Aspiration Pneumonia in Cats: Causes and Treatment

Aspiration pneumonia is a serious medical condition caused by accidental inhalation of a foreign substance into the lungs. While aspiration pneumonia is uncommon in cats, it’s life-threatening and requires immediate veterinary treatment. 

Let’s look at everything you need to know about aspiration pneumonia in cats.

What Is Aspiration Pneumonia in Cats?

Aspiration pneumonia in cats occurs when a feline accidentally inhales a substance, such as vomit or liquid medication, into their lungs.  

These substances cause significant lung inflammation and can lead to a secondary bacterial infection. This causes difficulty breathing, lethargy, and coughing, and interferes with the lungs’ ability to move oxygen into the blood.  

Aspiration pneumonia is a medical emergency that should be treated by a veterinarian immediately. Prompt diagnosis and treatment are critical for the best outcome. 

Symptoms of Aspiration Pneumonia in Cats

The most common symptoms of aspiration pneumonia in cats include: 

• Decreased appetite  

• Lethargy 

• Fever 

• Coughing  

• Nasal discharge 

• Difficulty breathing 

Causes of Aspiration Pneumonia in Cats

Aspiration pneumonia in cats can occur in any pet, but it’s most common in kittens, seniors, and those with underlying health conditions, such as feline leukemia virus (FeLV).  

Brachycephalic (flat-faced) cat breeds, such as Himalayans, have a higher risk of inhaling food or other substances due to their abnormal airways. 

The most common causes of aspiration pneumonia in cats include:  

• Frequent vomiting 

• Megaesophagus 

• Improper or force-feeding kittens (through a bottle, syringe, or feeding tube) 

• Improper medication administration 

• Congenital defects, such as a cleft palate  

• Anesthesia, due to impaired swallowing and coughing reflexes 

How Veterinarians Diagnose Aspiration Pneumonia in Cats

Aspiration pneumonia in cats is diagnosed based on your cat’s history, physical exam, and diagnostic testing results.  

You should let your veterinarian know when the symptoms began and whether your cat has vomited, has an underlying medical condition, or received liquid medication.  

The veterinarian will thoroughly examine your cat, paying special attention to any abnormal lung sounds, such as wheezing. If your vet suspects that your cat may have aspiration pneumonia, they may recommend additional diagnostic testing, such as:

• Radiographs (X-rays): Images of your cat’s lungs can be taken to look for areas of inflammation or infection. Images of your cat’s esophagus can also be obtained to look for abnormalities, such as megaesophagus, that may increase their risk of aspiration. 

• Bronchoalveolar lavage: In some cases, saline is infused into the airway and then retrieved with suction to collect cells. The sample is tested at a veterinary lab to determine whether an infection is present and to identify the bacteria causing the infection.

• Blood work: While blood work alone cannot confirm aspiration pneumonia, it provides information on the cat’s overall health status, which may be useful for treatment planning.

Treatment of Aspiration Pneumonia in Cats

Treatment for aspiration pneumonia in cats focuses on managing symptoms and inflammation and eliminating the infection.

Cats often require hospitalization for close monitoring during treatment.  

Most cats recover after three days of hospitalization, but some cats remain hospitalized for up to three weeks.  

One study found that the survival rate for cats diagnosed with aspiration pneumonia was 89%.   

Potential treatments that may be given during hospitalization include:  

• Oxygen therapy  

• An antibiotic, such as Clavamox, to treat the bacterial infection 

• IV fluids to improve hydration and support blood pressure 

• A bronchodilator, such as terbutaline, to open the airways 

• Nebulization to clear airways  

• An antiemetic, such as Cerenia, to prevent vomiting 

• An acid reducer, such as omeprazole, to reduce reflux  

Recovery and Management of Aspiration Pneumonia in Cats

During recovery, provide your cat with a private, quiet space to rest. Adding a humidifier to this area can help moisten the airways and aid recovery.  

Cats are sent home on antibiotics, such as doxycycline, for approximately two weeks, followed by a veterinary checkup that includes X-rays.  

Additional antibiotics may be prescribed if the pneumonia has not fully resolved. Frequent rechecks will be needed until pneumonia is completely resolved to ensure the cat’s condition remains stable and treatment is working.  

Recovery from aspiration pneumonia can take as little as three days for mild cases and up to several months for cats who have severe symptoms or other underlying health issues.  

You should give your cat all prescribed medications and attend all follow-up visits as recommended by your veterinarian for the best outcome.  

Prevention of Aspiration Pneumonia in Cats

To reduce your cat’s risk of developing aspiration pneumonia, you can take the following steps:  

• Use an appropriately sized bottle feeder for kittens. 

• Feed kittens slowly in an upright position. 

• Give medications as directed by your veterinarian to avoid improper administration. 

• Manage underlying health conditions, such as megaesophagus, that increase the risk for aspiration.