8/13/2023 0 Comments Will steam help a congested catThink about what your cat was experiencing or doing right before you noticed the panting. ![]() If you see your cat breathing heavily, start assessing the situation following the criteria listed below.īring your kitty in for veterinary treatment if their heavy breathing is out of the ordinary or if it's been happening for a long time period. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.There are situations when it is normal for your cat to be panting however, sometimes it could be a sign of a serious condition that requires immediate veterinary care. Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. Oxygen therapy may be necessary long-term or indefinitely. This may need to be hospitalized for a few days while receiving intravenous fluids and medication. Your vet’s goal will be to treat your cat so she will be well enough to eat and drink on her own. While most cats will tolerate the needle well, preventing the fluid’s return may prove difficult depending on the underlying cause of your cat’s breathing problems. If your vet discovers evidence of fluid buildup in the chest, your vet will focus on treating the condition by removing the fluid with a needle, then keeping it from accumulating again. At Friendly Animal Clinic, we’ll perform a thorough physical exam, paying especially close attention to how the lungs and heart sound. If your kitty is experiencing respiratory distress, she’ll be put on oxygen right away while the veterinarian waits for your cat to calm down. Use a box or carrier to keep your cat safe while on the way to the clinic, so her breathing is not compromised by being held. While she’s being transported, you’ll want to minimize stress as much as possible. If your cat is having problems breathing or is breathing heavily, take her to your veterinarian immediately. Pain, neurologic disorders, enlargement of the abdomen, trauma and anemia can also cause cats to display heavy breathing or panting. In more serious cases, oxygen therapy may be needed. Treatment for the disease may include supportive care using corticosteroids to reduce inflammation. Because the disease can be fatal, it’s important to ensure your cat is kept on a monthly heartworm preventative medication. ![]() Heartworm can easily cause breathing problems in cats. Your vet may need to drain the fluid and prescribe medications to eliminate excess fluid, dilate blood vessels and force the heart to contract more forcefully to treat the condition. Congestive Heart Failureįluid can build up in and around a cat’s lungs, which causes coughing, deep, rapid breathing and panting. Medications such as bronchodilators or corticosteroids are often taken to treat asthma in cats. It may also cause an increased respiratory rate. This treatable condition can cause cats to cough, wheeze and pant. Steam and humidifiers can help loosen mucus and ease nasal breathing as your cat recovers. If a secondary bacterial infection develops, your cat may need to be treated with antibiotics. These infections are typically viral and can make it difficult for cats to breathe, leading to heavy breathing. With early intervention, we may be able to reduce recovery time, or even save a life. In this case, emergency veterinary care is required. If you’ve checked your cat’s activity and temperature, and she isn’t tired from exercise, stressed or too warm, her heavy or labored breathing may be an indication of a serious medical issue. Crouching or standing while stretching the head or neck and pulling elbows away from the body. ![]()
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