In a normal state, cats, like people, breathe easily and naturally. It is quite difficult to notice this process from the outside. However, sometimes it is clearly seen that the cat often breathes with the stomach. At the same time, his sides rise, and his mouth is often ajar. This condition cannot be called the norm, although the causes are not always associated with the disease.
Features of the breath of cats
The breathing process of a cat is no different from other mammals, including humans. When an animal breathes, air is drawn in through the nose, enters the larynx, and from there through the trachea is sent to the lungs. Further, oxygen is picked up by the blood and carried to all organs of the body. "Waste" goes back along the same path:
- lungs;
- trachea;
- larynx;
- nasal passages.
At rest, a cat breathes about 30 times per minute, that is, every two seconds. The norm is the number of breaths from 20 to 40. In kittens, this figure is somewhat different and can reach 50 times.
Rapid breathing in adult cats is observed when they are frightened, agitated, angry with something. For example, while traveling in transport, meeting with a dog or during active games. You can also notice that the pet often breathes and his stomach rises at the same time if the cat is very hot.
Another reason for the deviation is the prenatal state of the female or estrus. All these situations can be considered a variant of the norm. It doesn't take long for the cat to calm down and breathe normally again. However, sometimes there are exceptions.
Pathologies associated with respiratory failure
If the cat breathes with its sides and stomach, then it does not have enough oxygen. For some reason, not enough air enters the lungs, the body begins to "panic" and tries to make up for the deficit. The animal breathes deeply and frequently. Tries to take in more air.
In medicine, this phenomenon is called abdominal breathing. It can be one of the symptoms of various diseases. The most common .
- Damage to the oral mucosa. If sores, fistulas, etc. have formed in the cat's mouth, it may simply be painful for the animal to breathe. This process is no longer natural. It brings discomfort, and the body tends to “breathe for the future”, as it were, swallowing more air at a time. However, this does not help. Breathing goes astray, its frequency, on the contrary, increases.
- Infectious and inflammatory diseases of the respiratory system. It can be rhinitis, tracheitis, bronchitis, pneumonia, or a commonplace acute respiratory disease, which is typical not only for people, but also for cats. Fighting infection, the immune system secretes mucus with a large number of white blood cells. This is completely normal, but the airways become clogged and it is difficult for air to get to the lungs. Experiencing its deficiency, the cat breathes deeply and often with the stomach. Concomitant symptoms in diseases of an infectious and inflammatory nature are cough, nasal discharge, bad breath, fever.
- Laryngitis, bronchial asthma, allergies. With them, shallow breathing is very often observed. It is accompanied by a dry paroxysmal cough. If there is an advanced form of asthma, the cat may suffocate.
- Tumors and hernias in the airways. Any neoplasms in the larynx, trachea, lungs are a serious obstacle to air. Naturally, the cat feels its lack, breathes heavily and often, the stomach rises. If the situation does not last a day, not two, or even a week, chronic hypoxia develops. The body, which constantly lacks oxygen, weakens, system malfunctions begin, additional diseases are triggered. A cat suffering from cancer or having a hernia is easy to distinguish from a healthy animal. She not only breathes heavily with her stomach, but is also lethargic, eats poorly, her face shows a lack of body weight.
- Rib fractures. With such injuries, the lungs are pinched by fragments and cannot function normally. Therefore, the cat breathes often, and her stomach trembles. A fracture is suspected by an inadequate reaction of the pet to touch, explained by pain. The cat can take unnatural positions, sleep constantly only on one side, etc.
- Cardiovascular diseases. It's also one of the most common reasons. Especially in certain breeds of cats (British, Maine Coon), which have a genetic predisposition to heart pathologies. In addition to the fact that the cat breathes frequently and deeply with such dysfunctions, there are other symptoms. Among them are wheezing in the chest, cyanosis of the oral mucosa, pallor of the skin, lethargy of the animal. During a severe attack, breathing may stop, and then the cat needs emergency help.
