How to Make it easier for your cat to breathe

Cats with a cold can experience breathing (breathing) problems that get worse over time. If your cat is having trouble breathing, you should take her to your veterinarian to determine the cause of the blockage and help treat it. What’s more, it helps to know how to recognize the signs of shortness of breath, learn how to relieve shortness of breath, and learn more about common breathing problems in cats.

Table of Contents

Detect upper respiratory problems

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Monitor for symptoms of nasal discharge. A runny nose is a common symptom in cats. The discharge around the nose can be mucus or pus, which is sticky mucus with pus. The mucus is usually yellow or green in color. ^{[1] X Research Resources Schaer, M, (2010), <i>Clinical Medicine in the Dog and Cat</i>, ISBN 978-1-84076-111-5}

Some cats with nasal allergies may be able to ooze clear water from both nostrils. However, this sign is difficult to recognize if the cat regularly licks the nose.
If you notice signs of nasal discharge in your cat, you should look closely to see if the mucus is coming out of one or both nostrils. If mucus drains from both nostrils, the cat may have an infection or an allergic reaction. Meanwhile, discharge from one side of the nose indicates a foreign body or infection in one side of the cat’s nose.

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Watch for signs of sneezing. When we have a stuffy nose, we often blow our nose on a handkerchief. However, cats cannot do this and the only way to help them clear their nose is to sneeze. ^{[2] X Research Source}

If you notice that your cat is sneezing constantly, you should take your cat to the vet to determine the cause. The cat most likely has an allergy or infection. However, your veterinarian will need to examine the mucus to determine for sure what is wrong with your cat.

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Determine the cause of the stuffy nose. Cats often get stuffy noses from rhinitis (inflammation in the nasal passages that secrete mucus), infections (caused by viruses such as feline flu), and inhalation of foreign objects (such as grass feathers splashed in the nose when cats sniff). grass). ^{[3] X Trusted Source Science Direct Go to Source}

The most common cause of nasal and sinus congestion is a virus. The viruses that commonly cause nasal and sinus congestion in cats are Feline Herpesvirus (FVR) and Feline Calicivirus (FCV). These two viruses can cause a cat’s eyes to become swollen, red, and watery, along with mouth ulcers and salivation. ^{[4] X Research Source} You can help protect your cat against these viruses by getting regular vaccinations and avoiding contact with sick cats. Recurrent viral diseases in cats often suppress the immune system, thus creating conditions for secondary and extremely dangerous bacteria to have the opportunity to enter the respiratory tract, causing serious illness, discharge. nose and anorexia in cats. You should also know that viral illnesses can be easy to treat, but the bacteria are still there and are hard to kill. Therefore, you should take your cat to a qualified veterinarian if your cat exhibits any of the above symptoms.
These diseases often make it difficult to breathe because mucus builds up in the cat’s nose. Like people with a cold, mucus can clog the nostrils and lead to difficulty breathing.

Detect lower respiratory problems

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Measure the cat’s respiratory rate. The number of times the cat breathes per minute is called the respiratory rate. A cat’s normal respiratory rate is usually around 20-30 breaths per minute. Both the speed (number of breaths) and the way the cat breathes can indicate a problem with the cat’s breathing.

There is a certain margin of error within a cat’s normal respiratory rate range. For example, a cat that breathes 32 times a minute is also considered healthy and does not experience anything unusual. ^{[5] X Research Resources Schaer, M, (2010), Clinical Medicine in the Dog and Cat, ISBN 978-1-84076-111-5}
However, you should pay attention if the cat is breathing 35-40 times/minute or breathing heavily.

