Affected cats may cough, wheeze, and have labored breathing and shortness of breath, especially after exertion. A characteristic wheezing sound happens when air is forced through the narrowed airways.

On December 10, 2024, in Bangkok, Thailand, @sugar_acat shared a video of their cat hilariously reacting to its owner's cough ...

MP3 players in the cats' pens play sounds such as rainfall and birdsong. Staff at the Mitcham Homing Centre also use a soundtrack of everyday noises such as sneezing, laughing and coughing.