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My Cat Is Stiff But Still Breathing

About Amanda Jondle Dvm

Heavy Breathing Cat? This Video Could Save Their Life

Dr. Amanda Jondle is a veterinarian who practices small animal medicine and surgery and integrative medicine such as acupuncture in all sizes of animals. Growing up on a small farm, she knew from a very young age that she wanted to work with animals and started spending time at a local vet clinic at 11 years old. In addition to working full time at an animal hospital, she now enjoys helping pets and educating clients through writing and editing articles to inform pet owners on how to best care for their pets. She and her husband currently have 4 rescue dogs and 3 cats of their own and are often fostering pets with health issues until they find their forever homes.

What To Do If Your Cat Has Trouble Breathing

Never ignore heavy breathing in cats. Unless your cat has just run a few laps around the house or experienced something stressful , make an appointment with your veterinarian.

If your cats symptoms are severe, you should see a veterinarian immediately, even if it means a middle-of-the-night trip to the emergency hospital. Cats who are having big problems breathing can be near collapse. Stay calm, but quickly get them into a carrier and to a nearby veterinarian.

When To Go To The Vet

Lethargy in cats doesnt always require a vet visit, but it cant hurt. If your cat has been lethargic for more than 24 hours, its a good idea to book an appointment to rule out any severe conditions. Additionally, if your cat has experienced other symptoms in those 24 hours, be sure to notify your vet about those as well.Treatment and diagnosis will vary depending on what your cat has. The sooner you consult your vet, the safer your cat will likely be. Many cats also become sluggish as they age, which isnt as critical.

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Diagnosis Of Breathing Difficulties In Cats

Most likely, the first thing your veterinarian will do is ask you questions about when the breathing issues started, the symptoms you witnessed and what preceded the respiratory distress. If your cat is having serious difficulties breathing, your veterinarian will administer oxygen before testing begins. Your veterinarian may perform some or all of the following tests:

Physical Examination: Your cats general health will be determined by taking vital signs and examining its ears, eyes, nose and gums. Your cats lungs and chest will be listened to with a stethoscope to determine if there is fluid in the lungs or an abnormal heartbeat or murmur. The veterinarian may palpate the abdominal area also.

Blood Tests: Blood may be drawn to test the oxygen and carbon dioxide level in your cats blood and to check for heartworm disease. Other blood tests will show inflammation and or infections present.

Urine Sample: A urine test will aid in diagnosing the cause of the dyspnea.

X-rays and Ultrasound: These diagnostic tests help the veterinarian to virtually see inside your cats body to check for tumors, obstructions or fluid buildup.

Fluid aspiration: A sample of fluid within the lower airways may be drawn for evaluation and testing. This is called a Bronchoalveolar Lavage .

ECG: An ECG test may be required if your veterinarian suspects a heart problem.

Abnormal Panting In Cats

Heavy Breathing Meme Emoji

If your cat isnt stressed, too warm, or tired from exercise, heavy or labored breathing can be a sign of a serious medical problem. In this situation, emergency veterinary care could be required.

Asthma

Asthma can also be a reason for cats panting, wheezing, and coughing, it can also increase their respiratory rate. Asthma is treatable in cats and often requires medications called corticosteroids or bronchodilators.

Heartworm

Heartworm in cats can cause breathing difficulties. Treatment for heartworm includes supportive care with corticosteroids to reduce inflammation and oxygen therapy in more serious cases. Since heartworm disease can be fatal for cats, it’s essential to keep your kitty on monthly heartworm preventatives.

Congestive Heart Failure

When fluid builds up in and around the lungs, it can cause deep, rapid breathing, coughing, and panting. Treatment might include draining the fluid, as well as medications to dilate blood vessels, get rid of excess fluid, and make the heart contract more forcefully.

Respiratory Infection

Respiratory infections can make it very hard for cats to breathe, causing heavy breathing. Respiratory infections are usually viral, but when a secondary bacterial infection develops, antibiotics might be needed for treatment. Humidifiers and steam may help loosen mucus and make nasal breathing easier as your cat gets better.

Other Conditions

If your cat is breathing heavily contact our Argyle vets immediately.

Patients

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Protracted Vomiting And/or Diarrhea

This is among the cat emergencies that require immediate veterinary attention, especially when blood is present. Almost all cats occasionally yak or have soft stools, and such incidents usually arent emergencies. But cats who vomit repeatedly or have blowout diarrhea should see the vet immediately.

Your Cat Is Depressed

Similar to humans, excessive sleeping and lack of energy can be a sign of depression in cats. They might also lose interest in usual activities.

Depression in cats can be caused by an injury, lack of stimulation, lack of attention or the loss of a loved one. If one of these reasons applies to your situation, then its likely that your cat needs help mentally.

