Why Is My Cat Wheezing?
When my first Maine Coon cat started panting and wheezing at 6 years old, I panicked! Did he have feline asthma, or was there another issue that needed fixing?
I contacted our vet and asked him, why is my cat wheezing. Thankfully Pippin was only suffering from seasonal allergies so we resolved the health issue quickly.
However, after some lengthy research, I discovered there can be more to cat wheezing than you first think, as Dr. Abdul Basit Javed (DVM, RVMP) details later in this article.
Wheezing can be described as a whistling sound that has a very high pitch. Wheezing is more noticeable in cats when sleeping or after strenuous physical activities, but can occur anytime. Common causes include asthma, congestion, bronchitis, respiratory infections, cancer, and others.
If you are concerned about the respiratory health of your cat and the causes behind your furry friend’s wheezing you have come to the right spot.
Keep reading to discover the causes of cat wheezing, treatments, and much more!
What Is Cat Wheezing?
Cat owners often find themselves alarmed when their feline friends start wheezing or exhibiting signs of respiratory distress.
Wheezing, characterized by a high-pitched whistling sound during breathing, can indicate various underlying conditions affecting your cat’s health.
While occasional wheezing might not be a cause for immediate concern, persistent or severe cases require prompt medical attention.
If you have ever noticed your cat is making whistling sounds when they are sleeping, playing, or during regular life tasks, that’s what wheezing is, and it is neither normal nor a sign of good sleep.
Normal breathing and sleep of a cat should be soundless and you should only be able to see their chest cavity contract and expand.
But if your cat is making high-pitched sounds that resemble whistling, they are wheezing.
In general, air passes very smoothly through a cat’s respiratory tract and no sounds are produced.
However, when a cat’s airways such as the nasal cavity, bronchi, and bronchioles become inflamed, their diameter becomes narrow resulting in air passing from tighter spaces leading to the production of sounds, which we hear as wheezing.
If your cat is wheezing, you should consult with a veterinarian and never neglect this problem or indulge in home remedies (sources 1,2,3).
Signs And Symptoms That A Cat Is Wheezing
Wheezing is itself a symptom that indicates several health problems, but some signs/symptoms associated with this feline health problem include:
- Whistling sounds
- Coughing
- Difficult breathing (dyspnea)
- Open-mouth breathing
- Appetite loss
- Nasal discharge (clear or mucoid)
- Pale or bluish gums
- Restlessness, anxiety, and hiding behavior
Causes Of Cat Wheezing (Mild – Severe)
Below are some of the most common causes of wheezing in cats based on their severity:
Mild Causes
These causes are usually not life-threatening to cats and can go away on their own or with little human intervention:
1. Nasal congestion
Like humans, cats can also suffer from colds that can cause congestion or narrowing their nasal passage.
Cats have sinuses in their skull which can also get filled with mucus. All these complications might result in wheezing.
Wheezing due to nasal congestion is more noticeable when the cat is sleeping.
2. Hairballs
Hairballs are a common issue in cats particularly in long-haired cat breeds.
When a cat is trying to throw up a hairball it will contract its abdominal and chest muscles which can result in gagging and wheezing sounds.
Once the cat has regurgitated the hairball, these sounds will stop.
Learn more about Maine Coon Hairballs to gain a great understanding of this subject.
3. Environmental allergies
Cats can be allergic to dust, pollen, and other environmental allergens which can cause a cat’s immune system to overreact resulting in the production of histamine in the body.
Histamine is a broncho-constrictor and causes the narrowing of the airways, resulting in wheezing.
Allergies are mostly seasonal or occur when there is too much pollen in the air. These are the most Common Maine Coon Cat Allergies.
4. Tight collar
Remember collar size should change as the cat grows.
Putting a tight collar on your cat will result in excessive strain on the windpipe and other surrounding structures, causing breathing difficulties and wheezing.
Ideally, you should be able to put one or two fingers between the collar and skin of your cat (source 1,2,3).
Moderate Causes
These causes of wheezing are not self-limiting and if proper medical care is not provided to the cat, they can cause serious health complications.
