Respiratory problems in cats can have many causes. The main ones are bacterial and viral infections, but injury is also a possibility. If you notice any of the symptoms outlined here, you should take your cat to a veterinarian as soon as possible.
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Asthma Symptoms
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Asthma symptoms in cats can include panting or quickness of breath, repeated wheezing and coughing, and can be mistaken for a hairball attack. Symptoms can be progressive and limit the activity level and life of your cat.
Pneumonitis Symptoms
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Pneumonitis is an infectious cat respiratory disease that can be passed between cats in a household. Frequent sneezing, watery eyes and heavy discharge from the eyes and nose are common symptoms of this respiratory illness.
Calicivirus Symptoms
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Feline calicivirus is also infectious within multiple-cat households. Symptoms of calicivirus include heavy breathing and quickness of breath, mouth sores and dehydration.
Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis
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This respiratory virus is a form of the herpes virus and has many of the same symptoms you would find in humans with herpes. These can include inflammation of the sinuses, eyes, nose, mouth and throat; swollen gums, mouth ulcers and lethargy can also occur.
Physical Problems
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If your cat has quick or heavy breathing you should also consider the possibility of heatstroke, trauma, fluid in the lungs, poisoning or collapsed lung. Keep your cat cool and still while you make the trip to the veterinarian.
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