- Foreign body in the airways. Situations when a cat chokes on a bone or a solid piece of food are very common. In most cases, animals manage to cough up and push out a foreign object. However, sometimes it penetrates deep enough and blocks access to air. Because of this, the cat breathes deeply and often. In this case, she also needs the help of a person.
It is imperative to find out what provoked the deviation. Otherwise, it will be impossible to prescribe adequate treatment. Sometimes there is no time to understand the causes of abnormal breathing for a long time, because you need to immediately save the animal.
How to provide first aid?
If there is reason to suspect that the cat is choking and therefore breathing often, you need to push his jaws as wide as possible and, holding his mouth open, try to pull out the foreign body with your fingers or tweezers. It happens that such actions are unsuccessful, due to too deep penetration of a foreign object into the larynx.
In such cases, the cat is lifted by the hind legs and held upside down. At the same time, they squeeze the stomach, pressing on the diaphragm with sharp jerks. Most likely, the foreign body will pop out, and the pet will be able to breathe normally.
Urgent care is also required for a cat if the change in breathing is associated with a heart attack, which can be determined by the accompanying symptoms:
- cyanosis of the mucosa;
- pallor of the skin;
- rapid or vice versa slow pulse.
You should act as quickly as possible, without waiting for a critical state. When the diagnosis of the animal is already known, it is injected with the drug prescribed by the doctor, taken out into the fresh air. If the condition is so serious that the pet has stopped breathing, elementary resuscitation measures must be taken:
- lay the cat on a flat surface, fixing his body so that the spine from the neck to the tail is straightened;
- clear the mouth of mucus;
- clamp the mouth with one hand, and roll the other with a tube, through which, approximately once every two or three seconds, breathe directly into the nose of the pet (in the case of kittens, the respiratory rate is halved);
- do an indirect heart massage if the pulse is not palpable.
In most cases, a cat can be saved after stopping breathing within 10-15 minutes. When the resuscitated animal begins to breathe normally, be sure to take him to the veterinary clinic.
Reasons for urgent medical attention
In itself, often the breath of a cat is not always a reason for panic. As noted above, the animal could be frightened, angry, tired during outdoor games, etc.
Various chronic or infectious diseases known to the owner can cause such a symptom, then the cat is simply treated with the methods previously prescribed by the doctor. However, there are accompanying signs when you need to take your pet to the clinic urgently.:
- fast or too weak pulse;
- change in the color of the mucous membranes (red, blue, white shades);
- severe wheezing or gurgling in the chest;
- fluid profusely secreted from the mouth or nasal passages.
Also, you can not hesitate if these symptoms are absent, but the owner does not even suggest why his cat can often breathe in his stomach. The sooner a doctor makes a diagnosis, the higher the chances of a favorable outcome.
What examinations will be required?
To understand what caused frequent breathing in a cat, the veterinarian will ask the owner in detail about when and under what circumstances the symptom appeared, what the animal ate the day before, whether it could have been poisoned, etc. Next, he will conduct a visual examination with palpation and, most likely, will send for tests.
In most cases, you have to donate blood, undergo ultrasound diagnostics. Sometimes an x-ray is needed. These methods will help to find out why the cat breathes frequently, and prescribe adequate treatment.
When you look at how much the pet's stomach rises and how often he gasps for air, it becomes really scary. After all, respiratory failure is a direct threat to life. However, you should not panic, although you can’t waste time either - you won’t return it back. If the condition worsens dramatically, it will be more difficult to help the cat.
You should take the animal to the doctor as soon as possible and find out why it is not breathing properly. In the vast majority of cases, the diseases are not fatal and respond well to treatment.
VETERINARY CONSULTATION REQUIRED. INFORMATION FOR INFORMATION ONLY. Administration
Weak or rapid breathing in a cat signals changes in the pet's body. Deviation from the norm is not always a pathology. But the owner must be able to recognize a dangerous symptom in order to help the pet in time. How do cats breathe and what do these or other changes in breathing indicate?
