Cats are sensitive animals to the changes that occur in their environment, so it is necessary to be attentive to any alteration in their behavior and to any strange symptom that may indicate a situation that is causing them stress or suffering from any illness or disease.
The fact that they are so sensitive debunks the popular myth that the cat is an animal that has seven lives, since they can be affected by many diseases that also attack humans, in addition to those that are characteristic of felines.
With that said, let's talk about pneumonia in cats. Keep reading and discover what to do if my cat has pneumonia in this article on our site
What is pneumonia?
Also called pneumonia, it is a disease that attacks the lungs It consists of inflammation of the pulmonary alveoli, and is extremely delicate both in humans with in animals. It can cause pain due to swelling of these vital organs, and can be fatal if not treated early and properly. In addition, it is possible to contract pneumonia if you are experiencing other respiratory illnesses, and it is highly contagious to those around us.
Now, how does pneumonia affect your cat? As with humans, pneumonia can be lethal to felines. Not only because of the state in which it leaves the lungs, but also because it is very common for the cat to refuse to try any food or drink water, which is why it easily falls into a severe dehydration picture.
Although it can affect any feline, it is more common in young animals, because their immune system is not yet strong; in old animals, since they are weaker; or in felines in the street, since they are exposed to all kinds of bacteria and contagious agents. What to do if my cat has pneumonia? How to proceed? Keep reading.
What are the causes of pneumonia in cats?
There are many reasons why your cat has contracted this disease, the most common of which is that we are dealing with a bacterial condition, mostly caused by a virus called feline calicivirus It is a respiratory virus, which if not treated in time can lead to the development of pneumonia.
However, the disease can also appear due to other factors, such as the presence of a foreign body that the cat has inhaled and that has lodged in its respiratory tract. It also contributes to their contracting it if you give your cat a poor diet, without the necessary nutrients for its he althy development.
In addition, the presence of other diseases, such as viral leukemia, make your cat more likely to contract pneumonia at some point in his life. In the same way, sudden changes in temperature, cold and drafts, and situations that cause stress in your furry friend, such as the arrival of another animal at home, a move or the change in the location of household objects, have an influence. the house, because the stress derived from these events makes him more vulnerable to getting sick.
That's why you should be aware of any unusual symptoms or behavior to consult your veterinarian immediately.
Types of feline pneumonia
There are two types of feline pneumonia, and they are classified according to the cause that originates them. Those types are as follows:
- Inhalation pneumonia: some foreign object is embedded in your cat's airways, either as a result of vomiting or respiration of some gastric acid. Because of this, your cat's lungs become swollen, requiring medical attention. The most usual thing is that he is given oxygen to help him breathe and some antibiotics.
- Bacterial pneumonia: is characterized by the accumulation of fluid in the alveoli and lungs, caused by infection with bacteria or fungi. If it is not attended to in time, it can be complicated by the accumulation of pus in the blood, due to the development of other bacteria, since the immune system is so vulnerable.
What are the symptoms of pneumonia in cats?
You should be very attentive to any of these symptoms:
- Cough and sneeze
- Fever
- Breathing sounds
- Lethargy
- Weakness
- Loss of appetite and weight
- Difficulty to swallow
- Blue Skin
- Accelerated breathing
If you notice any of these symptoms, you should take your feline friend to the vet right away, so he can be checked and treated, and rule out any serious illness
How is the diagnosis made?
Your vet will perform several tests on your cat, including an x-ray of his chest and lungs, since this will allow you to determine the severity of the infection and the state of the organs.
He will also extract samples of the contents of the lungs, to analyze if it is a case of pneumonia caused by bacteria and, if so, to detect what it is. If inhalation pneumonia is suspected, a urinalysis and analysis of the esophagus using an endoscope will be performed.
Treatment and care at home
When determining that there is indeed a case of feline pneumonia, it is most likely that your furry will have to remain hospitalized for a few days If you have a lot of trouble breathing, you will be given oxygen. The treatment will be based on antibiotics, mainly penicillin or amoxicillin is prescribed. They may also recommend a diuretic, to eliminate the fluid accumulated in the respiratory tract.
At home, you must keep him hydrated at all times, helping him if he is unable to drink on his own. Repeat these cares with food, grinding it and supplying it with a syringe if necessary, since cats decompensate very quickly when they stop eating food. To make it easier, you can reserve for him canned food or some food he really loves, and try to encourage him to eat by himself. If it doesn't, turn to the assisted feeding already mentioned.
In the same way, it is important to keep him warm and isolated from other pets, to prevent them from bothering him and prevent possible infections to other pets. animals. The treatment recommended by the veterinarian must be followed to the letter, in terms of medicines, times to be taken and quantities of each one. Anyone who lives with a cat knows how difficult it can be to give him some medicine, but you have to be resourceful to help him recover quickly. If it is syrup, try giving it little by little with a syringe, introducing the liquid to the sides of the mouth. If it's pills or tablets, hiding them in your food is a good option if you're able to eat alone; If not, you'll need to gently place it down his throat and distract him into swallowing it. No matter what you try, the important thing is that your cat takes the medicine from him, but remember to be gentle so as not to scare or hurt him.
The thoracic massages are recommended in cases of respiratory conditions, ask your doctor about how to perform them. Let the cat rest and sleep, so that he can recover his strength faster. Stay tuned for any changes or deterioration.
Always remember to consult everything with your veterinarian and not to self-medicate your pet.
