Nova Zhang
Cats are known for their gentle purrs, but sometimes they make concerning sounds, like wheezing. Wheezing in cats sounds similar to in humans, like a rattling or whistling noise while breathing in and out. This usually indicates a problem in the lower airways, like the bronchi and lungs, and can be caused by anything from asthma to heartworms. If your cat is wheezing, it's important to pay attention to any accompanying symptoms and take them to the vet for a check-up.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Wheezing | A high-pitched sound, similar to whistling, that occurs when air has difficulty passing through the airways |
| Causes | Foreign objects in the throat, hairballs, asthma, allergies, parasites (heartworms, lungworms), lung cancer, heart failure, obesity, breed (brachycephalic), fungal infections, bacterial infections, environmental factors (stress, irritants, sudden temperature changes) |
| Symptoms | Coughing, sneezing, nasal discharge, lethargy, weight loss, decreased energy, sleepiness, blue-tinted gums, mucus around the mouth |
| Treatment | Veterinary examination, blood and fecal tests, medication, lifestyle changes (e.g., allergen-free environment, heartworm prevention), oxygen cage |
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What You'll Learn
Allergies, asthma, or respiratory infections
Asthma in cats is a disease of the lower airways of the lungs that affects between 1 and 5% of cats. It is caused by an allergic reaction to inhaled allergens, which stimulate a cat's immune system. Cats with asthma may show signs of wheezing, rapid breathing, coughing, or hacking, open-mouthed breathing, or vomiting. During an asthma attack, cats often assume a characteristic crouched posture with their necks extended forward. While there is no single test to definitively diagnose feline asthma, veterinarians can employ radiographs (X-rays), computed tomography (CT), and bronchoscopy to evaluate the condition of a cat's lungs.
Respiratory infections in cats, specifically upper respiratory infections (URIs), are caused by various infectious agents, including viruses and bacteria. During a URI, cats experience inflammation and drainage in the mucous membranes of their nose and throat, leading to excessive secretions and sneezing. The most common viruses resulting in URIs are the feline herpes virus and feline calicivirus. Stress can play a significant role in weakening a cat's immune system, making them more susceptible to URIs. Certain breeds of cats with shortened noses or "smushed" faces, known as brachycephalics, are at a higher risk of developing respiratory infections.
Allergies in cats can trigger asthma symptoms, including wheezing. When a cat is exposed to an allergen, its immune system recognizes it and initiates a response that leads to inflammation and constriction of the airways. This results in difficulty breathing as the airways become partially blocked.
If your cat is wheezing, it is important to consult a veterinarian to determine the underlying cause and receive appropriate treatment.
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Foreign objects lodged in the throat
A respiratory foreign body in a cat refers to any object that gets lodged in the airways or the throat, causing obstruction or irritation. Cats inspect their surroundings with their tongues and mouths, and this habit can sometimes lead to health issues. Cats with foreign bodies lodged in their throats will behave differently depending on whether the airway or oesophagus is blocked. A cat with an oesophageal obstruction may exhibit symptoms such as gagging, coughing, or trouble breathing. If the oesophagus is only partially obstructed, the signs may be less noticeable. For example, the cat may seem uncomfortable, and you may hear strange noises.
If you suspect that your cat has a foreign object lodged in its throat, it is important to visit a veterinarian right away. The veterinarian will need to perform chest and neck x-rays to diagnose a partial or complete obstruction. If the foreign object is visible and easily accessible, the veterinarian may attempt manual removal using forceps or other specialised tools. This option is generally less invasive and can be performed under local anaesthesia. However, care must be taken to avoid pushing the object further into the respiratory tract.
For objects that are lodged deeper but still within reach of an endoscope, a minimally invasive technique can be used. Under general anaesthesia, a flexible tube with a camera is inserted into the cat's throat to locate and remove the foreign object. This method also allows the veterinarian to assess any internal damage caused by the foreign body. If the foreign body is particularly dangerous or sharp, an endogastric tube can be fed through the cat's mouth to shield the oesophagus while the object is retrieved.
In some cases, it may be possible to push the foreign object into the stomach, where it can pass through the remaining gastrointestinal tract safely. This can be done by using a balloon catheter or by flushing the respiratory tract with lubricating secretions. However, if the object is deeply lodged or has caused significant damage to the respiratory tract, surgical intervention may be required to open up the affected area, manually remove the object, and repair any damage.
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Parasites, such as heartworms or lungworms
Parasitic worms, such as heartworms and lungworms, can cause wheezing sounds, coughing, and weight loss in cats. Lungworm infection is caused by several parasitic roundworms, with the most common species in North America being Aelurostrongylus abstrusus. Cats can get lungworm infections by swallowing the infective stages of parasitic lungworm. The exact route of infection varies according to the parasite's life cycle. Typically, adult female worms lay their eggs in an infected cat's alveolar sacs in the lungs. The eggs hatch, and the larvae move to the upper airways, where they are coughed up and swallowed. The larvae are then excreted with the cat's faeces and ingested by slugs or snails. After entering the slug or snail, the larvae develop into their infective stage, capable of infecting other cats.