The respiratory system of a cat is similar to that of a human. First, air enters the larynx through the pharynx, then moves along the trachea to the bronchi and into the lungs. From the lungs, oxygen is delivered to every cell in the body. On exhalation, at the moment of relaxation of the diaphragm, the “waste” material is removed from the body in the opposite way: through the bronchi into the trachea, larynx and pharynx. The respiratory rate in cats is a variable indicator. In a calm state, an adult animal takes about thirty breaths / exhalations per minute. In kittens, this figure is higher and can reach up to fifty. Cats breathe a little more than cats, but the difference is not significant.
There are many situations when frequent breathing in a cat is not a pathology. For example, from fright, rage, surprise, or at the moment of joyful excitement, the cat breathes faster. This is a momentary change, breathing returns to normal after a short period of time, usually after the cat stops being exposed to external stimuli. Shallow rapid breathing in a cat during a trip, in the veterinarian's office, or during an unpleasant manipulation is a conditional norm, signaling that the pet is experiencing stress. Pregnant, giving birth, lactating pets and cats during estrus also breathe somewhat faster. The respiratory rate in cats varies depending on the degree of load: in a dream, the indicator is lower, during active games it is higher.
Change in breathing as a warning sign
A change in the depth and frequency of breathing can be a sign of a pet's deteriorating well-being. These indicators change with an increase in body temperature, during pain, dehydration, hypothermia or overheating. In the latter case, it is observed in a cat through the mouth, and when hypothermia, on the contrary, the cat breathes hardly noticeably - the stomach and ribs almost do not change position during inhalation / exhalation.
Predominant abdominal breathing in cats, when the ribs barely move on inhalation / exhalation, and the abdomen, on the contrary, noticeably rises and falls, may be a sign of congenital pathology, a chronic disease of internal organs and systems. A cat breathes “belly” if its ribs, chest muscles, spine, lungs are damaged - in any situation where a normal breath causes pain.
Infections, viruses and diseases of the internal organs are accompanied by other symptoms, and a change in breathing in this case is only an indirect sign. However, the owner must be sure to inform the veterinarian of any irregularities so that the doctor can make a faster diagnosis. For example, heavy breathing in a cat with fever and dry cough may be a symptom of bronchitis. If the pet suffers from allergies, difficulty breathing in a cat during an exacerbation of the disease may be a sign of laryngeal edema.
If the general condition of the pet is satisfactory, but it is clearly difficult for the cat to breathe, you should carefully examine the oral cavity and larynx. Perhaps a foreign object is stuck in the throat, which needs to be removed as soon as possible. Rattling in the chest indicates the accumulation of fluid or mucus, which prevents normal air circulation. If the cat wheezes when breathing through the nose, whistling sounds or sniffling are heard on exhalation and inhalation, it is possible that a foreign object has entered the nasopharynx or the mucous membranes are so inflamed that air cannot freely penetrate through the nose. Wheezing breath is an alarming sign that appears in many cases: edema, pneumonia, heart disease.
Frequent shallow and heavy breathing in a cat can be a sign of an injury that is invisible at first glance. The pet must be carefully examined, looking for signs of a blow: bruises, bruises, wounds, areas of the body that are painful when touched, flayed hair. Usually, by the behavior of a cat, it is easy to understand that she is in pain: constrained movements, apathy, poor appetite, thirst.
Any changes in breathing should be consulted with a doctor. You need to take your cat to the clinic immediately if:
- any other alarming symptoms of malaise are present;
- pulse is fast or weak;
- mucous membranes turned pale, reddened or turned blue;
- in the chest something wheezes, gurgles, sniffs, whistles, etc.;
- fluid comes out of the mouth or nose.
