It is very hard to see a cat breathe through its mouth, and this animal can only breathe, unlike dogs or ourselves, through its nose. When we see him with his mouth half open, with breathing difficulties, go immediately to the vet because his life is in danger.
What are the respiratory problems in cats and how are they treated?
Respiratory problems in cats
La fatigue and difficulty breathing These symptoms are never normal in cats. Many different diseases share similar signs (coughing, sneezing, runny nose, or panting), but the Treatment depends on the causeTherefore, an accurate veterinary diagnosis is essential. Below, we review the most common pathologies and how they are treated, along with other lesser-known causes that also lead to respiratory problems.
Asthma
Asthma or allergic bronchitis in cats is a disease that can appear at any time, its appearance being more likely if the animal lives in a home where people smoke. Its cause is the oppression of the airways and airways or bronchi, which are the tubes responsible for transporting air from the trachea to the lungs.
The narrowing of these pathways occurs when the immune system overreacts to the presence of the allergen (pollen, smoke, etc.).
Symptoms and treatment
The symptoms are: shortness of breath (may breathe faster, and / or making more noise), persistent cough, wheezing when exhaling air.
If you suspect that your cat has asthma, you should take him to the vet for treatment. May prescribe allergy medications and inhalers.
In clinical practice, feline asthma is confirmed with chest x-rays and, if necessary, further tests. corticosteroids They help reduce inflammation of the bronchi and bronchodilators They facilitate the entry of air, often through inhalation chambers adapted for cats. In addition, the environmental controlAvoid smoke, aerosols, very fine and perfumed sand dust, and ventilate the house.
calicivirus
It is the most common respiratory disease. The eyes, nose and mouth are the parts where the virus multiplies. It affects kittens, older cats, and those that live in colonies. If a healthy cat comes into contact with the secretions of a sick one, or if it has eaten from the same plate as him, it can become infected.
It is a virus that can living in the environment for long periodsTherefore, unvaccinated animals are seriously threatened.
Symptoms and treatment
The most common symptoms are: ulcers in the throat and on the tongue, sneezing, nasal discharge, fever, pneumonia, and eye discharge.
To help you, you should take him to the vet to treat him with anti-viral drugs. It is important that at home you clean his eyes with a gauze moistened with chamomile to make him feel better.
The veterinarian may add antibiotics to prevent secondary bacterial infections, analgesics for the pain of ulcers and hydration and nutrition supportMaintaining a humid environment (steam bath) helps to thin mucus. combined vaccination It greatly reduces the severity and frequency of outbreaks.
Feline respiratory complex
It is caused by viruses that attack the upper respiratory tract: throat, mouth, tongue, nose and eyes. Once they enter the body, they multiply in these areas causing irritation and general discomfort, which causes the affected animal to manufacture more saliva, tears, sneezes or mucus and use these as a means of transport to infect others.
It is very common, especially in kittens, since they do not yet have a developed immune system. If it is not treated, it can be fatal.
Symptoms and treatment
The symptoms of the feline respiratory complex are: ulcers on the tongue, inflammations in the mouth, rhinitis, conjunctivitis, hoarseness.
So that he recovers as soon as possible, the vet will treat the disease with antibiotics and, if necessary, hydrating the cat with serum.
The respiratory complex involves feline herpesvirus and calicivirus and often bacteria like Bordetella, chlamydia and mycoplasmasIn some cats, the virus remains dormant. latent and they can be carrierseliminating the pathogen intermittently, especially with StressSupportive care (fluids, warmth, secretion cleaning) and the isolation and hygiene Staying home reduces infections.
Pleural effusion
This sickness occurs when fluid builds up in the lungs. As a consequence, these vital organs cannot swell due to lack of space, which can lead to the cat's death by drowning.
It occurs frequently in felines with heart problems, cancer or feline leukemia. But, even if your cat is healthy, you must pay close attention to the symptoms that it may have throughout its life.
Symptoms and treatment
The symptoms of this pathology are the following: coughing, gasping, trouble breathing, and the tongue may turn blue. In addition, he will be very nervous.
Treatment for these cases is usually surgical. Fluid is removed from your lungs under general anesthesia, and then given a treatment with medications that will help the respiratory system work.
Depending on the origin, they can be diagnosed pyothorax, chylothorax, hemothorax or cardiac transudates. thoracentesis decompresses the thorax and the oxygen therapy stabilize the patient; then treat the underlying cause.
Viral rhinotracheitis
It is caused by the feline herpes virus 1, which especially attacks kittens and older cats, specifically their nose, eyes, throat and mouth causing inflammation and fever. If a pregnant cat contracts it, she will pass it on to her little ones or, in the worst case, abort naturally.
Keep in mind that stress is an element that activates the virusSo we must try to make our friend lead a calm and happy life.
