A pet parent’s goal is to always keep your cat healthy. Some cat illnesses are unavoidable, but others can be prevented, including Pneumonia. This is by carefully considering your cat’s lifestyle and risk factors. Cat pneumonia is one example of a common illness among cats that is relatively preventable.
How Do Cats Get Pneumonia?
There are several strains of pneumonia in cats. All links to foreign agents getting into your cat’s trachea or nostrils.
The main cause of infectious, aspiration, and fungal pneumonia are viruses and/or bacteria, inhalation of harmful material, or fungal infection, respectively. Additionally, parasites like flukes and lungworms can cause pneumonia when they are present in the cat’s body.
Common Symptoms of Pneumonia
Experts associate pneumonia’s symptoms with other illnesses. If you notice any of the following signs, you should schedule a physical exam whether it turns out to be pneumonia or not:
- Respiratory sounds like coughing, rattling, or gurgling
- Shallow or rapid breathing
- Change in appetite and weight loss
- Lethargic behavior
- Discharge from the nose
Based on the specific symptoms your cat is showing, your vet will likely offer various possible solutions to the illness.
How to Prevent the Spread of Cat Pneumonia
Like other illnesses that are spread virally or through bacteria, letting your cat go outdoors is one of the biggest risk behaviors for pneumonia. Indoor cats are much less likely to develop serious illnesses of this type than cats that go outdoors, even for an hour a day or less.
If your cat develops pneumonia, protecting your other pets from developing the illness is crucial. Separate the sick cat from your household’s other animals. In their private area, give them a comfortable bed and plenty of food and water as they recover.
What’s the Recovery Process Like?
In most cases, treating pneumonia in cats can be successful with the expectation of a full recovery. After a vet visit, many cats will simply have to rest and wait it out as their bodies fight off the illness. Some will get a prescription for antibiotics or antifungal medicine.
Each individual cat’s ability to fight pneumonia is different. Factors like age and previous health concerns can play a role.
Prevent Illness, Prioritize Vet Visits
Health problems in your pets are hard to prevent completely, but regular trips to the vet can mean a higher chance of a smooth recovery. Schedule your next visit to Feline Medical Clinic today.
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