When you have both cats and dogs at home, it’s natural to worry about illnesses passing between them. Kennel cough is a common respiratory infection in dogs, but can cats catch it too? Understanding how kennel cough spreads and whether it affects cats helps you keep all your pets healthy.

In this article, we’ll explore what kennel cough is, how it spreads, and if cats are at risk. You’ll also learn about symptoms in both dogs and cats, treatment options, and how to prevent infections in multi-pet households.

What Is Kennel Cough in Dogs?

Kennel cough, also called canine infectious tracheobronchitis, is a contagious respiratory disease in dogs. It causes inflammation of the throat and airways, leading to a persistent cough. The infection is usually mild but can be more serious in puppies or dogs with weak immune systems.

The condition spreads easily in places where dogs gather, like kennels, dog parks, or grooming salons. It’s caused by several bacteria and viruses, with Bordetella bronchiseptica being the most common bacterial culprit.

• Kennel cough causes a harsh, dry cough that sounds like a honking goose, which can last for weeks if untreated.

• The infection spreads through airborne droplets when an infected dog coughs or sneezes, making close contact risky.

• Dogs can also catch kennel cough by sharing contaminated water bowls, toys, or surfaces with infected dogs.

• Vaccines are available to reduce the risk and severity of kennel cough but don’t guarantee complete protection.

Knowing these basics helps you recognize kennel cough in dogs and take steps to prevent its spread.

Can Cats Get Kennel Cough from Dogs?

Many pet owners wonder if cats can catch kennel cough from dogs. The short answer is no—cats do not get kennel cough caused by Bordetella bronchiseptica in the same way dogs do. However, some respiratory pathogens involved in kennel cough can affect cats differently.

While Bordetella bronchiseptica can infect cats, it usually causes a milder respiratory illness rather than classic kennel cough. Cats have their own respiratory infections caused by viruses like feline herpesvirus and calicivirus, which are unrelated to kennel cough.

• Bordetella bronchiseptica can infect cats but typically causes mild sneezing or nasal discharge, not the severe cough seen in dogs.

• Cats are not natural hosts for kennel cough bacteria, so transmission from dogs to cats is uncommon and usually not serious.

• Respiratory infections in cats are more often caused by feline-specific viruses, which do not affect dogs.

• Close contact between cats and dogs can increase the chance of cross-species bacterial exposure but rarely leads to full kennel cough in cats.

Understanding these differences helps you avoid unnecessary worry while staying alert for any signs of illness in your pets.

Symptoms of Respiratory Illness in Cats and Dogs

Recognizing symptoms early is key to managing respiratory infections in both cats and dogs. While kennel cough symptoms are well-known in dogs, cats show different signs when affected by respiratory pathogens.

Dogs with kennel cough usually have a persistent, dry cough, but cats often show milder or different symptoms when infected by similar bacteria.

• Dogs with kennel cough often have a loud, hacking cough that worsens with excitement or exercise, sometimes producing gagging or retching.

• Cats infected with Bordetella may show sneezing, nasal congestion, mild coughing, or watery eyes, which are less severe than in dogs.

• Both cats and dogs may have reduced appetite, lethargy, or mild fever if the infection progresses.

• Severe respiratory distress, such as difficulty breathing or persistent high fever, requires immediate veterinary attention in any pet.

Monitoring your pets for these signs ensures prompt veterinary care and reduces the risk of complications.

Treatment Options for Kennel Cough and Similar Infections

Treatment for kennel cough in dogs focuses on relieving symptoms and preventing secondary infections. Most dogs recover within two to three weeks with supportive care. Cats with mild respiratory infections often improve without aggressive treatment.

Veterinarians tailor treatment based on the severity and the pet’s overall health, sometimes prescribing antibiotics if bacterial infection is confirmed or suspected.

• Rest and limiting exercise help dogs recover faster by reducing airway irritation during kennel cough.

• Cough suppressants may be prescribed to ease persistent coughing but are used cautiously to avoid suppressing protective reflexes.

• Antibiotics are recommended if bacterial infection is present or if there’s risk of pneumonia in both dogs and cats.

• Humidifiers or steam therapy can soothe irritated airways and help clear mucus in pets with respiratory symptoms.

Following your veterinarian’s advice and completing prescribed treatments ensures the best outcome for your pets.

Preventing Respiratory Infections in Multi-Pet Households

Preventing kennel cough and other respiratory infections requires good hygiene and management, especially when you have both cats and dogs. Vaccination and minimizing exposure to infected animals are key strategies.

Since cats and dogs have different respiratory pathogens, it’s important to protect each species appropriately while maintaining a clean environment.

• Vaccinate your dog against kennel cough to reduce the risk of infection and transmission to other dogs.

• Keep cats indoors or away from places where infected dogs gather to minimize cross-species exposure.

• Regularly clean food bowls, bedding, and toys to prevent contamination with respiratory pathogens.

• Isolate any pet showing respiratory symptoms until cleared by a veterinarian to avoid spreading infection.

These preventive measures help maintain a healthy environment for all your pets and reduce the chance of respiratory illnesses.

When to See a Veterinarian for Respiratory Symptoms

Knowing when to seek veterinary care is crucial for your pet’s health. Mild coughing or sneezing may resolve on their own, but persistent or severe symptoms require professional evaluation.

Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent complications and improve recovery times for both cats and dogs.

• If your dog’s cough lasts more than two weeks or worsens, consult your veterinarian to rule out pneumonia or other serious issues.

• Cats showing difficulty breathing, loss of appetite, or high fever need immediate veterinary attention to address potential infections.

• Any pet with nasal discharge that changes color or becomes thick and greenish should be examined promptly for secondary infections.

• Pets with weakened immune systems, young puppies, or senior animals are at higher risk and should be monitored closely for respiratory symptoms.

Timely veterinary care ensures your pets receive appropriate treatment and reduces the risk of spreading infections to other animals.

Conclusion

While dogs commonly get kennel cough, cats do not typically catch this illness from them. Cats can carry some of the same bacteria but usually experience milder symptoms and different respiratory infections. Understanding these differences helps you care for your pets effectively.

By recognizing symptoms, seeking timely veterinary care, and practicing good preventive measures, you can protect both your cats and dogs from respiratory illnesses. Keeping your multi-pet household healthy involves vigilance, vaccination, and maintaining a clean environment.

FAQs

Can cats spread kennel cough to dogs?

Cats rarely spread kennel cough to dogs because they usually have milder infections. Dogs are the primary hosts and spread the disease mainly to other dogs through close contact.

Is kennel cough contagious to humans?

Kennel cough bacteria rarely infect humans. People with weakened immune systems should avoid close contact with infected dogs, but the risk to healthy individuals is very low.

How long does kennel cough last in dogs?

Kennel cough typically lasts 1 to 3 weeks in dogs. With proper care, most dogs recover fully without complications.

Are there vaccines for kennel cough in dogs?

Yes, vaccines for kennel cough are available and recommended for dogs at risk. They reduce severity and spread but do not guarantee complete immunity.

What should I do if my cat shows respiratory symptoms?

If your cat sneezes or has nasal discharge, monitor closely. If symptoms worsen or include difficulty breathing, see a veterinarian promptly for diagnosis and treatment.