Cat Respiratory System Symptoms

Frequent sneezing in cats can be caused by irritants like dust, but persistent sneezing may indicate cat flu (upper respiratory infection).

Nasal discharge in cats refers to any fluid coming from the nose. Clear discharge may indicate a viral infection or allergies, while yellow or green discharge suggests a bacterial infection requiring veterinary attention.

Coughing is uncommon in cats compared to dogs. When a cat coughs, it may indicate serious conditions such as asthma or heart disease.

Difficulty breathing in cats includes rapid, labored, or abdominal breathing. Normal resting respiratory rate in cats is 20–30 breaths per minute.

Unlike dogs, cats do not normally breathe through their mouths. Mouth breathing in a cat at rest is a serious warning sign that requires immediate veterinary attention.