If the pet is not breathing(the gums turn pale or blue, if the gums are red - oxygen enters the body), it is necessary to give artificial respiration to the cat. Manipulation is carried out until the respiratory function is restored or all the way to the clinic. It's easy to do this:
- we fix the cat so that its neck is straightened and forms a single line with the spine;
- the pet's mouth must be closed, the mouth freed from saliva, foam, mucus;
- take a deep breath, exhale air into the cat's nose through the palm folded with a tube. You can cover the cat's mouth with a thin handkerchief and clasp the nose with your lips without using your palm;
- the frequency is about twenty times per minute, the depth depends on the size of the pet. Kittens need to do artificial respiration especially carefully, because if you exhale too intensely, you can damage the small lungs (they simply cannot contain the volume of air exhaled by a person). To calculate the volume, put your palm on the cat's chest: a slight expansion is enough, do not overdo it;
- We check the pulse every 15-20 seconds. If your heart stops beating, don't panic! Usually (if the cat can still be saved), the heart rate is restored within 10-15 minutes of indirect massage;
- we clasp the cat's sternum from below with the palm so that it is sandwiched between the thumb on one side and the rest of the fingers on the other. We sharply squeeze and relax our fingers (five times in a row), then inhale air into the cat’s nose once, then again five chest compressions. Check every two minutes to see if your heart is beating. It’s great if there is an assistant: one person does artificial respiration, and the second continuously massages the heart.
Why does a cat breathe often - this question worries all pet owners. This article will discuss why this happens and what needs to be done.
The normal respiratory rate for a cat is between twenty and forty breaths per minute. However, there are situations when the pet's breathing is disturbed. When breathing in the belly of a cat, the lungs and chest cannot cope with their functions, because in the normal case, a vacuum forms around the lungs in the chest cavity and allows the organs to have space. Due to certain problems with the body, both air and blood along with harmful substances can enter the cavity. Also, the reason for this may be increased physical activity, a variety of pathologies and difficult climatic conditions. And also the reason for this can be the onset of childbirth in a cat and stressful situations. Any of these options will be a reason to visit a doctor.
Why does a cat breathe quickly and stick out his tongue
Everyone is familiar with the situation when a cat sticks out its tongue to wash or lick milk. However, there are situations when it is worth worrying about the condition of the animal.
First, let's look at situations where you don't need to worry:
But if the cat breathes often, while opening its mouth, then you need to sound the alarm. The mechanism for the occurrence of problems in terms of breathing is quite simple: to improve gas exchange in the lungs and better supply of air there, the animal needs to breathe more often and deeper, which is why you have to open your mouth, stick out your tongue and lower it beyond the boundaries of the oral cavity. The cause can be a variety of diseases such as rhinitis, sinusitis, pulmonary inflammation and many other diseases.
And it is also important to note that the cause of this phenomenon is cardiovascular insufficiency, poisoning and disorders in the brain. In case of poisoning, vomiting occurs, the animal begins to cough up, and as a result, all harmful substances leave the body. When disturbances occur in the brain, the cat is unable to control the movements of his body, including his tongue. Additionally, a cat may be accompanied by strabismus and other diseases.
The main causes of bad breath in cats
Causes leading to poor breathing in cats include symptoms such as:
Also, the causes may be the consequences of heart disease that lead to heart failure, metabolic disorders, filling the space in the chest with harmful substances, as well as the presence of foreign objects such as a piece of food that has fallen into the wrong throat, or plants, especially with sharp stems and leaves. In addition, gas exchange disorders can interfere with breathing when blood does not enter the body. This can occur due to previous injuries, pulmonary edema, pneumonia.
Diagnosis and prevention of diseases
For the correct diagnosis of respiratory diseases in cats, it is necessary to organize the prevention of diseases and their treatment. First you need to study the medical history of the cat or cat and the results of the examination for physical health. The upper respiratory tract is examined with an X-ray, and it is produced in the presence of diseases of the lower respiratory tract, for example, cough, difficult or rapid breathing. Doctors often use devices to examine the nose, throat, and respiratory system. If there is a suspicion of lung disease, it is necessary to analyze what is contained in the lungs and respiratory system by washing the trachea or sacs with a sterile type of liquid, with further study of the resulting liquid. This procedure is named 
transtracheal lavage.
