Answer

Hi Angelbaby,
The most common disease that causes coughing in cats is feline asthma. This is diagnosed with X-rays of the chest on both inspiration and expiration. The X-rays can confirm it, but normal X-rays do not rule it out. This is treated with corticosteroids and sometimes bronchodilators (like theophylline).
Another common cause of coughing is a foreign body caught in the cat's trachea. Cats can sometimes get blades of grass stuck in their lower airways. They can usually be seen with a bronchoscope ( a camera put down into the airway under anesthesia) and can be removed with a special instrument that is attached to the scope.
Another possibility is a lung parasite. These can be tested for with a stool sample and a heartworm test. These diseases can be treated with appropriate medication.
I am attaching a client information handout that I use in my practice concerning coughing in cats and dogs. I hope that you find it useful.

Click Here

I hope that this information is of help to you, and I wish you the best of luck with your kitty. Please let me know if I can be of further assistance.

Dr. K

Expert:	Dr. K
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Answered:	3/10/2008

Veterinarian

9 years experience as Veterinarian