Those soft wheezing sounds your cat makes while exhaling could be mistaken for purring. something. If it rattles for long and is consistent, then there may be a need for a check-up. Cat parents may find it hard to differentiate between cat wheezing and purring. In this article we will clarify what cat wheezing is, how it sounds and how to get rid of them.
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Why Is My Cat Wheezing
While purring comes with a feel of vibration under the belly, wheezing sounds are high-pitched and could be similar to symptoms of asthma.
“My cat was diagnosed with asthma and showed similar signs of wheezing”,- Reddit User
Let’s discuss some of the reasons why cats make wheezing sounds. Some of these reasons may include:
Stress
A change of environment, relocation or introduction of a new household cat, could trigger wheezing in cats. The Petcube Water Fountain does not only boost your cat’s mood and relieve stress, but also provides it with dust-free water.
Allergy
Cats are fond of showing signs of allergy when they don’t like something. My friend’s cat had some allergic reactions after eating some soy products. This soy irritated the respiratory tract and caused wheezing. Cat food products should be safe and indicated vet-approved before feeding them to cats.
Cat Litter
Cat litter could lead to wheezing in cats when unchanged and moldy. Dust and mold from cat litter when inhaled, could cause irritation of the respiratory tract and wheezing.
Asthma
According to research, asthma is one of the most common causes of wheezing in cats. It has symptoms like wheezing, coughing and rapid respiratory. In asthma, the lining of the airways gets inflamed and narrowed, limiting breathing and causing wheezing.
“Lower respiratory tract diseases, especially feline asthma, are common causes of wheezing in cats”, - Dr. Susan Little
Pneumonia
Cats with pneumonia may make wheezing sounds due to inflammation of the air sacs. These inflamed sacs lead to an obstruction in the lungs and airways, limiting airflow and respiratory activity.
Respiratory blockage
Cats who are fed fish bones are prone to having a respiratory blockage. Bones or any other foreign object could get stuck in the respiratory tract and cause wheezing in cats.
Heart Condition
Conditions of the heart such as heart worm infection caused by Dirofilaria immitis could lead to severe damage to blood vessels when not treated. These damages interfere with blood flow and limit lung functions, leading to wheezing in cats.
Lungworm Infection
Cats are fond of preying on rats which is where they get the lungworm infection from. This infection could localize anyway in the lungs such as the bronchi and cause severe damage to lung tissues, leading to respiratory distress and wheezing.
How to Help a Wheezing Cat
Wheezing can be mild in cats in some cases and could be resolved with the following best practices:
- Remove smoke detectors, dust, old litter or change the cat’s environment
- Change the cat’s diet and avoid feeding cats with food they are allergic to
- Monitor cat closely for persistent wheezing sounds
- Use humidifiers and improve air aeration in the cat’s space
- See a vet promptly if symptoms of wheezing persist
In cases of emergency like difficulty in breathing, it is best to see a vet. At the vet, use the Petcube Emergency Fund to help offset up to $3000 of vet fees. Signup now using the exclusive link to enjoy a 27% discount.
FAQs
When to seek veterinary help for cat wheezing?
As soon as symptoms like high-pitched sound are noticed, it is best to seek veterinary advice.
What home remedies are available for cat wheezing?
Use of air humidifiers, well aerated environment, and replacement of old litter with clean, unscented, dust-free litter.
How is wheezing in cats diagnosed?
Veterinarians use different diagnostic methods to diagnose wheezing in cats which may include; physical examination, X-ray, bronchoscopy and blood tests.
Is wheezing in cats fatal?
Once the inciting factor is removed, wheezing stops. Studies suggest that some cases of wheezing may be difficult to treat due to its underlying causes.
Conclusion
Wheezing in cats can be caused by a simple hairball, allergy or disease condition. When noticed, it is best to promptly consult with a veterinarian for advice and recommendation. Wheezing is treated by identifying the causative factor and resolving it. It has a good prognosis, especially in mild cases of obstruction and allergies. To be safe, it is best to take your cat for a routine respiratory check-up to detect chronic conditions in time.
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