As a cat owner, you’ll want to ensure your cat is as healthy and happy as can be. So, if your cat begins wheezing, coughing, or sneezing after drinking water, it is easy to panic. cat Wheezing, coughing, and sneezing may sometimes be trivial matters, but sometimes they may indicate that something has gone terribly wrong. Let’s look at why your cat might be wheezing or coughing and what you do about it.
What Is Wheezing in Cats?
Wheezing is a whistling or high-pitched sound coming from your cat’s lungs whenever it breathes. It is different from sneezing, coughing, or purring, and this kind of noise usually signifies that there must be some blockage or inflammation within your cat’s airways. Wheezing is an indication that your cat may not be breathing easily.
If your cat is wheezing, it’s time to pay heed. Some cases may be caused by minor issues, but wheezing can also be one of the symptoms of something more serious like asthma or a respiratory infection.
Common Causes of Cat Wheezing
Several things can cause your cat to wheeze, and these causes can range from mild to serious, some requiring treatment and others not. Below are some of the most common reasons cats wheeze:
1. Asthma
Asthma is a common cause of wheezing in cats. This condition happens when the airways in the lungs become inflamed, making it harder for your cat to breathe. Asthma can be triggered by things like dust, pollen, or even stress.
What to look for:
- Wheezing and coughing
- Difficulty breathing, especially after exposure to allergens
- Panting or rapid breathing
2. Hairballs
In cats, sometimes those with longer fur develop hairballs. When trying to cough up a hairball, your cat may wheeze in the process. But if your cat is wheezing frequently and no hairball is present, it’s something serious.
Look for:
- Retching or gagging
- Wheezing without a hairball being expelled
3. Allergies
Just like people, cats can have allergies that make them wheeze. The most common allergens are dust, pollen, mold, and some foods or fragrances. If your cat inhales these allergens, the airways may become irritated, and as a result, she will start wheezing and feeling unwell.
What to look for:
- Wheezing or coughing at specific times of the year
- Sneezing or watery eyes
- Scratching or inflamed skin
4. Respiratory Infections
Like any other virus, cats can also contract URI from viruses, such as feline herpesvirus or calicivirus. This disease is just like a human cold and can cause wheezing, coughing, sneezing, and runny noses.
Watch for these signs:
- Sneezing, coughing, wheezing
- Runny nose or eyes
- Lethargy or decrease in appetite
5. Foreign Objects
If a foreign object becomes lodged in your cat’s airway, then their breathing is likely to be obstructed and wheezing is a probable symptom. Seek veterinary help straight away.
Watch for:
- Sudden onset of wheezing or choking
- Not breathing or gagging
6. Stress
It makes cats wheeze due to stress. Your cat might be wheezing when nervous or scared, especially when introduced to a new and stressful place.
What to look out for:
- Wheezing in situations of stress, such as a move, meeting new people
- Hiding or avoidance of contact
- Changes in behavior, such as excessive grooming, meowing.
7. Collapsed Trachea
A collapsed trachea is the weakening of a cat’s windpipe, leading to respiratory difficulties. A chronic coughing or wheezing cat may have frequent occurrences of this illness, especially after drinking or eating.
Signs and symptoms:
- Chronic coughing or wheezing, especially after drinking or eating
- Difficulty breathing or panting
8. Heartworms
Heartworms are parasitic worms that can affect a cat’s lungs and heart. In some cases, heartworms cause wheezing and coughing, and other difficulty in breathing.
Watch for:
- Wheezing, coughing, and difficulty breathing
- Becoming lethargic or having no appetite
Why Do Cats Wheeze, Cough, or Sneeze After Drinking Water
You will notice your cat coughing, sneezing, or wheezing after drinking water. However, there are a few reasons why this might happen and some of them are harmless.
1. Water Went Down the Wrong Way
Just like humans, cats can inadvertently suck in water instead of swallowing it. This is often when your cat drinks too fast or from an awkward angle. It may cause coughing or gagging since the body must expel the water from the lungs.
What to watch for:
- Coughing or gagging occasionally following drinking
- Wheezing or difficulties breathing if the coughing persists
- Lethargy or loss of appetite, which might be a symptom of something going wrong
2. Underlying Respiratory Diseases
If your cat suffers from asthma or bronchitis already, they could be more susceptible to coughing and wheezing once they drink water. The reason is that the airways are already inflamed, and drinking water may exacerbate the inflammation.
3. Environmental Allergies or Irritants
If your cat comes into contact with dust, pollen, mold, or smoke, the airway passages may become inflamed. Inflammation may provoke coughing or sneezing following a water intake, depending on whether it is in the air or near the source of the water.
4. Collapsed Trachea
A collapsed trachea means coughing and wheezing after a drink or meal. It is rare but see your vet if you have any reason to believe this might be happening to you.
What To Be Worried About?
While an odd cough, sneeze, or wheeze right after drinking some water isn’t a big worry, sometimes you should get help from a vet. Look for these red flag signs:
- Recurring symptoms: If your cat coughs or sneezes a lot, has wheezing sounds in it, it could be an indicator of a health condition.
- Breathing difficulties: If your cat shows signs of experiencing difficulties in breathing or wheezing, panting, or breathing with their mouth open, then it could be an indication of something wrong.