Symptoms and treatment
The symptoms are, in addition to those we have mentioned before, the following: sneezing, conjunctivitis, eye and nose discharge, mouth and tongue ulcers, and pneumonia.
Regrettably, there is no cure for rhinotracheitis, but with antivirals the animal can live for many years.
Many cats end up as chronic carriersWith good care, regular check-ups and vaccination, they can lead a completely normal life.
Warning signs and when to see a vet
Cats hide their discomfort, so it's advisable recognize changes in breathing and behavior:
- Fast breathing (more than 30 breaths per minute) or very shallow at rest.
- Breathing with your mouth open, something that is never normal in cats.
- Nasal flaring when inhaling, with the abdomen or chest moving excessively.
- Orthopneic posture: neck extended, elbows apart and sternum supported.
- Pale or bluish gums, lethargy, weakness or faintness.
Practical tipCount your child's breaths while they sleep by watching their chest rise and fall. If it exceeds 30 breaths per minute or you notice them struggling, consult a doctor immediately.
Diagnosis and supportive care
To determine the correct treatment, the veterinarian may perform auscultation, x-rays, blood tests, test of PCR or culture of secretions, rhinoscopyand, if necessary, a bronchoalveolar lavageIn the emergency room, the oxygen therapy and thoracentesis (if there is a spill) are a priority.
The support includes fluid therapy If there is dehydration, nutrition (heat the food or use highly palatable diets), ambient humidification y eye and nasal hygiene with gauze and saline solution. At home, avoid self-administer medications Without a prescription, do not force the exercise and provide a warm and calm environment.
Other causes of respiratory problems in cats
Bacterial infections of the respiratory tract
Although many infections begin with viruses, they are frequently complicated by bacteria. They are characterized by abundant mucous secretion (yellow or greenish), fever y loss of appetiteThe veterinarian usually prescribes broad spectrum antibiotics and, if necessary, culture to choose the most effective one. A treatment catalogue avoid relapses.
Respiratory parasites
Los lungworms They can cause chronic cough or go unnoticed. They are detected with stool tests or bronchoalveolar lavage and are treated with dewormers specific. The antiparasitic prevention Periodic use reduces the risk.
Fungal diseases
They are less frequent, but important: cryptococcosis (the most common), histoplasmosis, blastomycosis, or coccidioidomycosis. They usually follow a course of chronicle with persistent nasal discharge and changes in the nasal area. They are diagnosed by cytology/culture and respond to antifungals for weeks or months, with a good prognosis if treated in time.
Foreign bodies, polyps and dental problems
An blade of grass In the larynx or trachea, it irritates and causes coughing or gagging. nasopharyngeal polyps (benign tumors in young cats) cause snoring and secretion; they resolve with removal. The dental disease and certain fistulas can cause sneezing and unilateral nasal discharge; the dental treatment They improve.
Non-infectious feline rhinitis
La allergic rhinitis It inflames the nasal mucosa due to dust, pollen, or sudden changes in weather, with sneeze y runny noseIt is usually mild, but it is advisable to monitor allergens at home and consult a doctor if the symptoms persist.
Can they be prevented?
Not 100%, but there are a number of things you can do to make sure your furry friend has a... life as healthy as possible. They are as follows:
- Give him a quality diet: If a cat eats a food that does not have grains or by-products, but a high percentage of animal protein (minimum 70%), not only will it have optimal growth and development, but it will also have a strong immune system.
- Take him to get his shots: This is especially important if you intend to let it go outside. The Vaccines They are made with sleeping viruses, which are used for the body to create antibodies which, in turn, will serve to fight against viruses that are in the environment or that may enter the cat's body.
- Take care of your catWhen you decide to have an animal at home, you have to take care of it daily, which means that you have to give it food and drink, keep it company, play with it, and take it to the vet if it is suspected that it is sick. So you are sure to lead a long and happy life.
- Avoid smoke and aerosolsTobacco, air fresheners, or irritants worsen the condition. asthma and rhinitis.
- Hygiene and ventilationCleaning of sand and feeders, control of dust and good ventilation reduce pathogens.
- Quarantine and testingWhen introducing a new cat, perform isolation temporary and veterinary review to prevent outbreaks.
- stress managementstable routines, environmental enrichment and safe spaces minimize herpes reactivations.
- Periodic dewormingProper anthelmintic schedules prevent lung parasites.
- Dental healthDental checkups and cleanings prevent processes that affect the nose and sinuses.
- Avoid extreme cold and humidityIt limits exposure to currents and provides warm zones for rest.
We hope you find this article useful. Currently, the combination of accurate diagnoses, top supportive treatments and strategies of prevention Through vaccination and daily care, the impact of these diseases has been significantly reduced. Detect early signsActing quickly and maintaining good habits at home are the keys to your cat's peace of mind.