Symptoms of Cat Bronchitis: Key Indicators Explained

One: What Are the Symptoms of Feline Bronchitis?

Cat bronchitis can be categorized into two types: acute bronchitis and chronic bronchitis.

Acute bronchitis in cats is characterized by a cough, which initially starts as a severe dry cough. Over a few days, it transitions to a wet cough as mucus production increases. Cats may also begin to vomit and have a runny nose with a mucoid, mucopurulent, or purulent discharge. During a physical examination, you might hear dry or wet rales in the lungs. Additionally, cats with acute bronchitis may exhibit systemic symptoms such as a fever, rapid breathing, and cyanosis of the mucous membranes.

Chronic bronchitis is marked by a persistent, stubborn cough, especially during exercise, eating, or in the early morning when temperatures are cooler. After coughing, cats may have a significant amount of fluid coming out of their mouth. In the absence of other concurrent infections, cats with chronic bronchitis typically have a normal body temperature and may gradually lose weight. Chest auscultation often reveals dry rales. Chronic bronchitis in cats can also be a result of recurrent acute bronchitis and is considered a more advanced condition.

Two: How to Treat Feline Bronchitis?

Treatment for feline bronchitis focuses on eliminating inflammation and expectorating phlegm to relieve coughing. Pet owners can administer antiinflammatory antibiotics or provide cats with expectorant cough medications. For cats with acute bronchitis, corticosteroid preparations may be used. If the bronchitis becomes increasingly severe, it is advisable to take the cat to a veterinary clinic for examination and treatment.

In addition, pet owners should maintain a clean and hygienic environment, regularly disinfect and clean, and protect the cat's respiratory defenses from chemical and physical irritants. It's also important for pet owners to monitor their cat's activity levels in daily life.

Three: How to Prevent Feline Bronchitis?

1. Sanitation and Disinfection: In addition to maintaining good indoor ventilation and cleanliness, be mindful of pollen allergies during spring.

2. Stress Reduction: Stress can be a significant factor in the development of acute diseases in cats. If your cat is shy or sensitive, try to minimize external stimuli that could cause stress and trigger a reaction.

3. Hydration: Pay attention to your cat's hydration by providing plenty of water in their diet. Since cats often don't like to drink water, you can add a few drops of honey to the water bowl to encourage them to drink using the sweet taste as a lure.