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Behaviors Of A Tired Cat

A tired cat will sleep more but once awake will play, run around, explore, and behave normally while also still eating and drinking. Tired cats are only tired for a short period of time. Once they have slept off an exciting afternoon, they are ready to bounce back to their normal day of being a curious active feline.

Recovery Of Shock In Cats

Cat’s Respiratory Pattern. Is My Cat Alright?

Always follow your veterinarians post-treatment instructions carefully. If your cat is suffering from a bacterial infection and has been prescribed antibiotics, it is imperative that you administer the medication for the entire duration of the recommended treatment period. Failure to do so could result in aggressive recurrence.

If your cat has suffered from serious physical injury, ensure that it gets plenty of rest and avoids overexertion. Provide your cat with a warm place to rest, as this will encourage regulation of the circulatory system. Your veterinarian will be able to give you specific recovery instructions if your cat has broken a bone or sustained internal injuries.

If your cat has had surgery, you will need to ensure it doesnt irritate the surgery site. If your cat has been diagnosed with a severe illness such as heart disease, be sure to follow your veterinarians instructions regarding treatment, drug administration, and recovery.

Depending on the severity of the underlying cause, your veterinarian may schedule follow-up appointments as needed to monitor your cats condition.

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How To Comfort A Dying Cat

Some cats prefer relative isolation when they are dying, meaning they prefer to hide in a quiet place. Respect this whenever possible. Other cats want the comfort of their human or animal family, and thats fine, too. Follow your cats lead.

  • A dying cat needs quiet and calm. Keep household noise to a minimum and if practical, move the cat to a quieter part of the house away from the everyday hustle and bustle such as their favorite humans bedroom. Dim the lights, and turn televisions and radios down.
  • Stay with your feline friend and talk quietly and calmly as they are dying, your presence will calm them.
  • If the cat has a canine or feline companion, allow them to be with the cat if that is what the dying cat wants, unless the cat has a highly infectious disease.
  • An immobile cat can develop pressure sores, ensure they have a cozy and well-cushioned bed.
  • Keep fresh water available and close to the cats bed. Offer food on your finger.

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What Should I Do If My Cat Wont Move From One Spot

When you come to a close conclusion of what causes your cat to be lethargic, take action right away if the situation can be dangerous for the feline. Contact a vet to ask for further instruction. You might need to visit the vet as soon as possible to take necessary examinations such as blood tests, CT scan or X-ray.

If the time of day when you discover this behavior isn’t convenient for you to go out, listen to the vets diagnosis. Try to carefully follow their instruction to help the cat hold on a little longer, until you can bring them to the hospital. Try to get them to eat or drink a little bit if they havent been able to, by mixing wet food with water.

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What Heavy Breathing In Cats Looks Like

Generally, you are not supposed to really notice your cat breathing. If you see your cat breathing heavily, it might be connected with stress, anxiety, or overheating. Sometimes, felines may also display labored breathing, which strongly resembles cat panting. Labored breathing in cats looks a lot like panting in dogs.

While it is OK for a cat to pant like a dog, this behavior must be infrequent and not accompanied by flaring nostrils and other worrying symptoms. For instance, if you see your cat panting after playing during a warm summer day, which lasts for a few minutes and is irregular, it is generally not a worrying sign.

There are several signs to look for that your cat is in respiratory distress. A few of the most common include:

  • Standing or crouching with elbows splayed and the head and neck stretched away from the body
  • Shallow, short, noisy, or particularly raspy or rattling breaths
  • Regular breathing with mouse open
  • Blue or purple gums
  • Accompanying behavioral changes like hiding, loss of appetite, or lethargy

If your cat shows any of these signs, contact a veterinarian as quickly as possible for a thorough evaluation. As many pet issues can be solved with an online vet consultation, feel free to ask any pet-related questions that are bothering you any time you want with 24/7 Online Vet by Petcube.

How Can I Tell If My Cat Is In Pain

Heavy Breathing Cat #funnycatsanddogs

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As a general rule, most cats are excellent at hiding their pain. Fortunately, there are many signs you can look for that may indicate your cat is in pain.

Knowing what to look for is the key, so you can prevent your cat from suffering in silence.

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Behaviors Of A Lethargic Cat

A lethargic cat will have an extended period of weakness, depression, or lack of energy. Even after a nice long nap or relaxing sunbathe, these cats will continue to be tired and not as active as they normally are. Cats with lethargy are sick and typically there are other warning signs that something is wrong.

Many lethargic cats will hide in a quiet dark place such as under the bed or in a closet. They tend to prefer areas away from people and other pets.

What Should You Do If Your Cat Is Breathing Rapidly

A resting respiration rate of over 30 is considered unusual. If your cats sleeping respiration rate exceeds 40 breaths per minute for a prolonged period, a trip to the emergency vet is in order.