- Other symptoms to see your vet about: your cat having a runny nose, his watery eyes, lack of appetite, or acting like they are some tired, sleep-deprived creature.
How to Help Your Cat
If your cat wheezing, coughing, or sneezing, here’s what you can do for them in the meantime:
- Monitor Drinking: Remind your cat to drink slowly and not to inhale water.
- Keep Water Bowls Clean: Wash your cat’s water bowl regularly to remove any dust, bacteria, or contaminants that could irritate their nose or throat.
- Reduce Allergens: Try to limit your cat’s exposure to smoke, dust, and strong scents, as these can trigger wheezing and other respiratory issues.
- Stress-Free Environment: Create a calm environment for your cat, especially if they get stressed easily. A quiet space with familiar objects can help.
Treatment for Cat Wheezing
If your cat wheezing doesn’t go away or gets worse, it’s important to take them to the vet for a proper diagnosis. The vet will perform an exam and may recommend tests like blood work, X-rays, or even a bronchoscopy (a camera test to look inside the airways) to figure out what’s causing the problem.
Based on the diagnosis, the vet might suggest:
- Medications: A cat suffering from asthma or bronchitis might require corticosteroids to try reducing inflammation or a bronchodilator that can help relax the airways.
- Antibiotics: If your vet suspects your cat has some respiratory infection, they will administer antibiotics for recovery.
- Surgery: If your cat had something stuck in their airway, then surgery might be required to take it out.
- Lifestyle Changes: If allergies are inducing the wheezing, the veterinarian will advise his clients to avoid some allergens, or to use antihistamines.
Most cat wheezing, coughing, and sneezing after drinking water are minor problems that can be handled at home. However, when these symptoms come for longer periods or become worse with other signs such as breathing difficulties or lethargy, the cat has to be taken to the vet. Early treatment ensures your cat remains healthy and satisfied.
When to See the Vet?
While some mild wheezing or coughing can be handled at home, there are instances when professional care is necessary. Knowing when to seek veterinary help is crucial in ensuring your cat’s health. Below are some situations where a vet visit is important:
- Persistent Symptoms: If your cat’s wheezing or coughing persists for more than a couple of days, it’s time to seek veterinary care. The same goes for if these symptoms become worse over time.
- Difficulty Breathing: If your cat seems to be struggling to breathe, is breathing rapidly, or is showing signs of distress, this is an urgent matter. Seek immediate veterinary care.
- Loss of Appetite: If your cat stops eating or drinking, especially when combined with other symptoms like lethargy or wheezing, it’s time to get help.
- Behavioral Changes: If your cat starts hiding, acting irritable, or shows a drastic shift in their routine, it may signal that they are unwell.
Remember, in most cases, cat wheezing can be managed effectively with the right care. In addition, by maintaining a healthy environment, providing regular veterinary care, and being proactive about any signs of discomfort, you can help your cat stay happy and healthy for years to come..
Preventing Wheezing in Cats
Though some causes of cat wheezing, such as genetic predispositions or allergies, can’t always be prevented, there are things you can do to reduce your cat’s risk of wheezing:
- Clean Air: Make sure your cat is not exposed to second-hand smoke, strong perfumes, or air fresheners. Keeping the air clean and dust-free helps maintain your cat’s respiratory health.
- Regular Vet Check-ups: Regular visits to the vet are crucial, especially if your cat is prone to respiratory issues. Routine check-ups allow for early detection and management of health problems.
- Proper Nutrition: A balanced diet contributes to your cat’s overall health, including its immune system and respiratory system. Make sure your cat is eating high-quality food appropriate for its age, breed, and health condition.
- Hydration: Always ensure your cat has access to fresh water. Staying hydrated is essential for their overall health and can reduce the risk of issues like hairballs or choking.
Common Misconceptions About Cat Wheezing
Many cat owners worry that every instance of wheezing signals something dire. While wheezing can sometimes be a sign of a serious condition, there are common misconceptions to clear up:
1. All Cat Wheezing Is Dangerous
Not all wheezing in cats is a cause for concern. Some wheezing is temporary, often due to a hairball or mild allergies. However, persistent or worsening wheezing should always be evaluated by a veterinarian.
2. Cats Can’t Get Colds
It’s a myth that cats don’t get respiratory infections like humans. Cats can indeed catch colds, and they can develop respiratory infections from viruses like feline calicivirus or herpesvirus. These can cause wheezing along with other symptoms.
3. Wheezing Always Means Asthma
While asthma is a common cause of wheezing, it is not the only cause. Cats can wheeze due to allergies, infections, foreign objects, or other respiratory issues. A proper diagnosis is needed to determine the exact cause.
Conclusion: Keep an Eye on Your Cat’s Health
Wheezing in cats can range from a simple issue like a hairball or a temporary allergic reaction to a more serious condition like asthma or heartworms. Therefore, paying close attention to your cat’s behavior and breathing patterns is key to identifying potential problems early. If, for instance, you notice signs of distress, persistent coughing, or wheezing, it’s important to consult your veterinarian for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.
Remember, in most cases, cat wheezing can be managed effectively with the right care. In addition, by maintaining a healthy environment, providing regular veterinary care, and being proactive about any signs of discomfort, you can help your cat stay happy and healthy for years to come.
