What is Rapid Breathing?A normal healthy cat will take 10-30 regular breaths per minute. The air travels into your cat’s lungs and is used to oxygenate the blood, which is then circulated throughout your cat’s vital organs. When a cat is suffering from rapid breathing, this breathing rate increases and breaths often becomes irregular, or shallow. This can be an indication that your cat is not able to bring enough oxygen into the lungs to supply their body’s need. Rapid breathing is a symptom that can be caused by a number of illnesses or injuries. Since regular breathing is vital, if your cat is suffering from rapid breathing (also known as tachypnea) it is a serious and life threatening condition and you should seek immediate veterinary care. Show
Rapid Breathing Average Cost From 364 quotes ranging from $200 - $2,000 Average Cost $500 Symptoms of Rapid Breathing in CatsIt can be difficult for an inexperienced person to actually count the number of breaths your cat is taking. There are a number of other indications, either gradually occurring over time or that are acute (or sudden) in onset, to watch for that would indicate your cat is having difficulties breathing. These include:
Top Causes of Rapid Breathing in CatsRapid breathing is a symptom with a number of underlying illnesses and injury as potential causes. The most common of these include:
Top Diagnosis of Rapid Breathing in CatsDiagnosis of rapid breathing in your cat will require your veterinarian to determine the underlying cause. This will involve diagnostic tests that may not seem related to breathing, such as blood work, urinalysis and other extensive systemic exams. Given the lengthy list of potential conditions, it will be important for you to provide your veterinarian with a thorough physical and medical history of your cat. If your cat is allowed outdoors, has recently suffered from a traumatic injury, or could potentially have fallen from a high surface, this will be important information to help identify potential trauma or pain. You should also provide your vet with a history of progression of symptoms such as approximate time of onset and any worsening or improvement. This will help your veterinarian narrow down potential causes. Blood work will identify the presence of any infections and will involve a quick needle stick procedure, done in your veterinarian’s office. Depending on the results from a preliminary physical exam, review of symptoms, and blood work, your veterinarian may wish to order imaging of your cat’s chest area. Images such as x-rays or an ultrasound will help identify any fluid buildup, foreign objects, or potential tumors, masses or foreign objects that may be causing the heavy breathing. Depending on your cat, your vet may order a mild sedative be given to your cat to potentially limit movement. Your cat remaining calm and still will have a large impact on the clarity of the images. If heartworm is suspected, your vet will be able to perform a simple in office blood test to confirm whether your cat is infected with the parasite. Top Treatment of Rapid Breathing in CatsTreatment of rapid breathing in your cat will be tailored to the specific cause of the condition. In the case of infections, pneumonia, or fluid filling the lungs, your vet will prescribe strong antibiotics to help fight off the infections. In many cases, your cat may need to be hospitalized so that they can be provided round the clock supportive care such as fluids, IV antibiotics, and administration of oxygen. If your cat is suffering from pain as a result of trauma, if no broken bones are detected your vet will often take a conservative approach and allow your cat to be released to go home with a prescription for pain medication. You will need to provide a safe, warm and quiet place for your cat to heal and recover. Allergies will be treated with antihistamines or steroids and ongoing medication dosage in the case of seasonal or non acute reactions. Top Worried about the cost of Rapid Breathing treatment? Pet Insurance covers the cost of many common pet health conditions. Prepare for the unexpected by getting a quote from top pet insurance providers. Recovery of Rapid Breathing in CatsLong term prognosis for recovery of your cat will vary from cause to cause. Infections and pneumonia are serious illnesses that need a high degree of specialized veterinary care. In all cases, your cat’s chances for a full recovery will increase if immediate veterinarian care is sought as soon as initial symptoms are detected. Additionally, given the seriousness of lung and breathing issues, you should follow up after symptoms in your cat have resolved in order to prevent potential recurrence. Top How can I tell if my cat is in respiratory distress?Rapid breathing or continuous panting.. Long drawn out breathing.. Being unable to settle and distress.. Standing with elbows pointed outwards and the neck extended.. Exaggerated or abnormal movement of the chest/abdomen while breathing.. Blue gums.. Collapse.. Open mouth breathing (in cats). What is abnormal breathing for a cat?If your cat's respiratory rate is higher than 30 breaths per minute, it may be time to seek veterinary care. If your cat is breathing faster than 40 breaths per minute and it doesn't go away with short rest, call your vet.
Is 40 breaths per minute normal for a cat?Most dogs and cats have a normal resting respiratory rate with breaths per minute ranging between the mid-teens to mid-20s. In general, a resting respiratory rate over 35-40 breaths per minute is considered abnormal.
Why is my cat breathing fast but acting normal?Rapid breathing (tachypnea) is not a disease in itself, but can be a symptom of a potentially serious or even life-threatening condition. Note that it's normal, or at least not unexpected, for a cat to breath rapidly if it's anxious, overheated, or playing enthusiastically.
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When should I worry about my cat breathing?
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