Cats that have a lot of fluid in the pleural area need to be pumped out using a special needle, then this fluid is examined under a special microscope. If there is a lot of fluid, then this is the cause of possible heart diseases, for a more complete result, an electrocardiogram procedure is necessary.
Prevention lies in the fact that cats develop diseases as a result of stress, certain health problems, climate conditions, as well as dust, dampness, drafts. Some types of diseases can be cured by vaccination. However, in any case, it is necessary to comply with sanitary standards for keeping cats.
Cat First Aid
It is necessary to fix the cat so that its neck is in a straightened state and is in line with the spine; the pet's mouth must be closed, the mouth freed from saliva, foam, mucus; take a deep breath, exhale air into the nose through the palm, which was folded into a tube. You can cover the cat's mouth with a thick handkerchief and grab the nose with the lips without using the palm; a frequency of approximately twenty times per minute, the depth will depend on the size of the pet.
Kittens need to do artificial respiration in an extremely careful way, since if you exhale too much in intensity, you can harm the small lungs (they simply won’t be able to 
place the volume of air exhaled by a person). To calculate the volume, put your palm on the cat's chest: a slight expansion is enough, do not overdo it; We check the pulse every 15-20 seconds.
If your heart stops, don't panic! Usually, if the cat can still be saved, the heart rate is restored within ten to fifteen minutes of indirect massage; we hold the palm of the cat's sternum from below so that it becomes sandwiched in the area between the thumb on one side and the remaining fingers on the other. We sharply squeeze and unclench our fingers (five times in a row), then once we blow air into the nasal openings of the cat, then again five compressions of the chest.
Check every two minutes to see if your heart is beating. It's great if there is an assistant nearby: one person performs artificial respiration, and the second performs a massage for the heart without interruption.
Transportation of cats to the veterinary clinic
Ten tips for transporting your cat to the veterinary clinic:
Conclusion
So, now we know how to help the cat in the cure of respiratory diseases. After all, you really want your pet to live as long as possible. Remember: a quick response to the symptoms of the disease will help in time to help treat the respiratory tract and prolong the life of your pet.
Tachypnea or rapid breathing in a cat can be triggered by a variety of factors and causes. Not always such a condition is a sign of any diseases and pathologies. In some cases, rapid breathing may be normal. Consider the main causes of rapid breathing in a cat, what to do to normalize the respiratory function and in what cases the animal needs emergency help.
Rapid breathing in cats (tachypnea, inspiratory dyspnea) is characterized by an increased number of breaths and exhalations in relation to the norm. It occurs in animals for a variety of reasons.
Important! Tachypnea can be physiological or pathological. Physiological rapid breathing is a natural cooling process of the body and is necessary for faster recovery.
With the development of this condition, the pet most often stretches its front legs, arches its back in an arc. At the same time, tachypnea does not always signal the development of any pathological condition or process in the body.
Rapid breathing may be normal:
- in the first hours after the birth of kittens;
- with a long stay in a stuffy room, in the heat (overheating);
- if the cat is very thirsty;
- after intense physical exertion, active games;
- during or immediately after a meal;
- in stressful situations, after a strong emotional shock (transportation, change of habitual environment).
Rapid breathing in a cat can be caused by taking certain medications. In particular, when coming out of deep anesthesia.
A cat may breathe frequently during pregnancy due to hormonal changes in the body during the rut.
As a rule, all of the above factors do not represent. The respiratory function will return to normal after a while, for example, after the normalization of the emotional state, the end of games, etc.
We also note that in representatives of brachycephalic breeds, due to the specific anatomical structure of the nasal passages (flattened nose), rapid breathing, especially in the hot season, is a physiological norm.
