Cats Respiratory Articles

The cat respiratory system takes in oxygen and eliminates waste gases such as carbon dioxide. The cat respiratory system is made up of the mouth and nose, the trachea, and the lungs. Cats do not sweat through their skin, so a cat's respiratory system also plays a significant role in regulating body temperature. If your cat’s respiratory health is poor, a number of infections and conditions can develop such as asthma, allergies, fungal infections, and lungworms. Symptoms of cat respiratory conditions range from coughing and wheezing to fatigue. Vaccinations and other preventative care methods can provide protection against many cat respiratory conditions. Continue reading to learn more about cat respiratory health, conditions, treatment, and prevention.

• Why Is Your Cat Sneezing Blood?

  Watching your cat sneezing blood can be quite unnerving. However, there are a variety of causes for this, most of which are not serious, though it does require a trip to the veterinarian.

• Why Is Your Cat Panting Excessively?

  Panting is not a "normal" thing for cats to do, such as it commonly is for dogs. It can be more common in certain breeds of cat, however if you notice your cat panting, you should try to figure out why in case something is seriously wrong.

• Why Does Your Cat Sneeze So Much?

  The cat sneeze is an involuntary reaction to allergens or may also indicate a respiratory infection or dental problems. If your cat sneezes excessively, you should see what other symptoms he displays to determine if the sneezing indicates a severe medical condition.

• What Is the Best Cat Asthma Remedy?

  If your cat suffers from asthma, it’s important for you to choose the best cat asthma remedy that’s suited to your pet’s unique needs. Cats develop asthma when they inhale allergens that are known to cause asthma attacks in humans.

• Vocal Problems

  I have at least 10 or 20 cat patients who have lost their voices either temporarily or permanently. So far, I have not been able to pin down a definite cause in many of them.

• Using a Cat Asthma Inhaler

  Cat asthma is a common condition that causes coughing and wheezing in cats. Feline asthma can't be cured, but medication can help control its symptoms.

• Understanding Cat Flu: A Common Feline Respiratory Disease

  Nearly all cats will suffer from a feline respiratory illness of some kind during their lifetime. Pet owners commonly refer to a feline virus or upper respiratory infection...

• Treatments for Cat Hairball Blockage

  Cat hairballs are a common byproduct of your cat’s fastidious self-grooming. In many cases, the hairballs do not cause the cat serious harm, but sometimes they cause blockages in your cat’s digestive system.

• Treatment Options for a Sneezing Kitten

  Inflamed membranes of the nose, or foreign objects in the nose, will lead to a sneezing kitten. It is not unusual for a cat to sneeze, but it could be an indication that your cat is sick.

• Treating Feline Asthma With Inhaled Steroids

  Feline asthma is a chronic inflammation of small passageways in the lungs (bronchioles). These passages thicken, and collapse when an asthmatic cat inhales...

• Treating Cat Kennel Cough with Antibiotics

  Cat kennel cough is an upper respiratory infection primarily caused by the bacteria Bordatella bronchiseptica, and it is common among cats living in rescue catteries...

• Treating Asthma in Cats with Theophylline

  Theophylline is a drug that can be used for treating both cardiac and respiratory disorders in cats. If you decide to use this medication as a treatment for your asthmatic cat, you will first have to go to a veterinarian, as Theophylline can only be purchased with a prescription.

• Throat Problems in Cats

  His vet said that he had an upper respiratory infection, and when I had him in for the 3rd one, she said that, unfortunately, once a cat starts having these infections, they can recur pretty frequently.

• Symptoms of Feline Upper Respiratory Infection

  A respiratory infection in cats is a common illness. These infections are contagious and can be severe. Therefore, it's important for owners to know the signs of an upper respiratory infection in his cat, or an infection in other cats his pet may be exposed to.

• Sneezing in Cats

  The most common cause of persistent sneezing in cats was probably rhinotracheitis virus. This is a herpes virus and it can cause chronic infection, or it can be latent for long periods and then recur in times of stress.

• Sinus Congestion in Cats

  Sinus congestion in cats can be minor, or it may eventually lead to serious respiratory conditions like pneumonia. Nasal congestion in cats can be the result of allergies, bacterial infection or viral infection. It's also a symptom of more serious conditions like nasal tumors.

• Rhinotracheitis (feline herpes virus 1) in Cats

  Most cats are infected with rhinotracheitis (feline herpes virus 1). Estimates vary from 70% to 95% of cats being chronically infected but it is likely that it is closer to 90% than to 70%. Cats are usually infected when they are young but because the virus...