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Watch for signs of labored breathing. A cat’s normal breathing movements are often subtle and difficult to detect, so the cat is really having a problem if breathing is difficult. Heavy breathing means that the cat has to increase chest or abdominal movements to inhale or push air. ^{[6] X Research Sources}

To determine if your cat is breathing normally, the best way is to look at one spot (such as the ribcage) and see if this position slowly rises and falls.
Abdominal muscles are not usually involved in the process of drawing air into the chest. Therefore, a cat’s belly expanding and contracting when breathing is unusual. In addition, cats are also experiencing problems if the chest is “inflated”, the breathing movement is prolonged and obvious, or the abdomen moves when the cat breathes.

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Watch for the “swallowing air” pose. Cats with difficulty breathing are often in the “gassing” position. Cats often sit or lie in a position with elbows away from the body, head and neck stretched to straighten the trachea. ^{[7] X Research Sources}

Cats in this position often open their mouths and start panting.

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Identify signs of distress. Cats with difficulty breathing often feel distressed. To know if your cat is suffering, you should observe the cat’s facial expression. You may see a nervous cat with the corner of her mouth drawn back and a grimace. Some signs of distress that you should look out for are: ^{[8] X Research Source}

Pupils widen
Ears down
Beards curled back
Act ferocious when you get close
Tail close to the body

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Watch for signs of gasping. Cats may pant after exercise to cool down. However, panting at rest is unusual in cats. If your cat is panting while resting, you should consult your veterinarian as this is most likely a sign of a respiratory problem. ^{[9] X Research Source}

Cats can also pant when nervous or scared, so you should also observe your cat’s surroundings.

Caring for a cat with a stuffy nose

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Talk to your veterinarian about giving your cat antibiotics. If your cat shows signs of an infection (yellow or green mucus discharge from the nose), you should talk to your veterinarian to see if an antibiotic is needed for your cat. ^{[10] X Trusted Source Science Direct Go to Source}

If your cat’s infection is caused by a virus, antibiotics may be ineffective. However, if your cat has a bacterial infection and is prescribed antibiotics, it may take 4-5 days for the infection to improve, so you should also find other ways to help your cat breathe easier. .

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Use steam therapy. Warm, moist steam usually loosens mucus and makes it easier for your cat to breathe. Of course, you must not press the cat’s head into the bowl of boiling water because the cat can panic, knock over the bowl of water and put both you and the cat in danger. Instead, you should use a sauna to help relieve the cat’s congestion. How To: ^{[11] X Research Resources Schaer, M, (2010), <i>Clinical Medicine in the Dog and Cat</i>, ISBN 978-1-84076-111-5}

Bring the cat into the bathroom and close the door. Turn the shower on hot and close the shower curtain to keep the cat away from the hot water.
Let the cat sit in the steam for about 10 minutes for one steam session. You can give your cat a steam bath 2-3 times a day, so it can breathe a little easier.

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Clean the cat’s nose. Cat’s nose will naturally accumulate dirt and need to be cleaned. You can wet a cotton pad, then wipe the cat’s nose. You should remove all dry mucus stuck in the cat’s nose.

If your cat has a severe nosebleed, wiping her nose regularly will actually help her feel better.

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Ask your veterinarian to prescribe a mucolytic medication. Mucus can thicken and stick to the nasal cavity, thereby preventing the cat from breathing through the nose. In this case, your veterinarian may prescribe a “mucusolytic” for the cat.

This is a drug, such as Bispvin, that can break down and liquefy mucus. The active ingredient in Bispvin is Bromhexine. When the mucus is thinner, the cat can easily sneeze and push the mucus out.
Bispvin is usually packaged in 5 g, which can be mixed with food and given to cats 1-2 times per day. The dosage of Bispvin for a cat is 0.5 g per 5 kg of body weight. This means you can take “a pinch” of Bispvin out of the package, mix it with food, and feed it to your cat 1-2 times a day. ^{[12] X Trusted Source Science Direct Go to Source}

Understanding common respiratory problems in cats

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Take your cat to a veterinary clinic for diagnosis and treatment. Chest problems include infections, pneumonia, heart disease, lung disease, tumors, and fluid around the lungs (pleural effusion). These diseases need to be treated by a veterinarian.

