These are some things that I've learned the hard way about respiratory illness that might be helpful and prolong your cat's life.
Cats also can have asthma. Some signs that your cat might have it are: coughing similar way they do before puking but not doing so, heavy abdominal breathing. It can be commonly identified with an x-ray. Treatment is the same as with humans -inhaler medication, oral steroid meds (depending on a severity). If not treated it can become pulmonary fibrosis which is permanent scaring in their lungs.
Wheezing is another sign that can be easily overlooked
It's usually not normal for a cat to pant/mouth breathe like a dog. While sometimes they do it from stress, after an intense play.However, if a cat does it while resting, combined with abdominal breathing and especially with loss of appetite -GO TO A NEAREST EMMERGENCY CLINIC
If a cat has a respiratory emergency, oxygen therapy is a commonly used treatment to stabilise them. So choosing a clinic that offers it can be crucial.
There is a broad range of pulmonary illnesses in cats as well as wide variety of causes. Also, sometimes cat struggling to breathe can be a sign of heart disease.
If there isn't a clinic nearby that has a pulmonologist vet. Cardiologists, especially in emmergency clinics are usually well equipped to handle respiratory illnesses too.
If a cat gets prescribed medication - closely monitor for potential side effects, such as changes in appetite, litterbox habits. Especially with oral steroids- cat's condition can worsen while tapering them off.
