Cat litter making my cat cough?

Question

Every once in awhile my cat will cough--took her to the vet and he said they don't cough from hairballs which I thought was it---then he said it might be the kitty litter I use--I use the scoopable --fresh step--and he said the dust--but they added some kind of carbon so he said use arm and hammer which I think is dustier cuz it has baking soda..that didn't help either--It seems to be if she moves a certain way she coughs--not sure--anyone know if it sounds like the litter or something else.. The vet also said maybe asthma but said there wasn't anything you do for it--my cat is 9. Thx for any help!

Answer 1

Asthma is treatable in cats, I have several cats with asthma and they get injections for it every 6 weeks. Have you tried using a product like Feline Pine, it's made of pine pellets or Yesterdays News, made from recycled newspaper? Fresh Step scoopable is made of clay which is one of the #1 irritants to a cat. It caused allergic reactions, asthma, respiratory infections and other breathing problems. Clay based litters should especially never be used in senior (over 7) or kittens (1 & under) they are the most volunerable to breathing problems.

I have 14 cats and the only litters I use is Feline Pine or Feline Fresh (sold at WalMart for under $3 a 7pound bag), both are pine pellets. After scooping the used litter can also be poured around shrubs, rose bushes, young trees, or any other non-edible plant.

Answer 2

Ok, so hairballs can make a cat cough, hence the expression "cough up a hairball" Usually it is more of a hack then a constant cough though. Is it just an occasional cough or does it happen all the time? Dusty litter can be a problem too. Honestly, get a second opinion. If you cat has asthma, there are things that can be done to help it. I come from 15+ years in the veterinary field, believe me, cats can be treated for asthma if they have it but you have to be sure to get a proper diagnosis. I would say, get a second opinion if you are not happy with the answers you got from your vet.

Answer 3

Cat With A Cough

Answer 4

One of my cats, who is very big and came from the shelter gets an occasional cough/wheeze and we've tried just about every brand of scoopable out there. He still does it once in awhile. Vet couldn't find anything wrong so I think it could be the asthma issue or just an internal problem he had before we adopted him.
Let me know if you find a litter that stops the problem! :o)

Answer 5

Switch to a plant-based litter. There is no "dust" in these kinds of litter, although bits of plant fiber can stick to your cat's paw - but that's OK becuase these are bits of plant fiber material - not rock, not dirt, not silica. There are several clumping brands of this very safe and very effective kind of litter. Some are made from wheat, others from pine, others from other plant fibers. I use "P-Pod" made from the fibers of pea pods. It clumps and has excellent odor control. Costs around $8.00 for a bag that lasts 1 month. The one made from wheat is also very good, but I forgot what it is called.

Answer 6

that is greater advantageous than probably the dirt from the muddle. I had an analogous project yet my cats and vet will in hassle-free terms enable me to apply Arm and Hammer. that is now my husbands job and he's superb with it. you may desire to easily be delicate to the dirt as i'm allergic to it and due to this I have been given out of cleansing the muddle boxes..... maximum suitable of luck!

Answer 7

TRY A PINE LITTER INSTEAD OF A CLAY LITTER OR THEY ALSO MAKE LITTER FROM REC. PAPER TRY ONE OF THESE SEE IF IT MAKES A DIFFERENCE THEY SHOULD NOT CAUSE DUST SO IT WILL HELP YOU NARROW THIS DOWN AS TO IF IT IS THE DUST OR NOT GOOD LUCK

Answer 8

try the kitty crystals. Worked great for my cats.
Also if the cough does not clear up could be asthma.
Morgaine

Answer 9

the cat is probally alergic to something in the cat litter

Answer 10

Stop feeding it to her