Why does my cat breathe loud when playing?
When cats play, they often breathe loudly because they are using their mouths and noses to explore their surroundings. This is a natural behavior ...
When cats play, they often breathe loudly because they are using their mouths and noses to explore their surroundings. This is a natural behavior that helps cats hunt and play. When cats breathe loudly, it is usually a sign that they are having fun.
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- Asthma in Cats and Other Breathing Issues
- When to Call Us
- Is it normal for my cat to take deep breaths while playing?
- What causes my cat to huff while playing?
- Why does my cat breathe strangely while playing?
- Why is my cat playing and breathing like a dog?
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The treatment for noisy breathing in cats will primarily address the underlying cause. If a tumor is discovered to be the source of the cat's loud breathing, surgical removal or other cancer therapies may be used. Noisy breathing, especially if the cause is unknown, may not necessitate treatment if it does not impair respiratory system function. Among the potential treatments for noisy breathing in cats are:
Oxygen Therapy
Providing oxygen can help with respiratory function and keep blood oxygen levels healthy. Oxygen can be delivered through tubes, a mask, or an oxygen cage. This is a low-risk therapy that is administered inpatiently under supervision to monitor for potential problems.
Fluid Therapy
Intravenous (IV) fluids may be used to treat noisy breathing in pets, especially if dehydration or mucus are present. Fluids can help thin mucus and increase coughing productivity. This therapy is considered low-risk and is typically only available as an inpatient treatment.
Antihistamines
This class of medication is commonly used to treat allergies and allergic reactions. It can help with breathing even if allergies aren't the only cause. To reduce the risk of side effects, proper dosing is required.
Steroids
This class of medication is also commonly used to treat breathing problems, such as asthma. Steroids have a moderate risk of side effects and are generally not prescribed to cats with compromised immune systems.
Antibiotics
Infections of the respiratory system and other parts of the body are frequently factors in noisy breathing. Antibiotic medications aid in the removal of infection and the immune system's recovery from illness. To reduce the risk of side effects, proper dosing is required.
Diuretics
If fluid is present, diuretics can be used to help the body clear the fluid and improve oxygenation. In cases of edema, diuretics may be required.g. heart failure.
Surgical Intervention
Surgery may be required if a tumor, injury, or foreign object is obstructing an airway and causing noisy breathing. Surgery has a low risk of complications. If surgery is required, your cat will almost certainly be hospitalized to reduce the risk of complications.
If your cat suddenly starts making unusual noises while breathing, you may be understandably concerned. While the occasional kitty sneeze or sniffle is cute, changes in breathing noises can often indicate a problem.
So how does a pet owner know whether a cat-sized wheeze is a one-time occurrence or something more serious, such as feline asthma? Fortunately, you aren't expected to have all the answers. This is where your West Park Animal Hospital friends come in.
Asthma in Cats and Other Breathing Issues
There are numerous possible explanations for why your cat's breathing sounds different than usual. Some issues are more prevalent than others, and many can appear similar without further investigation.
Some of the more common causes of breathing changes in cats include::
Cardiac issues — A congenital or acquired heart condition, such as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, can cause fluid buildup in the lungs. This can cause noisy or labored breathing, as well as coughing or retching.
Feline asthma — Just like in humans, when exposed to allergens, some cats' lower airways can become inflamed, resulting in wheezing and difficulty breathing.
Infectious processes, trauma, and even tumors can cause inflammation in the back of the throat, resulting in changes in breathing.
Lung disease — A problem with the lungs, such as pneumonia, can undoubtedly cause heavy, noisy breathing.
Obesity — Weight gain can cause increased respiratory noise and even apnea, especially in animals with narrowed airways, such as brachycephalic breeds like Persians.
Nasopharyngeal polyps are tumors that grow in the back of the throat and can cause increased respiratory noise. These are most commonly benign nasopharyngeal polyps in cats.
Unwanted parasite infections, such as feline heartworms and lungworms, can wreak havoc on the lungs, resulting in breathing abnormalities.
Upper respiratory infection — Perhaps the most common reason we see cats, many bacterial and viral infections in the feline species can cause upper respiratory symptoms such as sneezing, congestion, and watery eyes.
When to Call Us
When you notice your cat wheezing or sneezing, it can be difficult to decide whether or not to bring him in to see us. While the occasional hack or snore is normal, please contact us if this occurs.:
- The unusual noise(s) lasts for more than a few hours.
- The noise(s) are new
- They are associated with ocular or nasal discharge.
- Your cat’s breathing is labored
- Your cat pants like a dog.
- Symptoms are accompanied by unusual behaviors such as hiding, not eating, or reduced activity.
- Your cat is coughing
- The gums and/or tongue are blue or gray in color.
- Your pet appears to be in pain.
At home, you can also monitor your pet's resting respiratory rate. This can be a useful tool in determining whether your pet requires immediate attention or not, as well as in narrowing down a diagnosis.
Breathing noises in cats are occasionally normal, but it is always best to err on the side of caution. Even more serious issues, such as feline asthma, can be managed with an accurate diagnosis. So, if your cat sniffles, sneezes, or coughs, please don't hesitate to contact us. The sooner we identify the issue, the sooner we can return your cat to normalcy.
The post Sneezy, Wheezy, and Snorey appeared first on Sneezy, Wheezy, and Snorey.: The post Feline Asthma and Other Cat Breathing Noises first appeared on West Park Animal Hospital Blog.
Is it normal for my cat to take deep breaths while playing?
What causes my cat to huff while playing?
Why does my cat breathe strangely while playing?
Why is my cat playing and breathing like a dog?
