Bronchitis in cats happens when the bronchial tubes that are part of a feline’s respiratory system become inflamed. It can lead to breathing issues and, in the most extreme situations, even loss of consciousness.
If you see the symptoms or anything unusual about your cat’s breathing, then you must get to a veterinarian for a proper diagnosis and treatment.
Here’s what you should know about the symptoms, causes, and treatments for bronchitis in cats.
Symptoms Of Bronchitis In Cats
Bronchitis in cats usually presents itself as a series of symptoms that affect respiration, or breathing.
Some of the most common symptoms include:
- Difficulty breathing, including wheezing
- Coughing
- Panting and breathing too quickly
- Shying away from exercise
- Fever
Causes Of Bronchitis In Cats
Bronchitis in cats is usually caused by an inflammation of the bronchial tubes. This inflammation makes it harder for your cat to breathe in sufficient amounts of oxygen.
Some of the most common causes of the inflammation include:
- Infections (bacterial, fungal and viral)
- Allergies
- Lung worm (a parasite)
- Heartworm
Treatments For Bronchitis In Cats
If your vet suspects your cat might be suffering from bronchitis, they’ll carry out a full physical exam. Additionally, your vet will request as much information about your cat’s health history as possible. They may call for an X-ray of the chest area.
Once the diagnosis has been confirmed, the course of treatment will depend on the cause of the inflammation.
If the inflammation is due to an infection, your vet will prescribe a course of antibiotics. As ever, when your vet prescribes antibiotics, make sure to follow the dosage instructions and complete the entire course.
If your vet finds that a parasite is the cause of the infection, they’ll prescribe anti-parasite medication.
In all cases, vets also advise improving the air quality and air flow in the home environment. Your vet can make recommendations for any filters or purifiers that can help.
Has your cat ever had bronchitis? What advice did your vet give you to help them recover? Let us know in the comments section below!
