Why Is Your Cat Breathing Fast?
When your cat curls up beside you, are you taken aback by their loud, rapid breathing? Heavy breathing in cats can sometimes indicate a serious issue. An experienced veterinarian in Tampa, FL, can help determine the cause and recommend the right course of action.
If you’re wondering, “Why is my cat breathing fast?” we have the answer. Discover common causes of rapid breathing in cats and how to care for out-of-breath felines below.
Common Reasons Why Your Cat Is Breathing Fast
Cats usually take around 30 breaths per minute. If your furry companion is breathing much faster than this rate, it could be due to several issues, including:
- Heart disease
- Asthma
- Stress
- Respiratory infections
- Obstructed airways
- Allergies
- Heatstroke
Monitor their breathing to see if it improves. In some cases, the symptoms subside within a few minutes and aren’t a major concern.
Is their respiratory rate still faster than normal while sleeping? That’s when fast breathing in cats is an emergency. Bring your kitty to an animal hospital right away for a full work-up and diagnosis.
You should also seek emergency veterinary care if they show signs of a traumatic injury or ingest a foreign object or toxic substance. Emergency care is also critical if you notice neurological distress; knowing exactly what to do if your cat has a seizure can save precious time during a medical crisis.
How a Veterinarian in Tampa, FL, Supports Local Cat Owners
No pet owner wants their fur baby to be sick. However, if your cat is feeling under the weather, turn to a trusted, local veterinarian for answers. Veterinary teams will do everything in their power to help a sick kitty recover.
That doesn’t mean that you should only bring your cat to the vet when they’re sick. Local pet owners should contact a veterinarian in Tampa, FL, as soon as they bring their four-legged friend home. Cats need routine veterinary care like vaccinations and general wellness exams to live long, healthy lives. Understanding the proper schedule, such as how often to vaccinate your cat, is a vital part of proactive health management that helps prevent respiratory infections and other serious illnesses. Keep up with annual visits and don’t hesitate to contact the vet when your cat’s physical or behavioral health changes.
How To Treat Rapid Breathing in Cats
After asking their vet, “Why is my cat breathing fast?” most owners will follow up with “How can you treat it?” The answer depends on the cause.
For instance, rapid breathing stemming from a respiratory infection may improve with a course of antibiotics. A fast respiratory rate due to heatstroke calls for cooling the cat down. If the problem is due to heart disease in cats, your kitty may need to undergo dietary changes and begin various medications.
Consult a vet for personalized treatment options.
Bring Your Cat to Cross Creek Animal Medical Centre for Superior Care
Why is my cat breathing fast? What can I do if my cat stops eating? Is coughing normal for cats?
These are among the many questions we at Cross Creek Animal Medical Centre hear from pet owners. Count on our team to give your feline the best possible care at every stage of life. We offer preventive care like vaccinations, as well as advanced therapies to treat a pet’s heart issues and other serious diseases.
To book an appointment at our Tampa clinic, call (813) 994-6929 today.