Causes of Bronchitis in Cats
Dog Breeds
Bronchitis in cats is caused by an agent that causes the lining of the
bronchial tubes to become irritated and inflamed. The agents that are
most often associated with causing bronchitis in cats include: viruses,
bacteria, parasites, and irritating airborne particles.
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Introduction
Bronchitis in cats is caused by an agent that causes the lining of the bronchial tubes to become irritated and inflamed. The agents that are most often associated with causing bronchitis in cats include: viruses, bacteria, parasites, and irritating airborne particles.
Causes of Bronchitis in Cats
Viruses and bacteria that can lead to bronchitis in cats are the same viruses and bacteria which also cause upper respiratory infections in cats. These viruses and bacteria include: feline viral rhinotracheitis, also known as feline herpes virus, feline calicavirus, feline reovirus, Chlamydophila felisi bacteria, and Bordetella bronchiseptica bacteria.
Parasites, such as the lungworm and heartworm, can also cause bronchitis in cats. Heartworms can lead to chronic coughing, and chronic coughing will eventually cause irritated and inflamed bronchial tubes. Lungworms in cats can also inhabit the large bronchi airways through the course of their development, and as a result the bronchial tubes are affected.
Bronchitis in cats is frequently associated with chronic asthma conditions. Cats that develop asthma often do so because they are allergic to certain types of environmental allergens, such as pollen or mold, or because they are allergic to certain types of chemicals in their environments. Cats which live in households, where their pet owners smoke indoors, may develop chronic bronchitis from secondary smoke that they are exposed to. Cats can also develop allergies to chemicals in cosmetic products such as hairspray or perfume, and in cleaning product such as floor cleaners.
Breed Susceptibility to Bronchitis
While bronchitis is diagnosed in all breeds of cats, Siamese breeds seem to be more prone to developing this condition than other breeds. Female cats are also diagnosed with bronchitis more often than male cats.
Symptoms and Types
Overview and Facts