Updated September 25, 2026. Fact-checked against veterinary sources; review by a licensed veterinarian is in progress. See our editorial policy.
Quick answer: Pneumonia is inflammation of the lungs, usually from infection. It’s less common in cats than in dogs and often follows another problem, such as a severe upper respiratory infection, inhaling food or vomit, or a weakened immune system. Signs include fast or labored breathing, fever, lethargy, and poor appetite. Cats often cough less than dogs. Because breathing trouble in cats can also be asthma or heart failure, any cat with labored or open-mouth breathing needs a vet right away.
Signs
- Fast breathing, or breathing with effort
- Open-mouth breathing (an emergency in cats)
- Cough, sometimes moist
- Fever, lethargy, and hiding
- Poor appetite or weight loss
- Nasal discharge or sneezing
- Blue or gray gums (emergency)
Causes
- Bacterial infection, including Bordetella and Mycoplasma, often after a viral infection
- Aspiration: inhaling food, vomit, or liquid medications, including after anesthesia or forced feeding
- Viral infection, such as calicivirus, especially in kittens
- Fungal or parasitic infections, such as lungworm or Toxoplasma
- Weakened immunity from FeLV, FIV, or other illnesses
Conditions that can look similar
- Feline asthma
- Congestive heart failure (see pulmonary edema in cats)
- Fluid around the lungs (pleural effusion)
- Lung tumors
Treatment differs widely, so diagnosis matters.
Diagnosis
- Exam and listening to the chest
- Chest X-rays
- Bloodwork and FeLV/FIV testing
- An airway wash to identify bacteria and choose antibiotics
- Stool tests for lungworm in some cases
Treatment
- Antibiotics, often doxycycline or others based on culture, usually for several weeks
- Oxygen for cats struggling to breathe, often in the hospital
- IV fluids for dehydration
- Nebulized saline to loosen airway secretions, if your vet recommends it
- Nutritional support, sometimes with a feeding tube, since cats that don’t eat can develop liver problems
- Treating the underlying cause, such as parasites
Home care
- Rest in a quiet, warm, stress-free space.
- Encourage eating with warmed wet food.
- Keep fresh water available.
- Run a humidifier nearby, or bring your cat into a steamy bathroom briefly.
- Give medications exactly as prescribed and finish the full course.
- Count breaths while your cat sleeps and call your vet if they rise.
What to avoid
- Human cough or cold medicines, which can be toxic to cats.
- Force-feeding with a syringe, unless your vet shows you how, since it can cause aspiration.
- Essential oil diffusers, which can irritate airways and are toxic to cats.
- Stopping antibiotics early.
Frequently asked questions
Is pneumonia in cats contagious?
Some causes, like Bordetella and calicivirus, can spread between cats. Keep a sick cat separate and wash your hands.
How long does recovery take?
Many cats improve within days of starting treatment, but antibiotics often continue for 3–6 weeks, with follow-up X-rays.
Can cats die from pneumonia?
Severe cases can be life-threatening, especially in kittens and older or immune-compromised cats. Early treatment improves outcomes.
Sources
- Lappin MR, et al. Antimicrobial use guidelines for treatment of respiratory tract disease in dogs and cats: ISCAID. J Vet Intern Med. 2017
- Merck Veterinary Manual: Pneumonia in small animals
- Cornell Feline Health Center: Respiratory disease
- Dear JD. Bacterial pneumonia in dogs and cats: an update. Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract. 2020
This article is for general education and is not a substitute for care from your own veterinarian. Learn about The Pet Vet and our editorial policy.