And it requires immediate veterinary care .
Pneumonia in cats is more serious than a simple slip of kitty sniffles . With pneumonia , your cat ’s lungs become irritated and swollen , which makes it harder to breathe . Catching it early on piss it well-to-do to treat . Read on to learn more about the rare , but potentially calamitous , illness and how to discern the signs so you may act swiftly .
Causes of Pneumonia in Cats
" Pneumonia grow due to various causes , " read Alex Crow , MRCVS , veterinary surgeon at Buttercross Veterinary Center in the United Kingdom andSenior Tailwaggerscontributor . " But ultimately , the result is the same : It inflame the lung and guide to poor breathing and humbled oxygen levels . " Here are the various types of pneumonia that come in guy :
Bacterial or Viral Pneumonia
Infectious pneumonia is the most common type in cats . It happen when your kittycatches a cold , orfeline upper respiratory infection , from breathe in bacterium or viruses . If your cat ’s immune organisation is having a tough time fighting off the bug , the cold can work into pneumonia , report the expert atMSPCA - Angell West Emergency Servicesin Waltham , Mass.
Fungal Pneumonia
According to theMerck Veterinary Manual , fungal pneumonia typically appears when a cat inhales fungal spores receive in territory . The fungus infect the lung and do lighting .
Aspiration Pneumonia
Have you ever had a terrible cough fit after accidentally breathing in liquid or bits of food ? Cats sometimes inhale foreign inwardness , too . Things like water , their own vomit , orliquid medicationsare often the perpetrator , rag lungs and stimulate aspiration pneumonia .
Parasitic Pneumonia
Parasitessuch as lungworms or flukes can invade the lung and cause an inflammatory reaction . Cats typically get these parasites by go through quarry or drunkenness infect water . Parasitic pneumonia is more likely in kittens andoutdoor hombre .
Signs and Symptoms of Pneumonia in Cats
Like pneumonia in dogs , the sickness causes a slew of respiratory symptom in cats . The symptom are by and large the same disregardless of which type of pneumonia your qat has , Crow says , and include :
Note that cats with infectious pneumonia bring up more pus whereas those affected by fungal or parasitic pneumonia are more potential to cough up greenish - colored discharge .
Is Pneumonia Contagious?
All cases of pneumonia in bozo are contagious with the elision of those triggered by aspiration ( breathing in extraneous fabric ) . Sickness can pass between cats that live together . It ’s also potential for a cat to pass pneumonia on to a Canis familiaris in the same household , depending on what case of germ is do the infection , says Crow . CAT and dog with weaken immune scheme are specially prone to catching pneumonia from another crazy favorite in the home plate .
" However , in the vast majority of cases , people are resistant to catching feline respiratory diseases , " Crow states . " With the very rare exception of bird flu . "
How to Treat Pneumonia in Cats
cat with pneumonia need veterinary tending . Treatment depends on the type of pneumonia and may include antibiotic drug or anti - fungous medicinal drug to do away with lung infections . Your veterinary surgeon may also urge a decongestant medicinal drug to reduce the swelling in your Arabian tea ’s airways so your furred pal can catch one’s breath easy .
If the pneumonia is stark , your khat may needemergency caution . Treatment for advanced case of pneumonia regard hospitalisation , oxygen therapy , and intravenous fluids .
Home Care for Cats With Pneumonia
Is your kitty-cat recovering from pneumonia at rest home ? you may help your furry pal feel better fast by create a healing environs . First , make trusted your cat has ardent , cuddly spot for resting and provide plenty of fresh water . At mealtimes , wash kibble toincrease your big cat ’s fluid intake — you do n’t want your kitty to becomedehydrated . It ’s also important to rule out aerosols , scent diffusers , and home fragrances as this can further irritate your cat ’s respiratory system .
" Because cats with weakened resistant organization are more likely to develop pneumonia , the key to preventing it in the future is to keep your Caterpillar in good overall wellness , " Crow says . nutritive solid food , regular exercise , veterinary arrest - ups , and continue your kitty up - to - day of the month onvaccinationsall work together to safeguard your pet ’s health .
