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Breathing Problems in Cats
What are the signs of breathing trouble in cats?
Signs of breathing trouble: open mouth breathing, moving her abdomen when breathing, having an increased breathing rate and/or effort, having loud, noisy breathing, and having pale or blue gums.
Learn lifesaving skills in just 35 minutes! Sign up for our online Cat and Dog First Aid Online course today.
Emergency Steps
1Check the cat’s ABCs (airway, breathing, circulation), and perform cat CPR as needed.
2Immediately take the cat to a veterinary hospital.
3Limit activity by confining the cat in a box or carrier during transport.
Cat Breathing FAQs
What are the signs of a breathing problem?
A cat that is having trouble breathing may:
- Start open mouth breathing
- Move her abdomen when breathing
- Have an increased breathing rate and/or effort
- Have loud, noisy breathing
- Have pale or blue gums
What causes breathing problems?
The most common causes of breathing problems in cats are:
- Asthma
- Fluid in the space around lungs (pleural effusion)
- Heart disease/congestive heart failure
- Upper respiratory infection
How can I tell if my cat has asthma?
Your vet can help determine if your cat has asthma.
Signs in addition to those listed above include:
- Staying in one place wheezing (a musical sound heard when the cat breathes)
- Grunting when exhaling
- Coughing
Between episodes, the cat may seem completely normal.
What causes fluid in the lungs (pleural effusion)?
There are many causes of fluid in the space around the lungs. Your veterinarian will tap the fluid off and analyze it to determine the cause. X-rays will also most likely be needed.
Download the FREE Red Cross Pet First Aid App
The American Red Cross Pet First Aid app puts veterinary advice for everyday emergencies in the palm of your hand. With videos, interactive quizzes, and simple step-by-step advice it’s never been easier to know pet first aid. Get the app and be prepared to act when called upon. iOS App, Google Play, or text "GETPET" to 90999.
Help Save Pet Lives with an American Red Cross Pet First Aid Class
Be prepared for any pet emergency! Sign up for our 35-minute Cat and Dog First Aid Online course. Learn the basics in caring for cats and dogs through a variety of topics – from understanding and checking your pet's vital signs, to preventative care for cats and dogs, to caring for the most critical emergency situations - including breathing and cardiac emergencies, wounds, bleeding, and seizures.
Our pet first aid online course can be good for: Pet Owners, Pet Sitters, Dog Walkers, and Dog Trainers, Animal Shelter Staff & Volunteers, Groomers, Pet Retail Employees, Other Pet Care Providers, and more!
Information Provided Deborah C. Mandell, BS, VMD
Pet First Aid information provided by Dr. Debbie Mandell, Professor of Emergency and Critical Care Medicine at the Veterinary Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania; American Red Cross National Pet Care Advisor for the American Red Cross Scientific Advisory Council. Visit redcross.org/take-a-class/scientific-advisory-council to see how we work, members, sub councils, scientific reviews, and recent research.
About Red Cross Training Services
More than 4.6M people turn to us, the trusted training provider for First Aid, CPR, BLS and more, every year to gain lifesaving skills. Trust us to deliver unmatched lifesaving training that will provide you the confidence and skills to act when moments matter. Training Services is a division of the American Red Cross with the mission to spread knowledge and educate as many members of the national community in lifesaving procedures. Our services include training courses for CPR and AED, First Aid, BLS (Basic Life Support), Babysitting, Caregiving, Lifeguarding Water Safety, and more.