1-15 Lexington Rd, Underwood, QLD, AU, 4119
SEARCH
Feline Breathing Disorders Explained by Specialists
A change in a cat’s breathing is one of the most important clinical cues we have. Feline breathing disorders can stem from disease in the airways, lungs, pleural space or even systems far beyond the chest such as anaemia. Identifying the cause requires a thorough assessment and targeted diagnostics.
At Cat Specialist Services, we work with complex respiratory cases regularly and understand they can be confusing and, for owners, a little frightening. Here’s what you need to know about how specialists investigate and treat these conditions, and when a referral may be appropriate.
What counts as abnormal breathing in cats?
Altered breathing in cats can manifest in several ways, and not all of them are dramatic or obvious. These patterns may develop quickly or gradually over time, depending on the underlying cause. They can include:
- Tachypnoea, where a cat is breathing faster than usual
- Dyspnoea, where breathing effort is more laboured and requires more effort
- Open-mouth breathing, which is a major concern and never normal in cats
- Increased abdominal effort, where the cat uses their abdominal muscles to help them breatheOwners may identify changes in their cat’s breathing rate, and keeping note of it is useful, but it isn’t a diagnosis by itself. Cats can still have a normal breathing rate even when they’re dealing with significant disease, and a raised breathing rate doesn’t necessarily mean a primary respiratory problem. It might simply be due to pain, stress or fever.
Recognising what constitutes abnormal breathing is an important first step. It alerts owners to when medical attention is needed and helps clinicians assess how the issue is progressing.
During an examination, vets pay attention to how a cat is positioning its body and how smoothly the chest and abdomen move with each breath. They will also look for smaller details, such as whether the cat is extending its neck, appears unsettled, flaring its nostrils or have altered breathing sounds that suggest airflow resistance.
Common breathing disorders in cats
Feline breathing problems can originate from several parts of the respiratory system. The main categories include upper airway disease, lower airway disease, pleural space disorders, lung tissue disease, cardiac-related issues and systemic problems that affect breathing.
Upper airway disorders
Obstruction in this part of the airway creates resistance to airflow, which can change the sound and pattern of a cat’s breathing, and the signs often include extra noise, increased effort and changes in how the cat holds its head and neck. Examples include:
- Nasopharyngeal polyps
– Benign growths that can lead to noisy breathing, stertor, reduced airflow and, in more severe cases, open-mouth breathing.
– They can also cause difficulty swallowing or a change in voice.
– Usually diagnosed through an oral exam, imaging or endoscopy. - Laryngeal disease
– Impaired movement of the arytenoids resulting in voice change, increased effort and stridor.
– Cats are at risk of acute decompensation, as minor increases in obstruction can cause sudden breathing difficulty.
– Sedation or anaesthesia will be required for a full assessment and diagnosis. - Brachycephalic airway issues
– Features such as an elongated soft palate, narrow nostrils and everted saccules reduce the space available for airflow and make breathing noisier and more effortful.
– The narrowed airway can cause persistent breathing effort and characteristic upper-airway noise.
– Heat and stress increase airway demand and can make breathing noticeably more difficult.
Lower airway disorders
Diseases affecting the lower airways tend to interfere with airflow movement rather than airflow entry.. Cats may exhibit increased effort, wheeze, or episodic distress. Examples include:
- Feline asthma
– Often presents as increased expiratory effort, wheeze and episodic distress. Note, coughing may or may not be present.
– Imaging findings typically vary, and changes can be subtle or inconsistent.
– Most cats respond to bronchodilators and corticosteroids. - Chronic bronchitis
– This is a long-term inflammatory condition of the lower airways.
– A chronic cough is common and can become more noticeable with exertion.
– Clinical signs can resemble asthma, and some cases show features of both.
Pleural space disorders
Fluid or air around the lungs reduces the lungs ability to inflate and expand. Cats with these disorders can appear distressed even at rest. Some examples include:
- Pleural effusion
– Fluid builds up around the lungs and prevents them from expanding fully.