Causes of Abnormal Rapid Breathing in Cats
Owners should sound the alarm if the cat's rapid breathing is pathological.
Causes of abnormal rapid breathing in cats:
- pathology of the respiratory tract;
- acute respiratory, chronically occurring infections (tracheal collapse, bronchitis, rhinotracheitis, edema, neoplasia);
- the presence in the pharynx, larynx of foreign bodies;
- pathological, inflammatory processes in the bronchi (asthma, helminthic invasions);
- nasal pathology (blockage of the nasal passages with mucus, foreign objects, spasm of the airways);
- severe intoxication;
- dehydration;
- abnormal structure of the skull;
- hydrothorax, hemothorax (accumulation of fluid, blood in the sternum);
- oxygen starvation (hypoxia);
- hernia in the diaphragm;
- poisoning with strong chemicals, poisons;
- chest injury;
- lung damage;
- brain tumors;
- inflammatory process in the oral cavity, problems of the soft palate;
- neoplasms in the organs of the respiratory tract;
- endocrine diseases and pathologies, metabolic problems;
- high, fever;
- pneumothorax (accumulation of air in the chest);
- severe overheating;
- cardiovascular pathologies (heart failure, myocardial enlargement, cardiomyopathy);
- shock, fear, acute pain.
Important! The main cause of tachypnea is a violation of gas exchange. This condition is provoked by an increase in carbon dioxide in the bloodstream, a decrease in oxygen levels, which leads to excitation of the respiratory center. Such a violation leads to a decrease in the powder of irritation of the neuro-reflex apparatus in the alveoli of the lungs.
Rapid breathing in cats is noted with acute allergic reactions (anaphylactic shock), with diseases of the internal organs of various kinds. This condition can be a symptom of neurological diseases,
Additional symptoms and complications
Rapid breathing caused by physiological causes does not cause discomfort to the cat.
Additional symptoms and complications:
- strong frequent bouts of choking cough;
- a sharp increase in temperature;
- inadequate response to stimuli;
- anemia, pallor, cyanosis, excessive redness of the mucous membranes;
- nose bleed;
- violation of the heart rhythm (arrhythmia, tachycardia, bradycardia);
- change in habitual behavior (anxiety, nervousness, oppression, apathy);
- strong thirst;
- wheezing;
- unnatural postures;
- discharge from the nose, eyes mucous, purulent;
- fast fatiguability;
- trembling, muscle spasms, convulsions;
- frequent urination;
- refusal to eat;
- vomiting, profuse diarrhea;
- weight loss.
If, in addition to tachypnea, the cat loses consciousness, does not orient in space, suffocates, breathes heavily, wheezing, whistling sounds are heard, the heart rate has changed, do not waste a minute. Contact a veterinarian immediately or take your cat to a veterinary clinic.
Cardiopalmus
Rapid heartbeat is one of the symptoms that is most often noted with tachypnea.
The heartbeat changes after taking certain medications. For example, after vaccination. Thus the body reacted to the introduction of the vaccine. In this case, respiratory function should recover within 12-24 hours.
If the cat's mucous membranes turn blue, the heart pulse (arrhythmic pulse) becomes more frequent, the pet loses consciousness, breathes heavily, behaves inappropriately, do not waste a minute. Call the veterinarian at home or take it in a shipping box to the nearest veterinary clinic.
Heat
High temperature, rapid breathing can be caused by both external and internal factors. Overheating, dehydration, hormonal changes, intestinal disorders, acute, respiratory, viral and bacterial diseases, acute inflammation.
An increase in temperature can be observed in a cat after vaccination, deworming, or at the beginning of the development of inflammatory processes in the body.
Lethargy and apathy
As we have already noted, if a cat has rapid pathological breathing, under some conditions the cat may experience either strong excitement, or lethargy and apathy are possible.
Important! Lethargy, apathy can be caused by exhaustion, shock, neoplasia.
