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My stray cat only trusts me, but has a dry cough. What should I do?

Updated on September 23, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | American Shorthair | Male | 15 lbs

The cat isn't mine, it's a stray but I have been taking care of him for over a month now. Firstly, he really only seems to trust me. I'm the only one in my family who is able to interact with him really without him running away. My friend told me that cats choose their owner. Why does he only trust me and is that true? Secondly, it has been getting colder outside and I'm going to try to bring him inside with the permission from my parents but hes had this dry cough. What does that mean? Thank u!

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on November 20, 2016

It sounds like this stray has bonded with you, and that is why he trusts you over anyone else. You have likely shown him a lot of kindness, which would be why he feels safe with you. I think it's lovely you have been taking care of him and want to bring him inside to keep him from getting cold. If his cough is dry, then it is what's known as an unproductive cough. In cats, coughs are typically caused by a respiratory disease, either bacterial or viral. It is something that should be examined by a vet, as he may need medications help treat his symptoms. If you do plan on keeping him, keep in mind he will need vaccines, flea treatment, heartworm prevention, and deworming treatments to keep him healthy, and I would recommend neutering him to prevent hormone related behaviors such as urine marking his territory. There are low cost clinics throughout the US where you can take your cat for preventative treatments, and I will put a link to a website to find them below:
http://www.humanesociety.org/animals/resources/tips/trouble_affording_pet.html?credit=web_id91754962

2Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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