Pneumonia in cats. What is it, what are the causes and what are the symptoms

What is pneumonia in cats and what causes it

Pneumonia in cats is an inflammation of the lungs and airways, which causes difficulty breathing and a decrease in the level of oxygen in the blood. We all know that the lungs play a vital role in maintaining the health of all beings. Well, just like in the case of other mammals, the cat’s lungs also have the mission of eliminating carbon dioxide from the body and providing fresh oxygen to the body. However, the lungs don’t just circulate air in and out of the body, they also perform the direct transfer of oxygen to the blood. Pneumonia occurs when this oxygen transfer process is interrupted.

Returning to pneumonia in cats, it can be of four types: parasitic pneumonia, fungal pneumonia, aspiration pneumonia and infectious pneumonia, the last two being the most common. Infectious pneumonia is caused by bacterial and viral infections. Viral infections are more common when it comes to pneumonia in cats and affect the lower respiratory tract. For example, feline calicivirus can cause respiratory damage. Additionally, bacterial infections, such as those caused by Mycoplasma and Chlamydia, or protozoan infections, such as Toxoplasma gondii, can also be triggers for pneumonia.

On the other hand, aspiration pneumonia occurs when a cat inhales a substance that inhibits oxygen transfer or when it accidentally inhales foreign objects such as small pieces of plastic or seeds. These types of objects tend to irritate the tissues that line the lungs, causing discomfort. In some cases, a cat may vomit and in the process inhale parts of its stomach contents, which can be extremely acidic and irritating to lung tissue.

What are the symptoms of pneumonia in cats?

Cats suffering from pneumonia may display a variety of symptoms, which occur depending on the type or severity of the infection. The most common symptoms are:
⮞ cough;
⮞ heavy and rapid breathing;
⮞ lack of appetite;
⮞ lethargy;
⮞ fever;
⮞ dehydration;
⮞ open mouth breathing;
⮞ accelerated heartbeat;
⮞ green or yellow nasal discharge.

How to detect pneumonia in cats

If you notice one or more of the symptoms mentioned above, it is very important to contact your vet as soon as possible. A correct diagnosis can only be made through in-depth clinical examinations which will be carried out by the veterinarian, depending on the case.
During the consultation, the veterinarian may suspect pneumonia only after discussing your cat’s history and symptoms with you. Moving on to a physical exam, your doctor will listen to your lungs for signs of breathing difficulty, recommend a chest x-ray to examine the condition of your lungs, may recommend a blood test to evaluate red and white blood cell levels, glucose levels , the function of electrolytes but also of organs. A high level of white blood cells often indicates an infection.
These measures help the veterinarian make an accurate diagnosis and plan appropriate treatment for the feline.

Is there a cure for pneumonia in cats?

Well, when it comes to the treatment of pneumonia in cats, it all depends on the underlying cause and severity of the disease. In general, treatment includes the administration of antibiotics, antifungals or antivirals, hydration and oxygen therapy support.

Of course, in order not to end up with treatment, it is better to prevent, so make sure that the feline lives in a clean and healthy environment, but also that it is well fed and adequately hydrated. Last but not least, avoid the cat’s interaction with other sick felines and respect the vaccination schedule established by the veterinarian.

Although pneumonia in cats is a painful and unpleasant condition, quick recognition of symptoms and immediate medical intervention can make a difference.