– Cats often experience rapid, shallow breathing but may only have vague signs at first.
– The causes vary and can include heart disease, neoplasia, infection or trauma. - Pyothorax
– There is purulent (pus) fluid in the chest, usually due to a bacterial infection.
– Affected cats are typically unwell, with fever, lethargy and noticeable breathing difficulty.
– Management involves draining the chest and using appropriate antimicrobial treatment. - Chylothorax
– A milky bodily fluid (chyle) accumulates in the pleural space.
– Breathing effort tends to increase over time, and some cats lose weight.
– The response to drainage or dietary changes varies, and the cause may be cardiac or idiopathic (unknown). - Pneumothorax
– This occurs when air enters the pleural space and collapses part or all of a lung.
– Signs usually appear suddenly, with significant breathing distress or open-mouth breathing.
– The causes of pneumothorax include trauma, cancer or spontaneous rupture, and stabilisation and chest drainage are required.
Pulmonary parenchymal disorders
When the lung parenchyma is involved, oxygen exchange becomes compromised, and the breathing pattern reflects this strain. Condition examples include:
- Pneumonia
– Can be caused by infection or by material entering the lungs during aspiration.
– Cats may have fever, cough or increased breathing effort, though signs and symptoms vary.
– Imaging findings depend on which areas of the lung are involved. - Neoplasia (cancer)
– May arise in the lungs or spread there from another site.
– Breathing often becomes progressively faster or more strained, and weight loss is common.
– Imaging helps define the location and appearance of any masses - Pulmonary contusions
– Usually, this is the result of trauma and involves bruising within the lung tissue.
– Cats can have sudden breathing difficulty even when there are no external injuries.
– The severity depends on how much of the lung is affected.
Breathing changes aren’t always respiratory in origin. Heart disease, anaemia, metabolic problems and pain can all influence how a cat breathes, and these can resemble primary respiratory disorders despite having different causes.
Investigating and managing breathing disorders
Working out why a cat is struggling to breathe starts with finding the part of the respiratory system involved. We use a combination of physical examination, imaging (such as chest radiographs (x-rays), CT and ultrasound) and, when necessary, sampling or advanced diagnostic testing to pinpoint the source. This can be very difficult to do safely in cats with respiratory distress as the stress of being frightened, in an unfamiliar environment will increase their breathing rate and hence the amount of oxygen they need and may cause further deterioration.
Stabilisation of these cats is very important – this is where we provide oxygen therapy and sedation to reduce any anxiety. Any further testing is done in very careful increments to ensure we are not causing any further distress.This is where it can be beneficial for cats to be in a cat only environment to reduce their stress levels and be with staff that are familiar with working with stressed cats with breathing problems!
Once we know whether it’s the airways, lungs, pleural space, heart or somewhere else, we can stabilise the patient and begin proper treatment.
The treatment process varies widely depending on the cause, but it is always focused on restoring function and comfort.
It may involve oxygen support, medication to reduce inflammation or infection, drainage of fluid or air, or targeted therapy for cardiac or systemic disease.
“Identifying the cause requires a thorough assessment and targeted diagnostics.”
When a specialist referral is recommended
Some breathing problems require additional support, particularly when the cause is unclear or a cat is not improving despite treatment. Specialist referral is often appropriate for cases involving persistent tachypnoea, recurring episodes of breathing difficulty, suspected effusion or situations needing more advanced imaging. Cats that decompensate easily or cannot be stabilised comfortably in clinic may also benefit from broader assessment.
Specialist involvement is also helpful when procedures such as bronchoscopy, thoracoscopy or targeted sampling are required, or when several body systems may be contributing to the problem. These cases can be complex, and a multidisciplinary approach can ensure each cat has the best chance of living comfortably.
Specialist input in feline respiratory health
Feline respiratory disease often needs more than a single test to reach a diagnosis. Each stage of investigation adds something different, and it’s the accumulation of those insights that ultimately points to the most appropriate path forward.