• Respiratory Problems in Cats

  Chronic bronchitis does sometimes occur in cats. It is also usually responsive to corticosteroids, although antibiotics seem to be necessary (at least I think so based on my patients) when chronic bronchitis is present. Chronic bronchitis doesn't respond as well to bronchodilators as asthma, usually.

• Respiratory Infections in Cats

  Respiratory infections are frequent in felines and may affect mostly kittens and unvaccinated cats. The infections are typically caused by viruses and are transmittable among felines.

• Respiratory Diseases in Cats

  The most common respiratory diseases in felines include the rhinotracheitis and the calicivirus. The respiratory diseases affect the mouth, the air passages and the sinuses of the pet.

• Nose - Nasal Problems

  In June, I noticed a foul smell from his nose and he began to get finicky about his wet food and the flavors he always liked, he began to turn away from. There were no other symptoms.

• Natural Treatment Options for Feline Asthma

  While there are plenty of conventional treatments available for feline asthma, there are also many natural treatments available that can improve your cat's symptoms without the use of steroids or antibiotics.

• Natural Cat Cough Treatments

  Cat cough can have a number of different causes, and there are several natural remedies for different types of feline cough. Here's a guide to cat cough symptoms, possible causes of cat cough, and ways to treat your cat's cough naturally.

• Managing Cat Asthma With Bronchodilators

  Cat asthma is usually treated with a combination of prescribed medications which can include inhaled corticosteroid drugs. Another widely prescribed class...

• Hyperthyroidism in Cats

  Cats with hyperthyroidism often have kidney damage but paradoxically, hyperthyroidism often masks kidney damage. For this reason, it is a good idea to carefully monitor the T4 level.

• How Effective Is Vaseline (Petroleum Jelly) for Cats’ Hairballs?

  Cat hairballs may be formed due to frequent ingestion of hair. Your cat grooms himself several times per week and given that his tongue is abrasive, this will gather all the loose hairs, which will be ingested.

• Homeopathic Feline Asthma Treatment

  If your cat has asthma, his condition can range from mild coughing or wheezing on rare occasions, to extreme difficulty breathing. Asthma affects thousands of cats each year. Due to the frequency of feline asthma cases, there are a variety of feline asthma treatment options.

• Holistic Treatments for Cat Breathing Problems

  If your feline has asthma, or other cat breathing problems and you'd like to know more about alternative treatment options, here is some information about holistic approaches.

• Heavy Cat Breathing

  Cat breathing problems in felines is characterized by heavy, labored breathing and shortness of breath. Heavy cat breathing can be caused by a number of things, such as heart conditions and the accumulations of fluid in the lungs.

• Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis (FVR) Treatment with L-Lysine

  L-Lysine is an essential amino acid that may be used to help manage Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, or FVR. Also known as feline influenza or cat flu, this widespread and highly contagious infection affects the feline upper respiratory system.

• Feline Upper Respiratory Infection Treatment

  Feline upper respiratory infection is usually caused by feline herpesvirus or feline calicivirus, though it can have other causes, including infection by mycoplasma or bordetella. Often, feline upper respiratory infection is the result of infection by more than one virus that affects the cat's upper respiratory tract, including the mouth, nose and sinuses.

• Feline Upper Respiratory Infection Diagnosis

  A feline upper respiratory infection is any condition affecting the mouth, nose, sinuses and breathing passages of your cat.

• Feline Sneezing Causes

  Feline sneezing is a symptom that may be caused by several underlying conditions such as respiratory infections or allergies.

• Feline Rhinotracheitis Symptoms

  Feline rhinotracheitis virus is one of the infections that contributes to feline upper respiratory disease complex. Although respiratory infections occur due to other viral diseases, feline rhinotracheitis is the most common cause.

• Feline Rhinitis Treatment with Corticosteroids

  Corticosteroids are anti-inflammatory medications prescribed to treat a variety of feline health concerns that include asthma, inflammatory bowel disease and orthopedic conditions. The vet may also prescribe corticosteroid medication to treat feline rhinitis.

• Feline Respiratory Infection Treatment with Interferon-Alpha

  Feline respiratory disease is often caused by viral infections. Healthy pets contract the disease from infected cats through contaminated sources such as food and water bowls.

• Feline Lung Cancer Diagnosis

  The cause of lung cancer in cats is unknown. Lung cancer can either be developed primarily or secondarily. This means that either the cancer will start in the lungs, or it has spread from another source, such as the liver.

• Feline Halitosis: Cat Bad Breath

  Cat bad breath, also known clinically as feline halitosis, is a very foul smelling condition. While bad cat breath may be offensive to you, it is the least of the consequences from this condition.

