1st May 2006

Could our cats have caught kennel cough from our dog?

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Question:

We have adopted a rescue dog with kennel cough. Now our cats are coughing, too. Could they have caught it from the dog?

Answer:

One of the bacteria responsible for kennel cough in dogs, Bordetella bronchisepitica, has been found to be a cause of coughing and respiratory disease in cats. It is therefore possible that your cats may have contracted the infection from your dog. Other causes of coughing in cats include feline asthma and lungworm. Your veterinary surgeon will be able to determine the cause of the coughing and prescribe antibiotics accordingly.