If your cat, or a patient in your care, needs further investigation for breathing difficulties, the team at Cat Specialist Services can support the next stage of assessment. Owners can contact our team for more information, and veterinarians can refer here.
Are you worried about your cat’s health?
If you are concerned about your cat, please reach out to our friendly team. Call us on 1300 228 377 or fill out the contact form below. In an emergency, please contact your local vet.
For vets – to refer a patient or book a telehealth consultation, please call us on 1300 228 377, book through the portal or fill in the form.
Meet The Author
Dr Rachel Korman
Specialist in Feline Internal Medicine
BVSc MANZCVS (Internal Medicine) FANZCVS (Feline Medicine)
Dr. Korman’s childhood love for cats led her to veterinary medicine, and early on, it was clear that feline care was her calling. After graduating from the University of Queensland in 2000, she worked in small animal and feline-only practices across Australia and the UK.
She received a Senior Clinical Training Scholarship from the Feline Advisory Bureau (now International Cat Care) at the University of Bristol, where she researched feline infectious and haematological diseases, and in 2018, became a Fellow of the Feline Medicine Chapter of the Australian New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists and a registered Feline Medicine specialist.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are feline breathing disorders?
Breathing disorders in cats involve abnormalities in the airways, lungs, pleural space, or even systemic conditions that affect breathing.
What signs indicate abnormal breathing in cats?
Signs may include rapid breathing, increased effort, open-mouth breathing, or noticeable abdominal movement during breathing.
What causes breathing problems in cats?
Causes can include airway obstruction, lung disease, heart disease, pleural fluid, or systemic conditions such as anaemia.
Why is monitoring breathing changes important?
Changes in breathing patterns are often one of the earliest clinical indicators that something is wrong.
How are breathing disorders diagnosed?
Diagnosis typically involves a physical examination and targeted diagnostic tests to identify the underlying cause.
Patient Stories
Our commitment to feline health is best seen in the stories of the cats we’ve had the privilege of treating. These journeys highlight the dedication, expertise and compassion that drive us.
Each patient faced unique challenges, and it was our honour to offer high-quality care and help them regain strength and happiness. We value the deep bonds with cats and their owners, knowing the difference we make in their lives.
Kitty, a lymphoma survivor
We first met Kitty after she was referred to CSS for the evaluation of a large intestinal mass
Poppi finds her feet again
Following surgery to remove a hairball obstruction, Poppi was referred to us at CSS as she had not bounced back as expected
Rusty and his ongoing chronic rhinitis journey
Lifelong nasal issues, including persistent discharge and breathing noise, have been a bit of a thorn in Rusty’s side.
Lando’s long game with cryptococcus
Lando was referred to CSS because he had a swelling under his jaw that wouldn’t go away.
Popeye coughs up the culprit
Ares is a handsome young Maine Coon who was referred to CSS after presenting at AES with sudden lameness in his back leg.
Key Takeaways
Changes in breathing are a critical warning sign in cats.
Respiratory symptoms may originate from many different systems in the body.
Accurate diagnosis requires careful clinical assessment and specialised testing.
Cat Specialist Services Reviews 
on 
Tanya Bell
6 months ago
We transported our cat here from another animal hospital, as his condition was too complex for them. Our pet was given the highest quality of care, multiple investigations/procedures being able to be done at the one place a godsend. We were kept up to date frequently throughout his stay. All questions & options explained thoroughly. Being able to have private visits certainly helped us and our cat too. I would highly recommend Cat Specialist Services at Underwood. Amazing staff from reception, vet nurses, vets & specialists. Oh, and yes he is recovering wonderfully at home.
Melinda Cox
A month ago
So very happy we were asked to come here for advice for our NORBIT. He has had 2 x UTI blockages within weeks of each other since turning 6. Surgery seemed to be his only option and he didn’t feel it was very fair on him if we didn’t at least exhaust all other avenues first.
Dr Allison was very thorough in her tests and has let us know she would like to treat the cause of the problem. Great news.
It may lead to removal of crystals in his bladder if his diet doesn’t let him pass them naturally.