• Feline Bordetella Explained

  Feline bordetella is a contagious respiratory infection of cats. The symptoms of the disease can be mistaken for a wide variety of other upper respiratory illness in cats or can be overlooked entirely.

• Feline Asthma Triggers

  Feline asthma is also known as bronchial asthma, and it causes coughing in cats. Asthma is considered an allergic reaction and it is commonly triggered by several factors.

• Feline Asthma Treatment With Flovent

  Feline asthma treatment is not uncommon in veterinary care. This type of ailment can be treated with the aid of a medication called Flovent.

• Feline Asthma Treatment with Allergen Immunotherapy

  Feline asthma is a condition that limits your pet's breathing ability, oftentimes making basic activities like walking and playing difficult. Feline asthma may be caused by a variety of different sources, but it typically is a result of your pet's sensitivity to certain substances in the air.

• Feline Asthma Treatment

  Feline asthma treatment involves lifelong management of symptoms, most effectively achieved by making certain changes to the household environment. It's likely medication will also be necessary to control the well-being and health of a cat with asthma.

• Feline Asthma Symptoms

  Feline asthma is a bronchial or upper respiratory allergy. When an asthmatic cat inhales the specific allergens he is sensitive to, the airways to and from the lungs start to swell in an autoimmune response, which restricts the cat's breathing.

• Feline Asthma Prognosis

  Feline asthma is a chronic disease that affects cats of all ages. The disease may be caused by a sum of factors that irritate the lower air passages of the pet.

• Feline Asthma Management With Corticosteroids

  One of the best types of treatments for feline asthma is the use of corticosteroids, such as prednisolone or prednisone, to help reduce inflammation...

• Feline Asthma Diagnosis with Bronchoalveolar Lavage (BAL) Testing

  If your pet has feline asthma, it is likely that he will have a difficult time breathing in many situations, the most common of which include walking and playing. Asthma is an inflammation of the breathing passages and lungs that inhibits your pet's normal breathing.

• Feline Asthma Diagnosis

  Because feline asthma only affects roughly one percent of all cats, it is considered a rare occurrence. While no cat is off limits from developing asthma, it appears to be more common in female cats, Siamese cats and Himalayan cats.

• Diphenhydramine Side Effects in Cats

  Diphenhydramine is a medication that is formulated for use in humans only but is provided to cats as an extra-label medicine for use in controlling allergies. This drug is an antihistamine, or a medicine that prevents the cat's body from producing and receiving histamines, chemicals that occur naturally in the system when in the presence of an allergen or other sensitive substance.

• Diagnosing Respiratory Problems in Cats

  Cats may have respiratory problems and the symptoms displayed by the cat may help you diagnose the problem. Some cats are more prone to developing respiratory problems, as they have a more flat face and nose.

• Diagnosing Feline Upper Respiratory Disease Complex

  Feline upper respiratory disease is the terminology used to describe one of a variety of conditions which affects your cat's breathing passages. Diseases affecting the nasal passageways, throat, mouth and other closely related parts of your cat's body all fall within this classification.

• Diagnosing Feline Rhinotracheitis

  Feline rhinotracheitis also known as feline upper respiratory disease complex is a disease that affects the oral cavity, the sinuses, the nasal and the air passages of the pet. The disease may be caused by the herpes virus (also known as the rhinotracheitis virus) or the calcivirus.

• Diagnosing Cat Breathing Problems

  Cat breathing problems can occur due to conditions ranging from mild and passing infections to long-term underlying disease. This labored breathing can be caused by parasites, asthma, allergies, injuries or upper respiratory infection, which is a secondary symptom of many other diseases.

• Diagnosing Asthma in Cats

  Asthma in cats is a common respiratory disease that can cause inflammation of your cat's breathing problems and difficulty breathing. Feline asthma usually causes coughing and wheezing, and some cats may vomit following a coughing spell.

• Diagnosing a Cat Asthma Attack

  Cat asthma or feline bronchial disease, occurs when the airways in the respiratory system become inflamed and cause recurring breathing problems in cats. Asthma symptoms can range from mild to severe, and can lead to permanent lung damage or be fatal, if left untreated. This condition can be, and often is mistaken for less threatening problems like hair balls.

• Common Indicators of Cat Asthma

  Cat asthma symptoms are usually triggered by an allergic response. Other triggers can include tobacco smoke, pollen, dust, stress and cold air.

• Chylothorax in Cats

  Chylothorax in cats is a rare condition which causes breathing difficulties for a cat. The cause of this disease is unknown.

