Advice from a Super Vet, Dr. Baum: Loud Kitty Cougher

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Welcome to our series from the Wonderful Dr. Barry Baum, Chief of Staff at Center-Sinai Animal Hospital in Los Angeles. If you have a question for our Virtuoso Vet, he'd love to see it. And he will answer all that he can. Just use the form that follows below, beneath the column. Please note: If you feel the condition of your pet is critical, Dr. Baum suggests you contact your local vet ASAP!

For previous questions and answers, see the buttons under this week's article.

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Dear Dr. Baum --

My cat is 17 years old. She cannot hear at all. Several years ago she started meowing really loud especially before taking a nap. She does not seem to be in any pain and continues to engage in this strange behavior. Have you ever heard of this before?

My second question is that she has recently started making coughing sounds or a loud panting type of cough. Should I be worried that she has something serious or could it be a cold?

Thanks,
Lisa, W. Newbury, MA

Hi, Lisa --

The meowing is very common in elderly cats with hearing loss. Because they cannot hear themselves they are not aware of how annoying it can sound. Some of these cats also suffer from senility and the seemingly pointless vocalizations may also be related to their diminished mental capacity.

The bouts of respiratory distress are something that should be checked out. Heart disease or asthma are two concerns that come to mind. Please have your cat examined. Blood and urine test as well as chest x-rays are probably indicated.

Good luck!!!

Dr. Barry M. Baum

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