At least this surgery won’t be as severe at taking his penis off him – so as his fur parents – we are very happy with this.
We await further tests to see what’s in store for him.
NORBIT will now be a patient of the clinic as we are so far very happy with his treatment thus far.
Lesley Rosekrans
A month ago
Hi has only been a week since losing my beautiful Peaches but can’t thank Dr Cindy, Maree and Jackie enough for the tender care they gave her and they after care they gave me. I sincerely thank them and can’t recommend the Clinic highly enough they are such caring people. Peaches I’m happier times.
Madison McEwan
A month ago
I cannot thank the entire CSS team enough and especially Dr Cindy for the care they provided for our boy with a urinary blockage, and we will be taking both our cats here from now on. The clinic is exceptionally clean and calming compared to all other clinics we’ve been too, and all staff from the reception to the nurses/vets were so supportive during a stressful time. I knew from the first minute that I got to see him after he was transferred that he was in the best place, and that the staff genuinely care about their well-being and positive long term outcomes. We were given regular updates and full transparency, so much information including QR video codes on how to administer medications, along with print outs and emails about how to best help avoid future issues or recurrence. Our boy got to smooch on everyone and was beyond well looked after. Thank you again, you all made an incredibly stressful situation actually manageable and calming.
Astrid El Gamal
6 months ago
Dr Wan-Ju has been treating my baby since her first seizure in November 2025 and she has been fantastic.
Everybody at the clinic is so friendly and caring and I know my baby is in good hands.
Thank you team!
Deeba M
3 months ago
Dr Alison Jukes from CSS Underwood is an AMAZING feline physician. She is kind, professional, thorough and our cat is blessed to have her on his side. She even was able to save us money and invasiveness by being skilled to the level of doing ultrasound on two separate occasions without our cat needing to go under full sedation. Our other cat was recently seen by Dr Jukes as well, and she made sure our cat’s heart was ok. I also want to thank the lovely Jacqueline and Mairead from customer care. They are very kind each time I see them and call up. Sending thanks from our family, including Smokey and Floozy!
Judith Dionysius
A month ago
My whole experience with CSS was positive – from the first email I received giving lots of information regarding the process of radioactive iodine treatment to the expected costs, to checking my cat in for the treatment, boarding for 2 weeks after the treatment and picking her up to come home. They didn’t push for any tests that were not necessary.
Janelle Wieden
5 months ago
We never knew this service existed but we are very grateful we were referred to them. Our vet Cindy was really great, she made us feel at ease during a very stressful time. We got the sense straight away the Leo was in good hands. This service made us feel better knowing that they specialise is cats only. Would highly recommend their services
Georgia Carter
5 months ago
My Lani finished her I-131 treatment today and I am beyond impressed with the way she was looked after. I am by definition a neurotic pet owner and sending my fur child away for a week was seriously daunting.
I was given daily updates about how kitty was eating, toileting and behaving. This really put my mind at ease. Vets and vet nurses were so accomodating and allowed Lani to have her favourite foods from home prepared her favourite way.
Her vet was so thorough when explaining her treatment and condition to me.
The ladies at reception were so friendly and understanding.
I honestly cannot recommend this clinic enough and I am so thankful for the positive experience Lani and I have had.
Lauren Woodward
A year ago
My sweet ginger boy Louis was hospitalised at CSS for a Urinary Obstruction. Dr Cindy and all the reception staff were amazing and empathetic. I would often ring up with questions post procedure and Dr Cindy would make time to talk and explain things to me
Service Locations
Cat Specialists accepts referrals for cats across Brisbane and surrounding regions, working closely with local veterinary clinics to provide specialist diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing management.
Contacting Us
Pet Owners
If you would like to talk about treatment for your cat, call us on 1300 228 377 or fill in the form.
In an emergency, please contact your local vet.
Vets and Nurses
To refer a patient or book a telehealth consultation please call us on 1300 228 377, book through the portal or fill in the form. For advice calls, please see the guidelines here.
Monday-Friday: 8 am-6 pmSaturday/Sunday - Closed