Why is my cat making a wheezing sound?
Why is my cat making a wheezing sound?
“Coughing and wheezing in cats is most commonly associated with respiratory allergies or asthma,” Dr. Gibbons explains. “Wheezing can also happen with benign growths called polyps that occur in the sinuses or throat. Occasionally, wheezing can happen with foreign bodies trapped within the respiratory tract.”
Is cat wheezing an emergency?
Shortness of breath, coughing or wheezing can all be signs of congestive heart failure in cats. If your cat is struggling to breathe it’s time to see your vet.
What does cat asthma sound like?
Your cat may be wheezing if they are having difficulty breathing. A wheeze is a whistling or rattling sound made when it is difficult for air to make its way through the air passageways. This is usually a sign the passageways are swollen and/or constricted.
Can hairballs cause wheezing?
Some cats that we may think have hairballs may actually have serious respiratory problems. Frequent or prolonged episodes of coughing may in fact be the result of serious respiratory conditions such as feline asthma. If you listen closely, you may be able to detect a wheezing sound as the cat exhales.
How can I help my cats wheezing?
Treatment For A Wheezing Cat
- Asthma inhalers or other medications.
- Allergy medication.
- Surgery in the case of respiratory blockage.
- Treatment for aspiration or infectious pneumonia.
- Preventative grooming to reduce hairballs.
How do you help a cat that is wheezing?
How do I know if my cat has a hairball or asthma?
One way to tell the difference is to note your kitty’s body posture, says The Spruce Pets. During an asthma attack, your cat will be hunched lower to the ground than she is when she’s coughing up a hairball, with her head and neck fully extended in an attempt to take in more air.
How do you stop a cat from wheezing?
What does a cat with asthma sound like?
How can I treat my cats asthma at home?
Reduce Airborne Triggers
- Using a low dust, fragrance-free cat litter.
- Not using perfumes or heavily scented products around your cat.
- Changing your air filters on a regular basis.
- Not using aerosols, sprays, or harsh chemicals around your cat.
- Keeping your home clean to avoid dust build-up.
- Not smoking around your cat.
How Long Can cats live with asthma?
Although cats can never be truly “cured” of asthma, by carefully monitoring their respiratory effort, keeping an eye out for coughing, and intervening with medication when they need help, owners can help their asthmatic cats live happily for years.