The respiratory system is the target of specific infectious agents. Rhinitis, tracheitis, bronchitis, and pneumonia are often caused by viral infections.
In serious cases, cats may have difficulty breathing (dyspnea). Certain diseases such as leukemia, in which a lymphoma in the chest may inhibit free movement of the lungs, and FIP, resulting in pleurisy, may also cause breathing difficulty.
If a cat coughs, she may be suffering from one of these infections or feline asthma. A cough is the symptom of a disorder in the airwaysÑlarynx, trachea, and bronchi. A cough is typically observed when other organs in the chest are diseased, such as congestive heart failure with pulmonary edema.
An acute cough is caused by irritation in the upper respiratory system (tonsillitis, laryngitis, tracheitis, normally caused by infection, or swallowing difficulties), or, less commonly, by lower respiratory disorders, including infections, acute pulmonary edema, inhalation of irritants, or asthma.
A cough is not always caused by a problem in the respiratory system. An acute cough may also result from cardiovascular disorders.
Chronic upper respiratory disorders are normally caused by acute disorders, as described above, which take hold and become chronic. They may also be caused by problems at the level of the trachea: For example, a foreign object in the trachea, collapse of the trachea, compression of the trachea from an outside source, such as a tumor between the lungs.
The condition of the cardiovascular system should also be considered. Congestive heart failure causes pulmonary edema, which, in combination with the resulting enlargement of the heart, compresses neighboring organs. This compression may lead to a chronic cough.
The term cat asthma refers to recurring episodes of paroxysmal coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath. This syndrome resembles human asthma in many respects. Feline asthma probably stems from an allergic reaction to allergens inhaled into the lungs, resulting in inflammation of the airways and contraction of the smooth muscles of the airways. Sometimes the coughing fit is so violent that the cat vomits or coughs up digestive juices. Some particularly serious episodes require emergency medical care. A cat suffering from a severe asthma attack lies flat on the ground with elbows held apart and neck extended. The mouth is open with the tongue sticking out. Sometimes, the tongue takes on a blue hue from oxygen deprivation.The problem is caused by hyper-reactive airways, which contract (bronchospasms) and become inflamed when they come into contact with airborne allergens. Antibiotics have little affect on this type of respiratory disorder, since infectious agents are not the causative factor, though in the case of secondary infections, antibiotics may be appropriate. Anti-inflammatory steroids generally control the attacks and improve the overall health of the cat suffering from asthma.
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