Cats with respiratory parasites are usually treated on an outpatient basis with dewormers. Anti-inflammatory agents are also administered to decrease the cat's negative immune reaction to the dead parasites. Some types of parasites can only be removed surgically, one at a time. The treatment goals are to eliminate the parasite and control symptoms caused by inflammation. Effective medications include ivermectin, fenbendazole (Panacur), moxidectin + imidacloprid (Advantage Multi), selamectin (Revolution), and emodepside + praziquantel (Profender). Depending on the severity of the infection, medication may be prescribed for several weeks to several months.
In rare cases, where the cat experiences severe respiratory distress, hospitalization for oxygen therapy and other supportive treatments may be necessary. If parasites have migrated to the brain, causing symptoms of neurological impairment, a cure will not be possible. To prevent parasitic infections, it is best to stop your cat from eating insects, rodents, and wild animals. Additionally, avoid contact with unknown cats and dogs, and separate your pets when they appear to be ill.
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Lung cancer or tumours
Wheezing in cats usually means that something is going on in their airways. While it could be something harmless, it could also be something more severe. If your cat is wheezing, it is important to consult your vet, who can carry out further tests to determine the cause.
Lung cancer refers to the uncontrollable growth of abnormal cells within the lung tissue. These cells can either originate in the lungs, known as primary lung cancer, or spread from other parts of the body, termed metastatic lung cancer. Primary lung cancer is rare in cats, but the number of cases has increased in recent years. Metastatic lung cancer is more commonly seen, often stemming from other primary cancers like mammary or skin cancer.
The average age at the time of diagnosis for primary lung tumours is 12 years, and all breeds and genders appear to be equally affected. Of the primary lung tumours in cats, more than 80% are malignant (cancerous). The signs of a primary lung tumour can vary depending on the location of the tumour, the speed of tumour growth, and the presence of previous or current lung disease.
Cats with lung cancer may show signs of respiratory distress, such as rapid breathing, panting, or wheezing. The tumour can obstruct airflow, making it difficult for your cat to breathe normally. Other symptoms include lethargy, weight loss, decreased appetite, fever, and vomiting. In advanced cases, a cat may cough up blood due to tumour degradation or ulceration, which warrants immediate veterinary care.
If you suspect your cat has lung cancer, it is important to consult your vet, who will likely recommend chest x-rays and possibly a tissue biopsy for a definitive diagnosis. Treatment options include surgery to remove the tumour, followed by chemotherapy or radiation treatment to slow the spread of any remaining cancer cells.
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Congestion or respiratory distress
Wheezing in cats usually indicates a problem with their airways. The sound is produced when air is forced out of the narrowed lower airways and through these narrow tubes. This often occurs during inhalation, exhalation, or both.
Congestion in cats can be caused by respiratory infections, which can result in respiratory distress. Cats with congestion may make a high-pitched whistling sound, similar to wheezing. This can occur during inhalation, exhalation, or both. Cats that go outside or are exposed to a large number of other cats are more likely to develop respiratory infections. Other signs of illness may include sneezing, ocular or nasal discharge, or coughing.
Fungal infections are more likely to occur in cats that spend a lot of time outdoors. These infections can result in coughing and other symptoms, and they can be life-threatening. However, when caught early, they are typically easy to treat.
Viral and bacterial infections can also cause inflammation and congestion in the airways. Symptoms of these infections include sneezing, nasal discharge, and coughing in addition to wheezing.
If your cat is experiencing congestion or respiratory distress, it is important to seek veterinary care. A veterinarian will be able to diagnose the cause of the congestion and provide appropriate treatment.
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Frequently asked questions
Wheezing in cats usually means that something is going on in their airways. It can be caused by a foreign object, such as a hairball, or something more serious like heartworms or lung cancer.
Cat wheezing can sound like a high-pitched whistling or rattling sound while the cat is breathing in and out. It may also sound like they are trying to bring up a hairball.
If your cat is wheezing, it is important to monitor their breathing and look out for other symptoms such as coughing, lethargy, or decreased energy. If you are concerned, consult your veterinarian for advice and to determine the underlying cause.
Yes, feline asthma is one of the most common respiratory disorders in cats and can cause wheezing. Asthma in cats can be triggered by allergens, stress, or other environmental factors.
To help your cat breathe easier, you can reduce irritants in your home by using an air purifier, keeping dust to a minimum, and avoiding strong scents. Keeping your cat's environment as allergen-free as possible can make a significant difference.
