When Your Cat Keeps Coughing — Feline Pneumonia: Symptoms, Causes, Treatment, and Care

RespiratoryDiseasesMeongsiljang Veterinary Advisory Board

We’ve compiled a comprehensive guide on feline pneumonia, covering causes and symptoms, diagnostic methods, treatment options, and home care tips, all based on veterinary evidence.

What Is Feline Pneumonia?

A cat resting due to difficulty breathing

Feline pneumonia is a respiratory condition in which inflammation of the lung tissue severely impairs breathing function. When detected early, the chances of recovery are high, but if left untreated, the condition can deteriorate rapidly. The most critical step is to seek veterinary care immediately if your cat coughs for more than three days or shows noticeably rapid breathing. Early intervention is especially vital for kittens, senior cats, and those with weakened immune systems, as their symptoms can worsen more quickly.

Causes of Feline Pneumonia

Feline pneumonia is broadly categorized into four types based on the underlying cause.

Viral: Infections with feline herpesvirus or calicivirus can begin in the upper respiratory tract and progress to the lungs. When these viruses damage the ciliated epithelium of the airways, it becomes easier for secondary bacterial or mycoplasma infections to take hold. In multi-cat households, these viruses can spread rapidly.

Bacterial: Common causative agents include Bordetella, Chlamydophila, and Mycoplasma. Bacterial infections are considered the most frequent cause of pneumonia and often occur as secondary infections following a viral illness.

Aspiration: This occurs when stomach contents or bacteria from the oropharynx enter the airways due to vomiting or reflux, causing inflammation in the lungs. It is particularly common after anesthesia or in cats with impaired swallowing function.

Fungal: Fungi such as Blastomyces can cause lung infections. These cases primarily affect cats with compromised immune systems.

Key Symptoms Checklist

Coughing: Persistent dry coughs or coughs with phlegm.

Difficulty breathing: Breathing with noticeable abdominal movement or rapid breathing.

Fever: Ears and paw pads feel warmer than usual, and body temperature rises.

Loss of appetite: Barely eating or completely refusing food that was previously enjoyed.

Lethargy: No interest in toys and staying curled up all day.

Eye and nasal discharge: Thick yellow or green discharge.

Weight loss: Noticeable weight loss in a short period due to lack of eating.

A sick cat showing symptoms of nasal discharge and lethargy

When to Go to the Emergency Vet Immediately

• When your pet is panting with an open mouth or showing severe abdominal breathing • When the gums or tongue turn blue or pale (a sign of oxygen deficiency) • When your pet refuses to eat or drink for more than 24 hours • When there are wheezing or gurgling sounds during breathing • When your pet suddenly collapses or is unable to stand up

Diagnostic Methods

Veterinarians confirm pneumonia by combining several diagnostic tests.

Auscultation: Listening for abnormal lung sounds, such as crackles or wheezes.

Chest X-ray: A basic test that quickly reveals changes in lung opacity and the extent of inflammation.

Blood tests: Assessing white blood cell counts to determine the presence and severity of infection.

PCR testing: Accurately identifying the causative virus or bacteria to guide treatment decisions.

Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) analysis: Collecting samples directly from the airways to identify the specific pathogen.

Treatment Options

Treatment varies depending on the cause and severity.

Antibiotics: Used for bacterial or secondary infections. Your veterinarian will determine the appropriate type and duration based on the causative pathogen.

Antiviral medications: May be prescribed if a herpesvirus is the underlying cause.

Oxygen therapy: Hospitalization for supplemental oxygen is necessary if breathing is significantly labored.

Fluid therapy: Corrects dehydration and electrolyte imbalances.

Bronchodilators and inhalation therapy: Widen the airways to make breathing easier.

Mild cases may be managed with outpatient care, but severe cases require hospitalization.

A cat receiving treatment at a veterinary clinic

Home Care Tips

Careful home care is essential during treatment and recovery.

Finish the full course of prescribed medication: Even if symptoms improve, stopping the medication prematurely can lead to relapse or antibiotic resistance.

Maintain proper temperature and humidity: Keep the indoor temperature between 22–24°C and humidity at 50–60% to support respiratory recovery. Consider using a humidifier.

