Why is the cat breathing heavily? Breathing difficulty in cats is always at the top of the list of extremely serious diseases in cats. There are two reasons for this:
- First, most causes of heavy breathing in cats are quite serious.
- Secondly, cats hide themselves so well from being sick or injured, that their heavy breathing only becomes noticeable when the animal already feels very bad, experiences great pain or even agony.
Causes of Heavy Breathing in Cats
There are many reasons why cats breathe heavily, most of which pose a serious threat to their well-being.
- Feline asthma and chronic bronchitis. Cats with asthma and a related condition, chronic bronchitis, often experience difficulty breathing, wheezing, and coughing.
- Heartworms. Cats can contract heartworm disease after being bitten by infected mosquitoes Ruthless heartworms larval parasites. And yes, cases of infection of animals living in Lithuania have already been recorded Ruthless heartworms.
- Infectious diseases of cats. Viruses, bacteria, fungi and other microorganisms can cause upper respiratory tract infections, tracheobronchitis and pneumonia.
- Heart disease in cats – Heart problems can negatively affect blood flow, cause fluid to build up in or around the lungs, and enlarge the heart, causing cats to have difficulty breathing.
- Fluid or gas in the chest. When blood, pus, lymph, and other fluids or gases build up in the chest cavity, the lungs have no room to expand and cats have difficulty breathing.
- Injuries suffered by cats. These are clearly visible lesions in the chest area.
- Cat intoxication or poisoning. Poisons that affect blood clotting can cause bleeding and difficulty breathing. Acetaminophen (Tylenol) should never be given to cats because it affects their red blood cells’ ability to carry oxygen. Other reactions to toxins and medications can also make it difficult for cats to breathe.
- Foreign bodies in the respiratory tract of cats. Cats can inhale things that get stuck in their airways and prevent them from breathing normally.
Feline panting is a general term for problems, but there are different types of panting in cats that depend on different conditions.
Types of Heavy Breathing in Cats
A cat’s breathing problems can take many forms, from rapid breathing to wheezing or open-mouth breathing. Below we take a look at the most common types of respiratory problems in cats, what they can mean, and when you need to see a vet.
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The cat is licking
Unlike dogs, Cats don’t pant to cool themselves, so panting is almost always abnormal and can indicate a serious health problem.
Short-term licking may occur after active play, stress, or a hot environment, but should not last long or be repeated. The most common reasons:
- heat stroke (overheating),
- physical exhaustion,
- stress or fear,
- respiratory infections,
- heart diseases, including parasitic ones,
- anemia (lack of oxygen in the blood).
If a cat or cat vomits for a long time, breathing becomes shallow, lethargy, incoordination or vomiting occurs – this is a signal that urgent veterinary care is needed. Discolored gums (pale, blue, yellow), collapse, or shortness of breath are also warning signs.
The lewd look is one of the first signs that a cat may be lacking oxygen. If you notice this behavior, don’t delay a visit to the vet.
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Cat wheezing
Wheezing is a high-pitched hiss, usually audible when a cat exhales. They may be a sign of partial airway obstruction due to narrowing or inflammation of the airways.
Frequent wheezing associated with feline asthma, bronchitis or other lower respiratory tract diseases. Sometimes these sounds may be accompanied by coughing, wheezing, or shortness of breath.
If the wheezing recurs or becomes intense, you should consult a vet – this could be a sign of a chronic disease.
Rapid cat breathing
Cats breathe rapidly when they don’t get enough oxygen or can’t exhale enough carbon dioxide. Physical activity can make a cat breathe rapidly, but it should return to normal quickly after rest.
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A cat may have rapid breathing due to lung disease, upper respiratory disease, heart disease, metabolic disorders (such as uncontrolled diabetes), high fever, stress, or pain.
The cat breathes heavily
Cats with breathing problems may also try to compensate by taking deep breaths.
Cats breathe with their mouths open
Cats are animals that breathe only through their nose. Mouth breathing may be a sign that they are unable to inhale or exhale air through their nose or that they are really having trouble breathing.
A cat’s breath is like a stuffy nose
Nasal congestion is a common symptom of upper respiratory tract infections in cats, but nasal discharge is also often seen. If your cat’s breathing is «gross» but his nose seems normal, there may be a blockage in his lungs, which could be a symptom of pneumonia, heart disease, or another serious health problem.
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The cat breathes noisily
Noisy breathing usually occurs when air enters through an abnormally narrow area of the airway. This can happen due to narrowing or partial blockage of the nasal passages, pharynx (the back of the nose and mouth), trachea, or airway.
Frequent breathing of the cat while resting
Remember that the only time heavy breathing is normal for cats is after strenuous exercise. Breathing heavily at rest, aside from the occasional deep sigh, is dangerous for health conditions such as heart failure or serious lung disease.
Shallow cat breathing
A healthy cat’s breathing may seem shallow, especially when he is resting. However, shallow breathing is not normal if it is associated with other symptoms: open mouth, rapid and frequent inhalation, very deep breaths.
Cat belly breathing
A cat’s abdomen moves slightly during normal breathing, but it should not use its abdominal muscles to breathe. This is a sign of breathing difficulty in cats.
What to do if your cat has trouble breathing?
Never ignore your cat’s heavy breathing. Unless your cat has just walked around the house or is under some kind of stress and breathing quickly returns to a normal pace. If you notice that this cat has difficulty breathing without exercise or stress, consult your veterinarian.
If your cat’s symptoms do not improve after calming him or they worsen, contact your veterinarian immediately.
How do veterinarians diagnose respiratory problems in cats?
Your vet may be able to stabilize your cat with oxygen therapy or other treatments, but after doing so it’s important to look for the underlying problem.
Once it is safe to do so for the cat in distress, your veterinarian will perform a complete physical exam and ask questions about the cat’s health, lifestyle, and any symptoms you have noticed in the home.
To determine the exact cause of breathing difficulty and prescribe the most appropriate treatment method, the veterinarian often prescribes the following tests:
- Morphological and biochemical examination of blood
- Urinalysis
- Chest x-ray
- Ultrasound of the heart and chest (echocardiogram)
- Collecting and testing fluid or tissue samples (if fluid is seen in the chest or lining of the heart)
- Blood pressure measurement
- Other special laboratory tests based on the specifics of the case (for example, serology to detect infectious diseases)
Where to go if the cat has breathing problems?
The veterinarians at the Begemoto Veterinary Clinic remind us that the earlier the cause of the cat’s heavy breathing is diagnosed and treated, the greater the chances of a rapid recovery. Vetklinika offers a wide range of diagnostic services that allow you to determine the cause of your pet’s health problems as quickly and accurately as possible.
The Begemots veterinary clinic is a place where not only the health of each four-legged patient is taken care of, but also his emotional state and that of his owner who accompanies him. Don’t hesitate and ask for a consultation if the reasons listed above bother your beloved pet.
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