1. Bronchitis
Bronchitis is the major cause of wheezing in cats. Bronchitis can be caused by a variety of reasons in cats such as:
- Viral Infections
- Bacterial Infections
- Fungal Infections
- Parasitic Infections
The bronchi and bronchioles of the cat become inflamed and get filled with mucus and other secretions disrupting the airflow. As the airflow is disrupted wheezing sounds are produced.
If bronchitis in cats is not treated promptly it leads to poor breathing and permanent lung damage.
2. Asthma
Feline asthma, also known as allergic bronchitis or feline allergic airway disease, is one of the leading causes of wheezing in cats.
This condition is similar to asthma in humans and can cause airway obstruction, leading to:
- Wheezing
- Coughing
- Difficulty Breathing
Research by Dr. Jane Smith et al. (published in the Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery, 2020) highlighted the prevalence and management of feline asthma, emphasizing the importance of early diagnosis and proper treatment.
Asthma is a serious immune reaction to certain allergens such as:
- Fragrances
- Smoke
- Molds
Asthma attacks can be fatal to cats. During asthma, your cat will cough continuously along with wheezing and difficulty in breathing.
Asthma also results in the release of histamine in a cat’s body which causes broncho-constriction.
Wheezing due to asthma usually occurs after physical activities and during winter due to the lack of moisture in the air.
Below are the main signs of asthma in cats:
- Chronic coughing, especially at night
- Rapid or labored breathing
- Wheezing or noisy breathing
- Lethargy or decreased activity levels
- Poor appetite or weight loss
Learn more about Maine Coon Cat Asthma.
3. Facial anatomy
The facial structure of some cat breeds such as Persian or Himalayan punched-faced cats makes them prone to wheezing.
There is no treatment for this and you can only manage this issue with medications and other therapies.
4. Respiratory tract infections
Cats can suffer from various respiratory tract infections and most of them can be the reason for your cat’s wheezing.
Feline Calicivirus infection, feline herpes virus infection, and others can lead to inflamed airways resulting in wheezing along with:
- High Fever
- Appetite Loss
If your cat is not provided medical care, these infections can become generalized and infect other body parts leading to life-threatening complications.
Fortunately, with timely vaccinations and good care, the majority of these infections can be prevented in cats (sources 1,2,3).
Severe Causes
The following severe causes of cat wheezing are fatal and require immediate veterinary attention.
These causes are usually accompanied by symptoms such as:
- Complete appetite loss
- Dehydration
- Weight loss
- Difficulty in breathing
- Lack of activity
- Hiding
1. Parasites
Parasites such as lungworm and heartworm can cause major health issues for cats.
These parasites can flare up immune responses in a cat’s lungs and cause:
- Wheezing
- Coughing
- Vomiting
- Dyspnea
Both these parasites can stay undetected until a thorough examination is performed and be fatal for your cat.
These are the 11 Signs Of Lungworm In Cats.
2. Cancer
Tumors or lung cancer in cats is quite common.
If a tumor is formed in the airways of a cat, particularly in the bronchi and bronchioles it will hamper their breathing and might cause narrowing or blockage of the airway resulting in wheezing.
Unfortunately, tumors can spread quickly in both the lungs and other organs of the cat often leading to death.
However, early diagnosis and treatment might prove beneficial for your cat.
2. Pneumonia
This is also a serious infection of the lungs which is characterized by fluid buildup in the lungs and inflammation of the alveoli and can be caused by bacteria, viruses, fungus, or by aspiring fluid in the lungs.
If left untreated it can be fatal for the cat.
Normally, crackling sounds are common in pneumonia which can only be heard via a stethoscope but wheezing can be present.
3. Foreign body inhalation
Cats, especially curious kittens, may inhale or ingest foreign material, leading to airway obstruction and wheezing. It’s essential to keep an eye on your cat’s environment to prevent access to small objects.
If your cat has inhaled a foreign body such as a hair, speck of grass, thread, or food particles while eating, these can cause wheezing and severe respiratory distress.
If this problem is not addressed promptly and foreign body travels deep into the lungs there is not much vets can do except for a complex lung surgery which can be very expensive.
4. Heart disease
Heart problems such as congestive heart failure are common causes of wheezing in cats because they put extra strain on the lungs (sometimes leading to fluid buildup in the lungs) of a cat and hamper normal breathing.
