Cats are not prone to respiratory infections, but they can develop them. Very often, a cold will cause cats to sneeze and cough. If you have a cat that is panting and seems to be in pain, especially if the animal is short of breath, call your vet immediately. Cats with respiratory problems should not be fed tuna or other fish because they can be toxic to cats. Cats that spend time outdoors are at risk for developing lungworm infection, so make sure your cat gets treated yearly for it.
Cats are not prone to respiratory infections, but they can develop them.
Cats are more likely to get colds and other illnesses that cause respiratory problems. In addition, some cats may develop lungworm infection (Angiostrongylus vasorum).
There are two types of lungworm infections: one is caused by the microscopic larvae of a parasite called Angiostrongylus vasorum; the other is caused by another parasite called Paragonimus Ellicott. The first type is spread through fleas or ticks; the second type lives in water and soil where cats hunt for food--so if you live near water sources like creeks or ponds where there might be raccoons or opossums (which carry this disease), it's important to keep your cat away from those places so he doesn't become infected by eating infected prey animals!
Very often, a cold will cause cats to sneeze and cough.
Cats are not prone to respiratory infections, but they can develop them. In fact, cats are more likely than people to get colds and the flu because they do not have the same immunity we do.
Colds in cats usually manifest as sneezing and coughing; however, if you notice your cat's nose is runny or he is having difficulty breathing--or if he has any sort of unusual behavior--take him in for medical attention right away.
Your vet will prescribe antibiotics if necessary and may also recommend treating your cat with steam therapy or humidifiers at home to help clear up his symptoms faster (and prevent further infection).
If you have a cat that is panting and seems to be in pain, especially if the animal is short of breath, call your vet immediately.
- Check for fever by feeling your cat's ears or the base of its tail. If it's hot to the touch, there may be an infection involved.
- Assess dehydration by looking at the gums: they should be pink; if they look pale or white/grayish instead, this is a sign that your kitty needs some fluids ASAP (and possibly antibiotics).
- Listen closely for wheezing or rattling sounds when breathing--this could indicate an upper respiratory infection (URI) like feline herpesvirus-1 (FHV-1) or feline calicivirus (FCV). A URI can also cause sneezing, coughing, and nasal discharge; watch out for these symptoms as well!
Cats with respiratory problems should not be fed tuna or other fish because they can be toxic to cats.
Tuna contains thiaminase, an enzyme that breaks down thiamine (vitamin B1). Cats require thiamine for normal metabolism, but when their bodies are exposed to large amounts of thiaminase, it causes them to develop a deficiency in B1 and suffer from serious neurological disorders including seizures, paralysis, and death.
Treatments for Respiratory Diseases in Cats:
- Treating lungworm yearly with preventative medications such as Stronghold Plus or Revolution will help keep your cat healthy throughout the year.
- Coughs and colds are common in cats but you should contact your veterinarian if symptoms persist over several days as they may be caused by something more serious like pneumonia or bronchitis which require more aggressive treatment plans under professional supervision."
Cats that spend time outdoors are at risk for developing lungworm infection, so make sure your cat gets treated yearly for it.
Lungworm is a parasite that can cause severe respiratory problems in cats. Cats are most likely to get lungworm from eating infected mice and birds, but they may also contract it through contact with slugs or snails that carry the larvae.
Lungworm can be treated with medication, but if your cat has this disease it's important that you take steps to prevent them from coming into contact with infected animals. If you live in an area where lungworm is common (such as the UK), make sure your cat gets treated yearly for it.
Cats are much more likely to get respiratory illnesses than dogs and need proper care.
The most common diseases affecting cats' lungs are kennel cough, feline asthma, and feline bronchitis. If you notice your cat having trouble breathing or coughing frequently, take him or her to the vet right away! Cats with respiratory problems should not be fed tuna or other fish because they can be toxic to cats; instead, give them a specially formulated diet that contains taurine (an amino acid) as well as vitamin E supplementations from plant sources such as wheat germ oil or sunflower seed oil.
If you have an outdoor cat who spends time outside hunting small prey items like birds and mice then they may be at risk for developing lungworm infection which can cause symptoms such as coughing up blood so make sure your cat gets treated yearly against this condition by asking your vet about using ivermectin based products such as Stronghold Plus Spot On Flea Control (30-60 lbs)
If it's possible please make sure that there is plenty of fresh water available at all times since dehydration can lead to pneumonia
Conclusion
If you have a cat that is panting and seems to be in pain, especially if the animal is short of breath, call your vet immediately. Cats with respiratory problems should not be fed tuna or other fish because they can be toxic to cats.