It is worth sounding the alarm in case of a lethargic state, severe depression, cyanosis of the mucous membranes, lack of response to external stimuli, and unstable temperature.
convulsions
Convulsions, frequent breathing, muscle spasms, tremors in a cat can occur against the background of neurotic conditions, with severe intoxication, poisoning with potent poisons, chemicals, medicines, or exogenous toxins entering the body.
The development of such a state is facilitated by a violation of gas exchange, oxygen starvation, shock, and strong emotional overexcitation.
First aid for a cat
First aid is required for a cat when breathing has not returned to normal, and the pet's condition is rapidly deteriorating.
First aid for a cat:
- If the cat is choking, coughing, stretching its neck forward, breathing through an open mouth, try to calm the pet, then inspect the upper respiratory tract for foreign objects.
- Clear the nostrils, the mouth of the pet from mucus.
- Curl your palm into a tube and inhale air into the cat's mouth or nose. Perform a similar manipulation every 2-3 seconds.
- Perform artificial ventilation of the lungs.
- Create a favorable microclimate in the room. Ventilate the room well.
- If the cat is overheated, take the pet to a cool, dark place. Wet your head and nose with a damp towel. Invite the animal to drink or after a while pour some water into the mouth from a syringe without a needle in small portions.
- If the tongue turns blue, the temperature drops, put a heating pad on the paws.
Constantly monitor the pulse, heart rate. If the pulse is weak, give chest compressions. Monitor the condition of the pet before the arrival of the veterinarian.
What to do if you can't get your breath back
But what to do if you cannot restore the breathing of your beloved pet and bring his condition back to normal? Do not panic, but you need to act as quickly as possible. To normalize the respiratory function, medical or surgical treatment is used.
Advice! Note that with tachypnea it is not always possible to take a cat to the clinic due to the development of stress. Animals can only be transported in a special box or shipping box.
After examination and diagnosis, the veterinarian can perform tracheal intubation to normalize the respiratory function, limiting himself to an oxygen mask. In severe cases, hospitalization, resuscitation, and infusion therapy are prescribed.
Surgical intervention is required for injuries, oncology. Thoracocentesis is indicated when there is fluid or excess air in the sternum.
If tachypnea occurs after vaccination, taking medications, this is an allergic reaction and anti-shock therapy may be required. Therefore, after vaccination, do not take the cat home for the first 30-40 minutes.
In the future, depending on the underlying cause that provoked tachypnea, symptomatic medications will be prescribed.
Anti-inflammatory, antihistamines, drugs that relieve spasm, analgesics, antibiotics, corticosteroids, and diuretics are used to relieve symptoms, normalize the condition of the animal and the work of the respiratory center. Without fail, in therapy, means that support the work of the heart are used.
After normalizing the condition of the cat, strictly follow the instructions of the veterinarian. Make sure your pet is comfortable.
Many cats, especially young ones, love to frolic and run, and after that, tired, they lie, lazily sprawled, and often breathe. However, what if the cat is breathing heavily, but has not run before? This should alert every attentive owner.
Causes of changes in respiratory rate in cats
1. Physiological causes - a natural reaction of the body, which is the norm. It can be called:
Physical loads. In healthy animals, the respiratory rate depends mainly on the level of physical activity. The calmest breathing in cats is during sleep;
Stress. With excitement, rage, excitement, the cat's breathing quickens. For example, while traveling in a car, when moving to a new place, during various medical procedures. This is a short-term phenomenon, and passes as soon as the source of stress disappears. In pregnant, giving birth, lactating and estrus cats, breathing is also often noticeably faster, but this is not a cause for concern, since this is a normal reaction of the body to additional stress;
Overheating or hypothermia. When overheated, the cat breathes through the mouth, often and heavily. He tries to spread himself with his whole body on the coolest surface in the house - tiles, linoleum or under the bathroom. If the temperature in the room is too high, soak a towel in cold water and wrap it around your pet, or just wet his ears and lower abdomen, and make sure he drinks enough. When hypothermia - on the contrary, breathing is barely noticeable, the pet curls up into a ball, and the hair stands on end for better thermal insulation. In this case, wrap him in a warm blanket.