If your cat is breathing rapidly while out for a walk on a busy city sidewalk, youre probably looking at a temporary stress response. Monitor your cat closely, keeping them as cool and calm as possible. If the rapid breathing doesnt subside after youve removed obvious stressors, you may need to take your cat to the vet.

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What Causes Dyspnea In Cats

Your veterinarian can diagnose your cat with kidney failure by performing blood tests

  • Disorders of the trachea, including foreign objects stuck in the throat, tumors, or an elongated soft palate
  • Nasal disorders, including undersized nostrils, infections, tumors, or bleeding.
  • Diseases of the lungs and lower windpipe, such as infections, fluid in the lungs, heartworms, or tumors.
  • Disorders in the chest wall, including physical trauma and paralysis caused by toxins.
  • Congestive heart failure.
  • Disorders in the abdomen, such as an enlarged liver, bloating, or fluid buildup.

How Do I Know When It Is Time

Cat Labored Breathing ?

Most cat owners feel it in their gut when it’s time for their cat to pass on, but acknowledging that feeling can be difficult. There are a few questions you can ask to help guide you in making the right decision for yourself.

  • Keep track of your cat’s good days and bad days. Occasional bad days are a normal part of life, but there will come a point when your cat is experiencing more pain and discomfort than happy, comfortable days.
  • Evaluate whether or not your cat still enjoys the things she always has. Does she eat her favorite treats when offered? Does she purr when you pet her? Is she able to access her favorite perches or play with her toys?
  • Talk over your feelings with friends and family. Use your support system as a sounding-board to work through how you want to handle the end of your cat’s life.
  • Talk to your cat. It may sound silly, but it can help. Curl up together in your favorite spot and talk it over. She just might tell you when it is time.

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How Do I Deal With The Emotional Burden Of The Death Of A Cat

The anguish of watching a beloved pet die is all-consuming, but it is the cost of admission when we choose to bring a pet into our lives. Losing a pet can be as hard on cat owners as losing a loved one. The New England Journal of Medicine reported a woman died of broken heart syndrome after the loss of her beloved dog. This is an extreme response to grief, but it underlines just how painful it is to lose a pet.

Not everybody can relate to the close bond we form with our pets which can leave pet owners isolated and alone. Find a supportive friend, family member or group to offer a sympathetic ear and emotional support. Pet grief counsellors can also be an enormous help at this time.

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Can Cats Have A Stroke

Cats of any age or breed can have strokes, but rarely. Strokes seem to be less damaging to cats compared to their human counterparts. But cat strokes are still serious and require immediate veterinarian attention.

In many cases of cat stroke, the exact cause remains unknown. However, various underlying medical conditions can increase your cats risk. These conditions typically contribute to blood clots and include:

  • Cancer in the brain

Keep in mind that these signs arent specific to just strokes. Other diseases that affect the brain can cause similar issues. Your vet will help determine if a stroke or another brain disease caused your cats symptoms.

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Boarding Or Pet Sitters

Dont worry about sounding silly when you speak to your cat in a baby voice that might annoy humans because cats like when you talk to them in a baby voice!

While you are away on vacation, your cat is left either in a kennel in a strange place surrounded by strange people, or in their own home being care for by someone else with a different schedule.

Cats are resilient creatures, but they also tend to be creatures of habit and changes in their environment or routine can cause changes in behavior and energy level.

Try to keep something familiar with your cat when you are away, perhaps an item of clothing or blanket that smells like you, their favorites toys or bedding, and make sure they are eating their normal diet.

Tachypnea Rapid And Shallow Breathing

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A veterinarian can diagnose your cat with

Note that while dyspnea feels uncomfortable, your cat might be oblivious to their own rapid breathing.

Rapid breathing is often accompanied by the following symptoms:

  • A bluish tint to the gums and mucous membranes is a sign of inadequate oxygenation. This is also known as cyanosis.
  • Fatigue is a common result of tachypnea. If your cat has trouble breathing, theyll also be reluctant to exercise or move.
  • Unlike panting cats, cats with tachypnea usually dont breathe through their mouth.

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Your Cat Might Be Dying

Its a fact thats hard to accept, but if your cat is already very old, then this is very likely the case. Its important to stay calm when you speculate that your cat might be at the end of their line.

First, confirm with yourself about their recent behavior. Have they not been eating or drinking? Have they been showing struggle in breathing, performing daily activities, or using the litter box? Have they lost a significant amount of weight, and show no interest in toys they used to love?

Carefully examine these issues when you find that your cat wont move from one spot. They might not be able to hold out for long if they keep on refusing to eat or drink, as it can lead to malnutrition and dehydration. Take them to the pet as soon as you notice this happening.

There can be a few scenarios that the vet may tell you. The best possible outcome is that the cat doesnt want to move as they simply have less energy, which is associated with old age. However, be ready to receive bad news. Your cat may only have a few weeks, a week, or only a few days left.

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