Why is my cat breathing heavily? Heavy breathing in cats always tops the list of serious diseases in cats. There are two reasons for this:
- First, most causes of heavy breathing in cats are quite serious.
- Secondly, cats are so good at hiding that they are sick or injured that their panting only becomes noticeable when the animal already feels very ill, is in severe pain or even in pain.
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.
- Heartworms. Cats can contract heartworm disease after being bitten by infected mosquitoes Ruthless heartworms larval parasites. And yes, there have already been cases of animals living in Lithuania being infected Ruthless heartworms.
- Infectious diseases in 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 circulation, cause fluid to build up in or around the lungs, and enlarge the heart, making it difficult for cats to breathe.
- Fluid or gas in the chest cavity. 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.
- Trauma suffered by cats. These are clearly visible lesions in the chest area.
- Cat poisoning or intoxication. Poisons that affect blood clotting can cause bleeding and difficulty breathing. Acetaminophen (Tylenol) should never be given to cats because it damages 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 airways of cats. Cats can inhale objects that get stuck in their airways and prevent them from breathing normally.
Heavy breathing in cats is a universal term for problems, but there are different types of heavy breathing in cats, depending on different diseases.
Types of Heavy Breathing in Cats
Respiratory problems in cats can manifest in a variety of ways, from rapid breathing to wheezing or open-mouth breathing. Below we’ll look at the most common types of breathing problems in cats, what they can mean, and when you need to see a vet.
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The cat pants
Unlike dogs, Cats don’t pant to cool themselves, so panting is almost always abnormal and can indicate a serious health problem.
Short-term panting may occur after active play, stress, or exposure to a hot environment, but should not last long or recur. The most common causes are:
- heat stroke (overheating),
- physical exhaustion,
- stress or fear,
- respiratory tract infections,
- heart diseases, including parasitic ones,
- anemia (lack of oxygen in the blood).
If a cat or cat pant for a long time, their breathing becomes shallow, they become lethargic, they have coordination problems, or they vomit, this is a sign that urgent veterinary care is needed. Other dangerous signs include discoloration of the gums (pale, blue, yellow), drooping, or shortness of breath.
Panting is one of the first signs that your cat may be lacking oxygen. If you notice this behavior, don’t delay your visit to the vet.
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The cat’s wheezing
Wheezing is a high-pitched hiss, which is heard most often when a cat exhales. It may be a sign of partial airway obstruction caused by narrowing or inflammation of the airways.
Wheezing is often associated with feline asthma, bronchitis or other lower respiratory tract diseases. These sounds may sometimes be accompanied by coughing, wheezing, or shortness of breath.
If the wheezing recurs or becomes intense, you should consult a vet – it could be a sign of a chronic disease.
Rapid breathing in cats
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 resting.
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A cat may breathe rapidly due to lung disease, upper respiratory tract disease, heart disease, metabolic disorders (such as uncontrolled diabetes), high fever, stress, or pain.
The cat breathes heavily
Cats with respiratory problems can also try to compensate for their breathing by taking deep breaths.
Cats breathe with their mouths open
Cats are animals that breathe only through their nose. Breathing with your mouth open may be a sign that you are unable to inhale or exhale air through your nose or that you are having difficulty breathing.
The cat breathes as if it had a stuffy nose
A stuffy nose is a common symptom of upper respiratory tract infections in cats, but discharge from the nose is also usually noticed. If your cat is breathing «roughly» but his nose seems normal, congestion may be in his lungs, which could be a symptom of pneumonia, heart disease, or other serious health problems.
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The cat breathes noisily
Noisy breathing usually occurs when air passes through an unusually narrow area of the airway. This can happen due to narrowing or partial blockage of the nasal passages, pharynx (back of the nose and mouth), trachea, or airway.
Frequent breathing in cats while resting
Remember that the only time heavy breathing is normal for cats is after strenuous exercise. Breathing heavily at rest, except for occasional deep sighs, is dangerous for health conditions such as heart failure or serious lung disease. If your cat is panting and having trouble breathing, it is important to take him to the vet immediately.
The cat’s shallow breathing
A healthy cat’s breathing may appear shallow, especially when resting. However, shallow breathing is not normal if it is accompanied by other symptoms: open mouth, rapid and frequent breathing, very deep breaths.
Cat breathing with its belly
When breathing normally, the cat’s belly moves slightly, but it should not use its abdominal muscles to breathe. This is a sign of breathing difficulties in cats.
What to do if your cat has trouble breathing?
Never ignore heavy breathing in cats. Unless your cat has just walked several laps around the house or has experienced some type of stress and his breathing quickly returns to a normal pace. If you notice that your cat is breathing heavily without physical exertion or stress, consult your veterinarian.
If your cat’s symptoms do not improve after he has calmed down, or if they get worse, contact your vet immediately.
How do veterinarians diagnose respiratory problems in cats?
A vet can stabilize your cat with oxygen therapy or other treatments, but once this is done, you need to look for the underlying problem.
Once it is safe to do so, your veterinarian will perform a complete physical exam and ask questions about your cat’s health, lifestyle, and symptoms you have observed at home.
To determine the exact cause of breathing difficulties and prescribe the most appropriate treatment, your veterinarian will often prescribe the following tests:
- Blood morphology and biochemical tests
- Urine tests
- Chest x-ray
- Cardiac and thoracic ultrasound (echocardiogram)
- Collection and analysis of fluid or tissue samples (if fluid is present in the chest cavity or heart membranes)
- 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 your cat has breathing problems?
Veterinarians at the Begemoto Veterinary Clinic remind us that the earlier the cause of a cat’s breathing difficulties is diagnosed and treated, the greater the chance of a rapid recovery. The veterinary clinic offers a wide range of diagnostic services that allow you to determine the cause of the animal’s health problems as quickly and accurately as possible.
The Begemotas Veterinary Clinic is a place where not only the health of each four-legged patient is taken care of, but also the emotional state of the patient and his owner. Please feel free to contact us for a consultation if your beloved pet suffers from any of the conditions mentioned above.
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