Why is my cat having difficulty breathing?

Why is my cat having difficulty breathing?

Difficult or laboured breathing in cats, also known as dyspnea, can be a sign of a number of issues, including infection, trauma and bleeding. Other reasons why a cat may be struggling to breathe include foreign objects, heart failure, asthma and anaemia. Allergies, pain, fever and medication may also be to blame.

Why does my cat have a lot of respiratory problems?

Feline calicivirus and feline herpes virus are responsible for 80 – 90% of all contagious upper respiratory problems in cats. Respiratory distress can occur for a number of different reasons. Some of the most common causes include: Asthma: this condition causes the airways to become inflamed, causing spasms.

Can a cat have more than one respiratory infection?

There are a few other agents, including feline chlamydiosis, mycoplasma and Bordetella —and some cats may be infected with more than one respiratory infection virus. Fortunately, there are tests that can be done by your veterinarian to help narrow down the cause of the infection.

What are the symptoms of an upper respiratory infection in a cat?

Symptoms differ depending on the cause and location of the infection, but some common clinical signs of upper respiratory problems in cats include: Sneezing. Congestion. Runny nose. Cough. Clear to colored nasal discharge. Gagging, drooling.

What should I do if my cat is having difficulty breathing?

Your veterinarian will also draw a sample of blood to test the amount of oxygen and carbon dioxide in your cat’s blood. This will help to determine how severe your cat’s breathing difficulty is and whether the problem is in the lungs or somewhere else in the chest. Your veterinarian may also draw blood for a heartworm test.

How do you treat a cat with a respiratory infection?

Treating cats with upper respiratory infections often depends on the severity of the infection. Your veterinarian may prescribe oral medications, nebulization treatments, subcutaneous fluid therapy, or rest. Nutritional support can also help alleviate the symptoms of upper respiratory infections.

What are signs of respiratory infection in cats?

Sniffling, sneezing, clear to pus-like discharge from the eyes and/or nose, coughing and lethargy are common symptoms of an upper respiratory infection in cats.

Why is my cat sneezing a lot?

Causes of Sneezing. If your cat is sneezing a lot, your veterinarian may initially suspect a cause based on a review of your cat’s symptoms. One of the main causes of sneezing is infection. In some cases, the vet may take a swab from the mouth, throat, eyes, or nose and send it to a lab to confirm an infection.

What are the symptoms of Uri in cats?

URI will first show up with the symptoms of your cat having a running or red nose, nasal congestion, and watery eyes; as well as ulcers on the tongue, gums, nose, and the roof of their mouth.