by the raspy and dry cough that develops.
Kennel Cough Average Cost
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Symptoms of Kennel Cough in Cats
Symptoms of kennel cough are similar to a severe cold or influenza. Since coughing is so rare in cats, the following symptoms should be concerning enough to warrant a call to your veterinarian:
- Coughing, ranging from mild to hacking and choking
- Gagging
- Fever
- Sneezing
- Nasal or ocular discharge
- Lethargy
- Loss of appetite
Causes of Kennel Cough in Cats
Bordetella is a highly contagious bacterium; cats are just more resistant to it than dogs, causing infection to be much rarer in cats and much less severe in otherwise healthy adult cats. Cats tend to catch kennel cough from other infected cats. There is little evidence that cats can catch kennel cough from dogs. There is some evidence, however, that cats are able to pass the bacteria on to dogs. Kennel cough is likely to be present and spread within large animal populations in an enclosed area such as an animal shelter. Very young kittens and older cats are much more susceptible than healthy adult cats.
Diagnosis of Kennel Cough in Cats
The vet will listen to your observation of symptoms in the cat as well as perform a thorough physical examination, concentrating on listening to the lungs and heart as the cat breathes. While a vet may make a tentative diagnosis based solely on observational evidence, it is likely that your cat will take a swab from inside your cat’s mouth or from the nasal discharge. The sample will then be examined to determine if Bordetella bacteria is present. A chest x-ray may also be advised.
Treatment of Kennel Cough in Cats
Treatment for kennel cough is similar to treatment for other respiratory infections. It usually includes the following:
- Antibiotics
- Increased fluids, sometimes intravenously
- Rest
- Cough suppressant or expectorant
- Healthy diet
- Nutritional supplements to build up the immune system
- Ensuring the air is well ventilated
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Recovery of Kennel Cough in Cats
Prognosis for a young kitten with no other underlying health problems is usually quite good with treatment. The prognosis for older cats is dependent upon their age and underlying health conditions.
- Be consistent in administering prescribed medication to the cat according to the instructions provided by your vet and with the medicine
- Quarantine the cat while it recovers to prevent possible spread to other animals, especially if there are young or old animals in the same environment. This will also allow the cat to recover in a quiet stress-free environment.
- Keep the cat’s environment clean and disinfected, including bedding, food and water bowls, and litter box
- Consult with your veterinarian about nutritional supplements that may strengthen your cat’s immune system in the long run
- Be observant regarding possible recurrences
- Ask your veterinarian about the possibility of a vaccination to prevent future cases
Kennel Cough Average Cost
From 487 quotes ranging from $100 - $250
Average Cost
$200
Top
Kennel Cough Questions and Advice from Veterinary Professionals
minx like
Three Years
40 found this helpful
40 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Noisy Breathing
I have a family of 5 feral cats that live in a catio & shed shelter built for them. One of the cats seems to be congested and raspy, I read about treatment for kennel cough. But, what is the best way to prevent it as well?
Sept. 28, 2020
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
40 Recommendations
Thank you for your question. Cats don't get kennel cough typically the way that dogs do, but they are very commonly affected by viral diseases that cause congestion. If the congestion is bad enough that the cat won't eat or seems lethargic, then antibiotics are often needed. If it seems mild, and the cat is eating and acting normally, these viral challenges will often resolve on their own over a week or two. Lysine paste is one thing that can help decrease the severity of the signs for the cat.
I hope that all goes well!
Oct. 4, 2020
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Mixed
13 weeks
10 found this helpful
10 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Noisy Breathing, Cough, Sneezing, Runny Nose, Lethargic
What can I do to help my kitten because I believe he has kennel cough?
Sept. 28, 2020
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
10 Recommendations
Thank you for your question. Cats do not get kennel cough like dogs, but they can have viral diseases that need treatment. If this is something that has been going on for more than a couple of days, and seems to be getting worse, it would be best to have your kitten seen by a veterinarian, as they can provide treatment to make your kitten feel better. I hope that all goes well.
