Breathing Issues in Cats: Causes, Signs & Treatment Guide

Noticing your cat struggling to breathe can be alarming and distressing. Breathing issues in cats demand immediate veterinary attention to ensure your pet’s wellbeing and comfort. This guide will help you understand causes, identify signs of respiratory distress, and know what treatment options vets may offer to protect your beloved feline.

Common Causes of Breathing Difficulties in Cats

Cats can experience breathing problems for many reasons, generally linked to compromised airways or lung function. Understanding potential causes aids timely recognition and care.

1. Upper Airway Conditions: Issues such as nasal or throat obstructions, affected vocal cords, or foreign bodies blocking airflow can cause trouble breathing. Brachycephalic (flat-faced) breeds like the Burmese are more prone due to anatomical airway restrictions. Congenital abnormalities or laryngeal paralysis may also play a role.
2. Airway Obstruction: Objects stuck in the windpipe or collapsing trachea can significantly impair airflow. Cats may develop a distinctive cough needing prompt vet evaluation.
3. Lung Diseases: Circumstances such as pulmonary oedema (fluid in lungs), pneumonia (including aspiration pneumonia), cancer, or allergic conditions like feline asthma cause inflammation and reduced lung function.
4. Trauma: Accidents, including vehicle collisions, may bruise lung tissue or cause pleural effusion (fluid around the lungs), leading to breathing difficulties.
5. Tumours or Masses: Growths within airway passages can obstruct airflow progressively, necessitating veterinary assessment.

Recognising Signs Your Cat Is in Respiratory Distress

Early identification of breathing problems can be lifesaving. Watch for these signs consistently:

• Heaving or laboured breathing with visible effort
• Open-mouth breathing or panting (unusual in cats)
• Rapid breathing at rest (above 30 breaths per minute)
• Cyanosis: bluish tint to gums or tongue indicating oxygen deficiency
• Wheezing or persistent coughing, sometimes mistaken for hairballs
• Postures such as extended neck or crouching with elbows splayed for ease of breathing
• Weakness, collapse, or lethargy linked to respiratory distress

If you observe any signs of cyanosis, open-mouth breathing, or collapse, seek emergency veterinary care immediately. Staying calm during transport helps prevent exacerbating your cat’s condition.

How Vets Diagnose Breathing Issues in Cats

Veterinary professionals use a combination of observations and tests to pinpoint the cause of breathing difficulties:

• Physical examination with careful monitoring
• Diagnostic imaging like X-rays or ultrasound to examine lungs, airways, and heart
• Thoracocentesis to remove excess fluid or air from the chest cavity if present
• Endoscopy under anaesthetic to visually inspect airway obstructions or abnormalities
• Blood tests to assess infection or organ function
• Faecal analysis when lung parasites or infections are suspected

Treatment Options and Home Care

Treatment depends on the underlying cause and severity of the breathing issue. Immediate veterinary care is vital, often including oxygen therapy or medications such as bronchodilators, antibiotics, or cardiac drugs. In emergency cases, fluid drainage or surgery may be required.

Once home, your cat should be kept in a warm, quiet, and secure environment with limited physical activity. Reducing stress and allowing plenty of rest supports recovery. Follow all veterinary instructions carefully and schedule follow-up visits to monitor progress.

Promoting Your Cat’s Respiratory Health

• Avoid exposure to environmental irritants like cigarette smoke, strong perfumes, or dusty areas that may trigger asthma or allergies
• Keep vaccinations and parasite prevention up to date to reduce infection risks
• Regular veterinary check-ups help catch early signs of respiratory or cardiac issues
• Choose reputable breeders if acquiring a brachycephalic or predisposed breed to reduce risk of congenital airway problems

Summary: When to Act Quickly

Breathing difficulties in cats are often serious and can worsen rapidly. Immediate veterinary consultation is essential if your cat shows signs like open-mouth breathing, bluish gums, severe coughing, or lethargy. Prompt diagnosis and treatment improve chances of a positive outcome, ensuring your cat can enjoy a comfortable and healthy life.

Remember, responsible pet ownership includes being vigilant to health changes and providing a safe environment that supports your cat’s respiratory health.