2. Pathological causes - caused by various diseases or abnormalities. Among them:
Injuries to the organs of the chest, spine and ribs. If the cat sticks out its tongue and breathes frequently, taking small, shallow breaths, then breathing may be causing him pain. He may try to hide away from everyone, walk carefully, as if constrained in movement, eat poorly. In this case, the animal must be carefully examined. If there are wounds, torn hair, some parts of the body are extremely painful when touched - urgently take him to the veterinarian;
Foreign body in the throat or nose. Look down the cat's throat. If you notice an object stuck in the larynx and making it difficult to breathe, try to remove it. If the first time did not work out, urgently go to the clinic, otherwise repeated attempts can only push it deeper. If the cat wheezes when breathing through the nose, or a whistle is heard, then it looks like a foreign body is stuck in the nasal passage;
Deterioration of well-being due to the development of various diseases and pathologies. In such cases, a change in respiratory rate is accompanied by other alarming symptoms - an increase or decrease in the cat's body temperature, signs of dehydration, vomiting, coughing, discharge from the eyes and nose. Wheezing in the chest is a symptom of stagnation of fluid or mucus, which happens with pneumonia or heart disease. When a cat breathes with its tongue hanging out, it is possible that the nasopharyngeal mucosa is so inflamed that breathing through the nose is almost impossible.
The most common diseases:
overweight (obesity) - the cat breathes with an open mouth even after minor physical activity;
allergic reactions, asthma (accompanied by coughing, sneezing, swelling of the larynx);
infectious diseases (for example, bronchitis, if the cat has a fever and cough);
various pathologies of the internal organs of the chest and abdominal cavity (then the cat breathes with its “belly”).
There are many accompanying symptoms, and you should carefully observe the animal to inform the veterinarian of all the details. In such serious cases, only a specialist will make the correct diagnosis and prescribe treatment.
How to help at home?
First of all, inspect the cat's mouth and look into the throat:
If the cat is breathing heavily with its mouth open, and strong wheezing, gurgling, whistling is heard in the chest, or fluid flows from the mouth and nose, take it to a specialist immediately. There is nothing you can do to help, and a delay can cost the animal its life;
If the mucous membrane of the mouth and gums are too pale, with a purple or blue tint, then the cat is choking. If he almost stopped breathing, you need to give him artificial respiration.
How to give a cat artificial respiration
1. Lay the animal on the floor. The neck and spine should form a straight line.
2. Clean the cat's mouth from secretions with a napkin, and close his mouth.
3. Place your palm with a tube, attach it to the nose of the animal, and exhale air there (you can inhale directly into the nose, covering the mouth with a handkerchief).
Frequency - about 20 times per minute for medium cats (the smaller the pet, the more often). Watch the intensity of exhalation so as not to damage the cat's lungs (this is especially true for kittens). To do this, keep your hand on the cat's chest - with a suitable amount of air, it only expands slightly.
4. Feel the pulse every 20 seconds. If it suddenly stops, you need to try to restore the heartbeat with an indirect massage. With one hand, take the cat's chest, pinching between the thumb and the remaining four fingers, and quickly squeeze and release 5 times. After that, exhale 1 air into the nose of the cat, then squeeze again. Check every 2 minutes for a pulse. It is best to do this with two people, with one doing the massage and the other doing CPR. Continue until you get your breath back or you get to the vet.
The respiratory system of cats is naturally very vulnerable, so the only right thing to do if the cat is breathing heavily is to immediately take him to the veterinary clinic, where he will be provided with qualified assistance. Among the many diseases whose symptoms are shortness of breath, there are none that you can cure on your own.
