How does a cat breathe with pneumonia? - briefly
When a cat has pneumonia, its breathing becomes labored and rapid due to inflammation in the lungs. The cat may also exhibit signs of discomfort or pain, such as shallow breaths and a reduced ability to take deep breaths.
How does a cat breathe with pneumonia? - in detail
When a cat is affected by pneumonia, its breathing process is significantly altered due to the inflammation and fluid accumulation in the lungs. Pneumonia in cats is often caused by bacterial or viral infections, which lead to the formation of exudate—a mixture of inflammatory cells, proteins, and fluid—in the alveoli, the tiny air sacs where gas exchange occurs.
Normally, a cat's respiratory system functions smoothly with the diaphragm contracting and relaxing to draw air into the lungs and expel it. However, when pneumonia sets in, this process becomes compromised. The alveoli, which are usually spongy and flexible, become filled with exudate, reducing their surface area available for gas exchange. This impairs the cat's ability to absorb oxygen and release carbon dioxide efficiently.
As a result, the cat experiences difficulty in breathing, known as dyspnea. The effort required to breathe increases, leading to more pronounced movements of the chest and abdomen. You may observe the cat taking shallow, rapid breaths or even panting, which is an unusual behavior for cats since they do not typically pant like dogs. This increased respiratory rate is a compensatory mechanism to maintain adequate oxygen levels in the blood.
In severe cases of pneumonia, the exudate can consolidate into solid masses, further restricting lung capacity and causing significant hypoxia—a state of low oxygen concentration in the blood. The cat's body responds by increasing heart rate to pump more blood through the lungs, attempting to maximize whatever gas exchange is still possible.
The inflammation caused by pneumonia also triggers a systemic response, including fever and lethargy. The cat may appear depressed and unwilling to move, conserving energy as its body struggles to cope with the infection and respiratory distress.
Veterinary intervention is crucial in managing feline pneumonia. Treatment typically involves administering antibiotics to combat bacterial infections, supportive care such as fluids and oxygen therapy, and sometimes corticosteroids to reduce inflammation. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment can help restore normal lung function and alleviate the cat's breathing difficulties.