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Smoke Inhalation in Cats
What is Smoke Inhalation?
Smoke inhalation in cats occurs when an airborne chemical or gas released by burning is breathed in. Household fires are the most common cause of smoke inhalation in cats, as felines often hide during a fire rather than trying to escape. Smoke inhalation could cause secondary pneumonia, neurologic dysfunction, and impaired delivery of oxygen, as well as irritation to the mucous membranes. The chemical gases released during a fire could also cause poisoning in the feline. Gases such as hydrogen cyanide and carbon monoxide bind with oxygen molecules, allowing the poison to circulate through the blood. If your cat has inhaled smoke and begins displaying signs of smoke inhalation such as coughing, it is crucial to seek the attention of a veterinary professional.
Smoke Inhalation Average Cost
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Average Cost
$1,800
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Symptoms of Smoke Inhalation in Cats
Smoke inhalation in cats can cause secondary pneumonia, neurologic dysfunction, impaired delivery of oxygen and irritation to the mucous membranes. A feline may clue a pet owner into these conditions through coughing, difficulty breathing, and an increased respiratory rate. Symptoms of smoke inhalation a cat owner should watch for include:
- Open-mouthed breathing
- Increased respiratory rate
- Difficulty breathing
- Cough
- Squinting of the eyes
- Watery eyes
- Burns on the skin or eyes
- Swelling of the nose or mouth
- Inflammation of the mouth or nose
- Vocalization
- Foaming at the mouth
- Weakness
- Seizure
- Coma
Causes of Smoke Inhalation in Cats
House fires commonly release gases of hydrogen cyanide and carbon monoxide. Hydrogen cyanide is released in the air when carbon containing materials such as plastics, nylon, paper, cotton, and wool are being burned. Carbon monoxide is a gas produced by organic matter combustion and is often undetected. The type of smoke or gases inhaled depends on the element that is being burned, and could include:
- Titanium tetrachloride
- Sulfur trioxide
- Phosphorus
- Zinc oxide
- Oxide of nitrogen
- Methane
- Nitrogen
- Cyanide gas
- Carbon monoxide
- Soot
Diagnosis of Smoke Inhalation in Cats
The veterinarian will begin the diagnosis of smoke inhalation by reviewing your cat’s medical history and performing a physical examination. During the physical examination, the veterinarian will search for any evidence of burns and injury to the respiratory organs. It is important to share any information about the fire that has occurred so the veterinarian has an idea of what type of smoke the cat may have inhaled. The veterinarian may use additional diagnostic tools to diagnose smoke inhalation.
Bronchoscopy/ Laryngoscopy
An examination of the throat and lungs using a flexible camera will allow the veterinarian to find mucosal ulcerations, edema. Soot deposits, charring, erythema and subglottic injury.
Pulse Oximetry
A test used to measure the blood oxygen levels. This test will evaluate how much oxygen the cat is receiving from her lungs to her heart, into the blood.
Blood Carboxyhemoglobin Test
A test that measures the carbon monoxide inhaled using a blood sample.
Metabolic Acidosis & Lactate Measurement
High levels of lactate and metabolic acidosis in the blood can aid in pinpointing the type of gas inhaled by the cat.
Imaging
Pulmonary radiographs can be taken approximately 24-36 hours after exposure to exhibit any injury to the lungs, heart and respiratory organs. A CT scan may also be taken to address cerebral hypoxia and injury to the globus pallidus, which would indicate carbon monoxide poisoning.
Treatment of Smoke Inhalation in Cats
Cats that have experienced smoke inhalation will receive supplemental oxygen for at least six hours, despite respiratory improvement. An oxygen rich environment will prevent chemicals from binding with oxygen molecules and circulating in the blood. Supplementary oxygen can be given through an oxygen tube, mask or oxygen chamber. A bronchodilator may be given to the feline to open up the airways and reduce bronchospasms. An intravenous fluid may be given to the feline, but only in small amounts as excessive fluid therapy could cause pulmonary parenchymal damage. The veterinarian will prescribe additional treatments based on physical injury of the eyes, nose, mouth, lungs and respiratory system.
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Recovery of Smoke Inhalation in Cats
Recovery of smoke inhalation in cats depends greatly on the type of smoke that was inhaled, how long the cat stayed in the smoke, and how quickly medical attention was received. Most cats presented to the veterinarian with smoke inhalation will recover with supportive care, however, the feline could stay in hospitalization from 48 hours to two weeks. Once the feline is allowed to return home, pet owners will likely be asked to add an air filter the home to avoid stressing the feline’s respiratory system. Physical activities will also be kept at a minimum for a number of days to give the lungs and heart time to heal. Your doctor will ask you to follow-up with him just a few weeks after returning home to ensure no permanent damage has been done and the feline is making a full recovery.
Smoke Inhalation Average Cost
From 415 quotes ranging from $500 - $6,000
Average Cost
$1,800
Top
Smoke Inhalation Questions and Advice from Veterinary Professionals
N/a
One Year
1 found this helpful
1 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Weakness, Squinting Eyes, Out Of It
My cat got caught in our house fire sunday morning. His ear looked like it was maybe singed. He seems super weak and like his eyes hurt. He has had diarrhea and has been sleeping okay. But he also just seems sort of out of it. I dont have the money to take him to the vet so I was just needing to see what I could do to help him if I can avoid the vets bill
Sept. 29, 2020
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
1 Recommendations
Thank you for your question. I'm sorry that your cat had that happen. Unfortunately, smoke inhalation and fire can be fatal to cats, and he probably does need to see a veterinarian, as those injuries can be quite serious. Most veterinarians can take care credit and scratch pay as forms of payment for unexpected expenses, and his care may not be as expensive as you think. I hope that all goes well for him and he is okay.
Sept. 29, 2020
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DOMESTIC
Harley, Japser
3 Years
3 found this helpful
3 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Coughing
Drinking Lots Of Water
Good Apetite
Hi team, my cats were rescued from my home when the building had a severe electrical fire (large unit complex). They were rescued by fire fighters and taken to the vets for oxygen rehabilitation. They only had somewhere between 16-24 hours of care from the Vet and were released the day after the accident.
We cannot say how long they were affected by smoke and etc as for close to 10 hours we were stuck waiting to even get inside the room ourselves;
The question:
The cats have been recovering in a new home for the meanwhile and 2 of the 3 cats have been having a little cough which was thought to be a hairball but nothing has come up. There is also an AC unit in the room they are staying so this might be affecting their recovery?
Should we be worried and seek out the vet again? Besides the coughing they have been behaving normally for their experience (stressed out but adapting to a new temporary home).
Aug. 23, 2018
3 Recommendations
A little cough is to be expected since their airway may be a little inflamed from the inhalation of smoke, however I cannot say whether this is to be concerned about without examining them; if they are not struggling to breathe and are otherwise in good spirits I wouldn’t be too worried, but keep an eye on them and follow up with your Veterinarian to be on the safe side to ease your concerns during the weekend. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
Aug. 24, 2018
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Smoke Inhalation Average Cost
From 415 quotes ranging from $500 - $6,000
Average Cost
$1,800
Get a free pet insurance quote in less than 60 seconds!
Easily compare quotes from the most trusted pet insurance companies in the United States.