Oct. 6, 2020
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Tabby Cat
tractor
5 Years
10 found this helpful
10 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Coughing
I have a 5 year oldcat he is usually super healthy he has developed the symptoms of kennel cough I am homeless no money for a vet is there natural remedies to use to help my baby boy
July 25, 2018
10 Recommendations
There are many natural or at home therapies which are advertised to treat kennel cough in dogs and cats, however I have no reputable sources indicating effective treatment so I wouldn’t want you to spend money without being sure of treatment efficacy. Many cities have a charity clinic or low cost clinic where you can get an examination and receive treatment. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
July 26, 2018
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Cat
Frances
1 Year
1 found this helpful
1 found this helpful
We got our young cat from a shelter 3 months ago and she developed a sneeze a few days later. The doctor ordered a PCR test and when the results came in several days later, our cat was diagnosed with mycoplasma and bordatella. We treated the cat with Doxycycline for 4 weeks and took her back for a checkup. Another PCR test was ordered and the results showed that the cat still had bordatella. We treated the cat for 2 weeks with Clavamox and she seemed healthy. However, the cat sneezed twice today and I am concerned that our cat may still have bordatella. Can anything be done if our cat is resistant to treatment? Can this cat ever be boarded? Will her health decline? How should we proceed?
July 19, 2018
1 Recommendations
Cats sneeze all the time just like humans do, anything may have irritated the nasal cavity leading to a sneeze; you should keep an eye on Frances for the time being and look out for any additional symptoms. If other symptoms present you should return to your Veterinarian for an examination to determine whether the sneezing is related or not. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
July 20, 2018
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Idk
Journey
2 Months
3 found this helpful
3 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Sneezing
I have a 2 year old chorkie mix. He contracted the kennel cough from being boarded a week ago. I have A very young kitten probably approx 3 months old. She was sneezing before he was showing signs for the the kennel cough , is it possible she could get it from him?
June 23, 2018
3 Recommendations
Kennel cough is most commonly associated with dogs, but cats are just as prone to infection as dogs and they may pass the infection between them; you should visit your Veterinarian to confirm and to get treatment for the kitten if need be. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
https://wagwalking.com/wellness/can-dogs-get-kennel-cough-from-cats
June 24, 2018
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Unsure
Indi
3 Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Watery Eyes, Frequent Sneezing
I have a 3 year old cat who hasn't been the vet since receiving all of her shots around the age of 1. My dog was just diagnosed with kennel cough and I am worried my cat might have it too as she's showing some symptoms. She has been sneezing a lot lately, her eyes occasionally water, and she barfs up her food every 5/6 feedings. I haven't changed the type of food or treats she receives.
dsh
Shay, Percy, Flick, Willow
2 Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Sneezy
I have 4 cats. I had a very loving healthy home until I took them with me to visit my daughters. I stayed in the home of my oldest daughter and my cats stayed in her "office" room.
My little grey girl, Willow, escaped to under my daughters bed. In trying to retrieve her, she bit my daughter on the elbow. I was out of town, didn't have shot records, the hospital wouldn't treat her until I surrendered my car for rabies quarantine. I had to leave her in a dump city impound animal control for 11 days. When they released her they changed me $130 and released her without the current rabies. I had my daughter take her to the Banfield in town (as she was keeping her till I could come get her). Banfield gave her a rabies shot & said she was fine. 4 days later I was able to get go get her. She was sneezing and snuffly. I took her to another vet that gave her eye & nose drops. I had to bring her back home around the other 3 cats. I have missed a day of work, I have taken them to the vet 3 times. I has cost me almost $900!not counting the pay I lost, diesel driving all around Shreveport and Baton Rouge. I'm sick to death of it. And to top it off, all they have given my cats is steroid shots while they are passing it around like chicken pox in a daycare! When are they going to give my babies an antibiotic and kill this crap!?
Kennel Cough Average Cost
From 487 quotes ranging from $100 - $250
Average Cost
$200
Get a free pet insurance quote in less than 60 seconds!
Easily compare quotes from the most trusted pet insurance companies in the United States.
