Cat pneumonia is a chronic disease that can affect a feline breathing system at any age of the cat. This can leading to health complications of the pet with time and eventually lead to death. Pneumonia in cats can be infectious type passed from Cat to another or human to a cat. Other causes can be genetic; in terms of microorganism cause; or viral infection which is the most common type of pneumonia and parasitic pneumonia which is caused by lung-worms and fluke.
Types of Cats Prone to Pneumonia
All breeds of cats are prone to pneumonia. Still, there are types of breeds that have a higher degree of contracting the Respiratory
complications. These provide a suitable environment for Viral and fungal disease development such as the Persians, Himalayan, and the
Rag dolls. If your Cat falls under these categories, you can start vaccination as early as possible or even visit a vet for clinics regularly.
Other factors that can make your Cat prone are age(young and old), immunity and exposure(another sick cat or human)
Viral pneumonia
Feline Calicivirus also causes damage to the lungs and the airway system, leading to the animal being prone to other bacteria(chlamydia,
Mycoplasma) and protozoa(Toxoplasma gondii) these weaken the cat overtime and in worst-case scenarios cause death. The following
are the major causes of fungal pneumonia
- candida species
- Aspergillus species
- cryptococcus neoformans
- Blastomyces dermatitidis
- Coccidioides immitis
- Histoplasma capsulatum
Parasitic pneumonia
The organisms invade the bronchi injuring them. This creates an opportunity for other diseases to thrive such as fungal infections like Blastomyces, Histoplasma and cryptococcosis and viral disease such as Calicivirus, peritonitis virus and herpesvirus) which
then under high caseload leads to pneumonia in cats directly or indirectly(bacterial infection).
Aspiration pneumonia
Aspiration pneumonia in cats is caused by inhalation or choking by foreign material such as food, drink, or liquid medicine. It may not
follow the right channel of food pipe and may go through the windpipe accidentally, thereby leading to infections of the Cat. Some of the
materials may cause allergic reactions to the Cat, such as severe coughing and irritation of the throat may also damage the bronchi and air
sacs, making the feline prone to pneumonia-causing bacteria and fungi.
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Pneumonia Signs
The most common signs include:
- deep cough
- loss of appetite
- lethargy
- fever
- mucous with a bluish color
- light green nasal discharge when sneezing
- rapid heartbeat.
The Cat appears demoralized and solitary sometimes. Its good to note behavioral changes to your feline friend. mores so it is good to check on what you as a parent
might have changed in terms of feeding or your pet’s accessories such as beds, blankets, pet collars, etc., as this might have some effects
on the Cat’s allergic reactions. The vet’s diagnosis includes:
- Physical examination
- Medical and pet’s history
- Carrying out some tests.
Pneumonia Prevention
Pneumonia in cats is preventable through vaccination and ensuring a healthy environment for your pet.
Vaccination
Always ensure that your Cat is way up to date the vaccination calendar to keep them always guarded as cats, which are vaccinated, can
withstand, and develop a good immunity towards the disease. Your Cat can be vaccinated against two significant diseases herpes-virus
and Calici-virus which are one of the most highly contagious viruses among the cat family this is done through the administering of feline
distemper vaccine
Keep the Cat indoors
Cats are curious and playful animals, and this may be hard to tackle mainly for outdoor cats. Keeping the Cat indoor also reduces the Cat
interaction with other cats who might be ill. To curb this, keep the Cat engaged through toys and keeping also develop an intimate
relationship with your pet. It’s good to protect your feline friend from moist and cold environments. Such environments tend to increase
the animal’s allergic reactions, and you might notice increased coughing and difficulty in breathing. Animals with pneumonia problems
need a warm and dry environment.
Its is also good to note your Cat’s medical issues such as allergies to know the right foods to feed your pets.
Trachea wash
Involve collecting of materials in the trachea system to determine the type of materials present in the system (such as bacteria and fungi)
to determine the Cat’s type and sensitivity to these microorganisms.
Aspiration Method
It involves collecting microorganisms present in the lung air sacs to determine the type and sensitivity of cats to them. is done by use of a
needle pierced through the side of the animal directly to the lungs
Blood Test
It’s a combination analysis to test oxygen and carbon dioxide saturation, bacterial and other microorganisms present.
Other tests include Radiography and fecal matter test.
Read also: Best Cat Food for Allergies/Hypoallergenic Cats.
Get your feline friend a pleasant and comfortable blankets beds or warm Caves while choosing these products ensure you get the proper
guidance on them as some materials your Cat may be allergic to (for reviews Click here)
Visit your vet doctor for clinics often to make sure that your pet is healthy- this is an added advantage as some chronic diseases when caught early are curable at early stages, for in every case, prevention is better than cure.
Pneumonia Treatment
Antibiotics
Fungal and bacterial treatment of pneumonia in cats involves the use of specific antibiotics is administered depending on the type of
microorganism affecting your Cat, medical history, and conditions that your pet might have. Its always advisable to visit a professional
vet for them to run a proper test on your buddy administer any medicine.
Good environment Indoor
Ensure that environment is warm and dry as most cat pneumonia problems are increased in moist and cold environments. Purchase a
right heater, a warm blanket, and a bed or an enjoyable cat cave for your Cat. A right conducive environment is advisable for cats with
chronic problems because the allergic effects and symptoms are significantly reduced.
And regular vising of Professional Vet Doctor.
Pneumonia in cats has been one of the leading killer disease for very young pets and old cats in the US and Europe during winter due to
the climatic conditions experience.
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