Ensure adequate rest: Provide a quiet, warm space for your pet to rest comfortably.

Encourage hydration: If your pet is drinking little water, offer wet food or place multiple water bowls around the house.

Isolate if necessary: In multi-cat households, keep the recovering pet separated from others until fully healed.

A cat resting comfortably next to a humidifier.

Cats That Require Special Attention

• Kittens — Their immune systems are still developing, so infections can progress rapidly. Kittens under 10 weeks of age are especially prone to severe bronchopneumonia. • Senior cats — Their overall respiratory defense mechanisms are weakened, which may lead to slower recovery. • Cats testing positive for Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) or Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV) — Their compromised immune systems make them more susceptible to secondary infections. Cats diagnosed with pneumonia should also be tested for FIV and FeLV. • Cats from shelters or hospital stays — These environments increase exposure to pathogens. Please monitor your cat closely for respiratory symptoms for two weeks after bringing them home.

Reviewed by a veterinarian

Dr. Tony — Punnawat Phongkittirak

Veterinarian

A veterinarian who majored in veterinary medicine at Khon Kaen University, Thailand, and completed the IVSA program at North Carolina State University in the United States. Drawing on clinical experience at animal hospitals, he works in the pet healthcare field and is dedicated to building a digital care environment that connects pet parents with veterinarians.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can feline pneumonia be transmitted to humans?

Feline herpesvirus and calicivirus are not transmitted to humans. However, certain bacteria such as Chlamydophila can rarely infect people, so individuals with weakened immune systems should be sure to wash their hands thoroughly after contact.

Can it be completely cured with treatment?

It depends on the cause and how early treatment begins. Viral infections can remain latent, with herpesvirus reactivating during periods of stress. Bacterial and aspiration-related cases can often be fully resolved if treated promptly.

Can vaccinations prevent pneumonia?

Feline combination vaccines include protection against herpesvirus and calicivirus. While regular vaccinations significantly reduce the risk of infection, they do not offer 100% prevention. In multi-cat households, it is also important to quarantine new cats for two weeks before introducing them to the rest of the family.

Can I perform steam inhalation at home?

Sharing a warm, steamy bathroom or using a humidifier can help thin respiratory secretions and ease breathing. However, direct exposure to hot steam or the use of essential oils can be harmful, so please consult your veterinarian first.

How long does the treatment take?

Mild cases often improve within 1–2 weeks with outpatient treatment. Severe cases or those in immunocompromised states may require several weeks of treatment, including hospitalization. It is important to continue administering the prescribed medication for the full duration, even if symptoms improve.

7 Key Management Strategies for Feline Asthma and Product Selection Criteria Highlighted by Veterinarians

Best Recommendations and Selection Criteria for Monitoring Your Cat’s Respiratory Rate (RR) During Sleep for Heart Care

Top Recommended Products for Managing Canine Viral Upper Respiratory Infections and Selection Criteria

If Your Dog Ate Avocado — From Poisoning Symptoms to Emergency Treatment and Prevention

My Dog Ate Grapes — A Complete Guide from Kidney Failure Warning Signs to Emergency Treatment

If Your Cat Ate Onions or Garlic — From Anemia Symptoms to Emergency Treatment and Dangerous Ingestion Levels

If Your Dog Ate Onions or Garlic — Anemia Symptoms, Emergency Care, and Dangerous Intake Levels

If Your Dog Keeps Licking Its Paws — Causes, Treatment, and Recurrence Management for Interdigital Dermatitis

Crusts on Your Cat’s Nose Bridge May Not Be a Simple Wound — Causes and Treatment Timing for Pemphigus

Feline Eosinophilic Granuloma: Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Management Essentials

References

[1] Padrid P. Canine and Feline Respiratory Medicine, 3rd Edition. Wiley-Blackwell, 2022.

[2] Schaer M, Gaschen F. Clinical Medicine of the Dog and Cat, 4th Edition. CRC Press, 2022.

[3] Drobatz KJ, et al. Small Animal Critical Care Medicine, 3rd Edition. Elsevier, 2022.