Pneumonia in Cats

Is your cat experiencing breathing difficulties? It could be pneumonia. Here is the veterinary team at San Diego Bay Animal Hospital explains more about pneumonia in cats, and the symptoms to watch for.

Causes of Pneumonia in Cats

Several different types of bacteria, viruses, or fungal organisms can enter your cat's airways and develop into an infection or inflammation which in turn can lead to pneumonia.

If your kitty develops pneumonia it will experience breathing difficulties and oxygen deficiency in the blood, which can lead to a weakening of its immune system.

Cats of any age can develop pneumonia however, this inflammatory condition is most commonly diagnosed in very young kittens, senior cats, and cats with other underlying health problems.

Types of Cat Pneumonia

There are several different types of pneumonia seen in cats, they include:

• Infectious pneumonia in cats results from a viral or bacterial infection in the lungs and airways, this is the most common form of pneumonia seen in cats.
• Aspiration pneumonia in cats is caused by the cat inhaling a foreign material, which leads to irritation of the sensitive lining of the lungs. A common cause of aspiration pneumonia in cats is the improper administration of liquid medications, or the inhalation of vomit if the cat is sick.
• Fungal pneumonia in cats (also called mycotic pneumonia) begins as a fungal infection that progresses into the development of pneumonia. The inhalation of spores from the soil is believed to be the source of most fungal infections in cats.
• Parasites such as lungworms and flukes can invade the cat's air passages and result in pneumonia.

Signs of Feline Pneumonia to Watch For

Pneumonia can be challenging to diagnose in cats since many of the symptoms are also associated with other illnesses including other respiratory infections such as cat colds. Nonetheless, if your kitty is suffering from pneumonia it may experience one or more of the following symptoms:

Aspiration pneumonia in cats can cause other symptoms such as difficulty swallowing, increased heart rate, and vomiting. Whereas fungal pneumonia in cats can lead to eye or skin problems such as runny eyes and skin lesions, as well as lameness. 

Contagious Pneumonia in Cats

Viral and bacterial pneumonia can pass to other cats, dogs, and small animals that come in close contact with your sick cat.

It's a good idea to keep your sick cat indoors and separated from other pets in your home to help prevent the spread of these conditions. Be sure to provide your cat with a comfy place to rest, a fresh clean litter box, and plenty of food and water.

Your cat's food and water bowls should be cleaned frequently, as well as their litter box, and toys that may be contaminated. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water after handling your sick kitty.

Treatment for Pneumonia in Cats

If your feline friend has been diagnosed with pneumonia your vet will provide treatment to help stabilize your cat's condition and then work to fight the infection.

Depending upon the severity of your cat's symptoms and the type of pneumonia your cat has developed, treatment for pneumonia could include hospitalization for monitoring, oxygen therapy or a nebulizer treatment to help ease respiratory symptoms, as well as intravenous fluids to treat dehydration, and broad-spectrum antibiotics or anti-fungal medications.

The prognosis for Cats with Pneumonia

The prognosis for cats suffering from pneumonia is generally good if they receive treatment early, however, aspiration pneumonia can be challenging to treat and often leads to further health complications.

The underlying cause of your cat's pneumonia, as well as your kitty's overall health, and age will all play a role in how well your cat recovers from pneumonia. Unfortunately, very old cats, young kittens, and immunocompromised cats may not be strong enough to battle a severe case of pneumonia.

Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. Please make an appointment with your vet for an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition.

If your kitty is struggling to breathe head contact our San Diego vets right away or head straight over to San Diego Bay Animal Hospital.