If you think your cat is suffering from chest congestion, you should not try home remedies. Delaying taking your cat to the vet can make the condition worse. ^{[13] X Research Source}

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Understand that shortness of breath can be caused by pneumonia. Pneumonia is a serious lung infection. Toxins from bacteria and viruses can cause inflammation and fluid in the lungs. If this happens, oxygen exchange in the lungs will be restricted and make it more difficult for the cat to breathe.

Strong antibiotics are often prescribed to treat pneumonia. Cats with severe pneumonia require supportive care with intravenous fluids or oxygen. ^{[14] X Research Source}

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Understand that heart disease is also a cause of shortness of breath. The function of pumping blood throughout the body will be less effective if the heart has problems. Changes in blood pressure in the lungs allow fluid to leak out of blood vessels and into lung tissue. Like pneumonia, this condition can reduce the ability of the lungs to exchange oxygen and make it difficult for the cat to breathe.

If heart disease is the cause of your cat’s dyspnea, your veterinarian will determine the type of heart disease and prescribe the appropriate medication. Cats need oxygen to stabilize before giving medications or other treatments. ^{[15] X Research Source}

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Note that lung disease can make it difficult to breathe. Lung diseases are asthma-like illnesses – a condition in which the airways constrict and prevent air from entering and leaving the lungs. This condition is similar to bronchitis (another lung disease). When you have bronchitis, the airways will stiffen, the lung walls will thicken and prevent oxygen exchange. Asthma often affects cats that are sensitive to inhaled allergens (allergens). ^{[16] X Research Source}

Cats with asthma are often prescribed corticosteroids in the form of injections or oral tablets. Steroids are effective anti-inflammatory drugs that can reduce inflammation in your cat’s airways. On the other hand, Salbutamp inhalers are also available for cats with asthma as long as the cat is willing to wear a mask.
Bronchitis is also treated with steroids, or bronchodilators, which help relieve stiffness and widen the airways.

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Consider whether shortness of breath in cats is due to a lungworm infection. Lungworms are parasites that can interfere with a cat’s breathing if left undetected for a long time. Severe lungworm infections can cause runny nose, cough, weight loss, and pneumonia. ^{[17] X Research Source}

Lungworms are usually treated with antiparasitic drugs such as Ivermectin or Fenbendazpe.

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Understand that tumors can lead to shortness of breath. Lung cancer or a tumor in the chest can block the lungs and reduce the amount of lung tissue that works. As the amount of lung tissue decreases, the cat may experience shortness of breath or labored breathing.

Tumors take up space in the chest, blocking the lungs or major blood vessels. Single tumors can be surgically removed, but in general, tumors in cats are extremely bad. You should talk to your veterinarian about treatment options. ^{[18] X Research Resources Schaer, M, (2010), <i>Clinical Medicine in the Dog and Cat</i>, ISBN 978-1-84076-111-5}

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Know that a pleural effusion can make breathing difficult. Pleural effusion is a condition in which fluid builds up around the lungs. This condition can occur if the cat has kidney disease, an infection, or a tumor in the chest that is leaking fluid. ^{[19] X Research Source}

Fluids can put pressure on the lungs and cause a cat to have a collapsed lung. When a cat’s lungs are collapsed, they will not be able to fully expand and make it more difficult for the cat to breathe.
If your cat is having trouble breathing, your veterinarian can drain the fluid using a special chest needle. Draining the fluid will help the lungs to re-inflate and normalize temporarily. However, the fluid can come back in if the disease is not completely treated.

Advice

Talk to your veterinarian right away if you have any concerns about your cat’s respiratory health.

Warning

Do not apply VapoRub oil to cats. One of the main ingredients of VapoRub is Camphor which is very toxic to cats. Side effects of the drug can range from mild skin irritation to vomiting, diarrhea, and seizures. ^{[20] X Research Source}

Steps