TL;DR: Laborious deep breathing is a life-threatening emergency in cats that requires immediate veterinary intervention. Seek emergency care immediately if your cat shows signs of respiratory distress, such as open-mouth breathing or extreme physical effort to breathe.
What does it mean if my cat is experiencing laborious deep breathing?
Laborious breathing, medically known as dyspnea, occurs when a cat has to put in significant physical effort to move air in and out of their lungs. Unlike normal, quiet breathing, you may see your cat's chest heaving or their abdomen moving rhythmically to assist with respiration. This indicates that their body is struggling to maintain proper oxygen levels.
Is my cat’s laborious breathing a medical emergency?
- Transport your cat to the nearest emergency veterinary clinic immediately; the urgency level is high.
- Watch for critical signs such as open-mouth breathing or gasping.
- Check for blue, purple, or pale gums, which indicate a lack of oxygen.
- Look for a "tripod" stance where the cat stands with elbows pointed outward to catch their breath.
Why should I take a video of my cat’s respiratory distress for the vet?
- Capture a brief 10-second video of your cat's breathing only if it does not delay your trip to the vet.
- Show the video to the medical team so they can see the 'at-home' respiratory effort, which often changes due to the stress of a car ride.
- Provide the vet with a more accurate look at the severity and specific type of distress your cat is experiencing.
Clinical Context (Merck Veterinary Manual)
Compromised breathing in cats manifests as an increased respiratory rate and effort, followed by a change in respiratory pattern and postural changes, where cats may sit crouched on all four limbs with the sternum slightly elevated. Obvious labored, open-mouth breathing and changes in mucous membrane color (gray or blue cyanosis) develop last, indicating significant loss of pulmonary function and impending pulmonary arrest. Pleural space disease causes asynchronous breathing; lung parenchymal disease causes quiet, smooth breathing, with the chest and abdominal wall moving in the same direction. The location of the pathology, whether pleural space or parenchymal disease, can be determined by careful observation of the breathing pattern and auscultation of the thorax. Cyanosis from small airway obstructive disease is treated by providing oxygen and sedation. Epinephrine is indicated for bronchodilatory effects in anaphylaxis and life-threatening asthma. Corticosteroids are indicated for allergic bronchitis, asthma, or severe swelling of the larynx or pharyngeal tissues. Other bronchodilators, such as aminophylline or terbutaline, can be given IM, or albuterol can be given by nebulization in the case of an animal in crisis.
Chapter: Emergency, Respiratory
Source: The Merck Veterinary Manual, 11th Edition (Page 1663)