• Causes of Cat Wheezing

  Cat wheezing may be due to several factors; it may indicate that the cat wants to cough up a fur ball or something more severe such as asthma. Determining the causes of wheezing can help you know if you should be worried or if treatment is needed.

• Causes of Cat Bad Breath

  Cat bad breath, also known as halitosis, can be caused by a number of dental diseases or other health issues. Even if your cat’s breath has never been pleasant, when the cat has health issues, you will notice that the odor coming from his mouth is worse than usual.

• Cat Upper Respiratory Infection

  Cat upper respiratory infection is usually the result of infection with feline herpesvirus or feline calicivirus, though other causes may include Bordetella and feline reovirus. Feline upper respiratory infection is spread by direct contact between cats, or by contact with food disease, bedding and other materials which may have become contaminated with the eye or nasal discharge of an infected cat.

• Cat Sneezing Treatment with Clemastine Fumarate

  Clemastine fumarate is an antihistamine used to treat certain symptoms caused by allergies and other conditions. An antihistamine works by blocking the body's response to histamines, which may be produced by infections, viruses, allergies and even some types of tumors.

• Cat Sneezing Treatment Options

  Cat sneezing is usually a symptom of an existing condition. Although some cats sneeze due to common allergens in the environment, persistent sneezing that’s accompanied by nasal discharge may be a symptom of viral infection.

• Cat Sneezing and Wheezing

  Cat sneezing and wheezing are 2 symptoms that cause a lot of discomfort. If your pet displays these symptoms, you should find the underlying cause and seek help to relieve the cat’s discomfort.

• Cat Sneezing and Coughing

  Cat sneezing and coughing may be caused by a wide range of health problems, but most typically, these symptoms are indicative for respiratory infections or inhalant allergies. In some cases, the sneezing and the coughing may go away without medication; however, if these symptoms persist, you should consult your vet.

• Cat Nose Problems

  The cat nose serves as a sensory organ that picks up scents in the environment. It enables them to locate food, prey or sense danger in their surroundings.

• Cat Hairball Symptoms

  A cat hairball is a condition that's commonly seen in felines. Although cats are known to cough up hairballs on rare occasions, pets that cough up hairballs more than twice a month or exhibit frequent symptoms of cat hairball, require medical attention. The treatment for cat hairball is minimal and could sometimes be cured with home remedies.

• Cat Fluid in Lungs

  An accumulation of fluid may occur in the lungs of a cat. Fluid in lungs can be cause by a number of things including: parasites, viruses, fungi, cancer and certain afflictions of the heart.

• Cat Breathing Problems

  Cat breathing problems are relatively common in cats. You should expect that your pet may have brief periods of labored breathing on rare occasions throughout his life.

• Cat Asthma Attacks

  Cat asthma, also known as feline bronchial disease, occurs when a cat's airways become restricted and tighten, blocking the air flow. This is caused by allergens such as smoke, pollen, cat litter dust, aerosol sprays or cold weather.

• Cat Allergy Asthma Reactions in Humans

  Cat allergy asthma reactions in humans can cause many unwanted symptoms. There are ways to curb cat allergies without getting rid of your cat, unless allergies cause severe and uncontrollable asthma.

• Asthma in Cats

  The usual signs of asthma in cats include episodes of difficulty breathing that often occur suddenly, wheezing, decreased ability to exercise and coughing. This is a disease of the lower airways, so snuffling and congestion of the upper airways is not a typical sign.

• An Introduction to Cat Pneumonia

  Cats get Pneumonia just as we humans do. It is always a serious disease for cats and can threaten their lives.

• Allergic Bronchitis in Cats

  Allergic bronchitis is also known as asthma and may occur in cats with sensitivity to different irritants. Felines are affected by asthma and no more than 1% of cats suffer from this respiratory condition.

• A Natural Asthma Remedy for Cats

  Providing a natural asthma remedy for cats can be a great way to alleviate symptoms and also to lower costs of treatment. Natural remedies generally do not cost as much as traditional medications designed for most illnesses and diseases, and with some trial and error you will likely find a remedy that works well.

• A Guide to Feline Upper Respiratory Disease

  The most common illness for a domesticated cat to contract is feline upper respiratory disease. Upper respiratory disease in a cat is basically...

• A Guide to Feline Upper Respiratory Disease

  The most common illness for a domesticated cat to contract is feline upper respiratory disease. Upper respiratory disease in a cat...

• 5 Causes of Cat Cold Infections

  The cat cold involves a variety of causes and symptoms. The most common causes include a number of viruses and infections, and can then involve secondary opportunist bacteria.

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