My cat has Calicivirus and is struggling to breathe. Is it pneumonia?

Question

My cat has been very congested. I can hear the congestion in her chest, and she seems to be struggling to breathe because of it. We took her to the vet and he said it was Calicivirus, and gave her antibiotics and other medicine. He said she would feel better the next day, but she only seems worse. Is her condition cause for concern? Pet's info: Cat | American Shorthair | Female | spayed | 1 year and 2 months old | 11 lbs

Sara Farmer, DVM · Accepted Answer

Most of the time Calicivirus causes symptoms only in the upper respiratory tract: the nose and the mouth and back of the throat (it can affect the eyes as well). Even though it sounds like Daisy may have a congested chest this may be referred noise from her upper respiratory tract. Since she seems worse it is also possible that her secondary bacterial infection has traveled into her chest causing pneumonia, which is a rare complication. If you feel she is having labored breathing not related to a clogged nose, or if she has been very lethargic or uninterested in food it might be a good idea to see a veterinarian on an emergency basis to rule out pneumonia.

My cat has Calicivirus and is struggling to breathe. Is it pneumonia?

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