Pneumonia is a condition where the lungs are affected either due to inflammation or infection. Cats are also prone to pneumonia like humans and when not identified and treated at the right time it can end in death too. This is why it is very importance to identify the symptoms of pneumonia in cats at the early stages of the disease itself. Timely and appropriate help from the veterinarian will provide the much needed relief for the pet.
Pneumonia is a disease of the lungs that is caused by bacterial, virus, parasitic or fungal infection. Rarely, pneumonia may also be triggered by inhalation of foreign objects into the lungs. Pneumonia can also occur as a secondary condition in the case of immunity compromised cases. The virus infection is usually due to parainfluenza and calci virus strains.
Here are some symptoms which you can identify easily that will help you to get timely medical treatment for your pet.
Irregular and rapid breathing is one of the early signs which indicate that the cat has got some problem with his lungs. The cat breathes in pants and the breathing is strenuous. This is due to the insufficient oxygen supply to the lungs.
The improper functioning of the lungs also affects the pulse rate. You can feel a rapid pulse which is caused by the added efforts of the heart to balance the deficient functioning of the lungs. There is also added strain and fear on the cat due to the irregular breathing which in turn affects the pulse rate and makes it to soar.
Cough is another symptom that is commonly seen in cats with pneumonia. The cough is of hacking type and may vary in intensity depending on the extent of the disease progression.
When the infection occurs it is usually accompanied by fever. Fever is as a result of the body’s efforts to ward off the infection. The cat will be warm to touch and you should consult the cat’s veterinarian before trying to give medications yourself.
Splinting is the term used to denote the tense muscles and is caused due to the incessant coughing. There might be muscle spasms that you can feel if you touch the cat.
Presence of bluish mucus membranes indicate that the cat is getting insufficient amount of oxygen supply which is caused by the improper functioning of the lungs. This happens when the disease has progressed considerably and you should get immediate veterinary help to treat the cat.
In addition to the symptoms that are mentioned here there is also a general fatigue and lethargy seen in the cat which is brought on by the disease. The disease drains off whatever energy the cat has leaving him weak and stressed.
Since pneumonia is a disease that can cause serious injury or even death to your cat you should be aware of the various symptoms that will be found if the disease occurs. This will enable you to get the necessary help from the veterinarian and treat the cat immediately with antibiotics so that the infection will be controlled and the cat will be restored to its normal health.