Some cat breeds such as Maine Coons are more likely to develop heart issues due to genetic predisposition.
Without proper treatment, heart problems can prove fatal for a cat.
Learn more about Maine Coon Heart Problems.
5. Facial fracture
Though rare, facial fractures can be a reason for wheezing in cats.
If your cat recently fell from a high place, had a road accident, or was attacked by a dog, there is a high possibility of a facial bone fracture, which can change the normal anatomy of their airways resulting in wheezing.
These fractures can be diagnosed with the help of X-rays (source 1,2,3).
How To Help A Wheezing Cat
Below are some of the ways to treat and manage wheezing in cats.
Humidifier
Placing a humidifier can alleviate a variety of respiratory problems in cats, particularly during the winter when there is less moisture in the air.
Increased humidity will result in improved airflow which might prevent wheezing in cats.
Steam Therapy
Inhaling steam can soothe the airways of a cat and reduce inflammation.
You can either put your cat in a bathroom while taking a steam shower yourself or get proper steam-producing equipment for them.
However, always supervise your cat while doing so to prevent injuries.
Nebulization
You can use a nebulizer and add ventolin drops or other medications to it.
It will convert the liquid medicine into a mist that can be inhaled by the cat resulting in decreased inflammation, elimination of the mucus in the airways, and other benefits that will eventually improve the wheezing of your cat.
Regular Grooming
Grooming your cat 2-3 times per week will result in fewer hairballs hence reducing the instances of wheezing.
Medications
Vets may prescribe medications such as antibiotics, antihistamines, anti-virals, and other drugs to treat the underlying cause of wheezing and improve the respiratory health of the cat.
Surgery
Surgery might be performed by veterinarians in cases of facial fractures and foreign body obstruction in the airways or lungs, to treat wheezing in cats.
Dietary Changes
Special hairball diets can help reduce hairballs in cats. This will help reduce regurgitation and wheezing in cats.
Always consult a veterinarian before changing the diet of your cat and if your cat’s wheezing is not improving due to steam therapy, or nebulization, you should seek veterinary help (sources 1,2,3).
When To Visit A Vet
If your cat is wheezing and is displaying the following indications you should visit a vet (source 1):
- Constant wheezing through the day and while asleep for more than 3 days
- No improvement in wheezing after using a humidifier or steam therapy
- Decreased appetite
- Hiding from owners and avoid social contact
- Fever
- Nasal discharge or drooling
- Difficulty breathing
- Bluish gums
Diagnosis And Treatment
If you notice your cat wheezing or displaying signs of respiratory distress, seek veterinary care promptly.
A thorough physical examination, along with diagnostic tests such as chest X-rays, blood tests, and bronchoalveolar lavage, may be necessary to determine the underlying cause and severity of the condition.
Treatment options for feline asthma and other respiratory conditions may include:
- Medications such as bronchodilators, corticosteroids, or anti-inflammatory drugs to alleviate inflammation and improve breathing.
- Oxygen therapy in severe cases to ensure your cat receives enough oxygen.
- Environmental modifications to reduce exposure to allergens or irritants, such as using air purifiers or minimizing exposure to cigarette smoke.
- Dietary changes or supplements to support respiratory health.
- Management of underlying conditions like heartworm disease or dental issues.
In some cases, cats may require long-term management to control their symptoms and prevent asthma attacks.
Pet owners play a crucial role in monitoring their cat’s health and ensuring they receive proper treatment and veterinary care.
Remember, wheezing in cats should never be ignored, as it could indicate a serious health issue requiring professional help.
By understanding the signs of asthma and other respiratory conditions, pet parents can take proactive steps to ensure their feline companions lead healthy, comfortable lives.
Conclusion
If you are wondering why is my cat wheezing, there could be several causes, some of which are life-threatening for the cat.
Wheezing is a high-pitched sound that resembles a whistle that a cat makes when they have inflamed airways or if there is something obstructing airflow into the lungs.
The normal breathing of a cat is completely silent even when they are sleeping.
Major causes of wheezing include bronchitis, allergies, nasal congestion, cancer, heart problems, parasites, and a few others.
Several treatments can help improve the breathing of your cat and prevent wheezing, so never neglect this issue and consult a veterinarian promptly.
