Aspergillosis in Cats 🐱🦠

By Dr Duncan Houston, BVSc

Aspergillosis is a rare but serious fungal infection in cats. Caused by Aspergillus spores—commonly found in soil and decaying vegetation—this condition often affects cats with compromised immune systems. Understanding the types, symptoms, and treatment options is vital for cat guardians. In this expert 2025 guide, Dr Duncan Houston breaks down what you need to know. 🧫

🌎 What Is Aspergillosis?

Aspergillus is a fungus naturally found in the environment, especially in moist, organic matter. While most cats encounter these spores regularly, infections occur only in immunocompromised or vulnerable cats.

Types of Feline Aspergillosis:

• 👃 Nasal Aspergillosis – affects the upper respiratory tract (most common)
• 🧬 Disseminated Aspergillosis – spreads systemically through the body (more serious)

🧪 How Do Cats Get It?

Most infections start when a cat inhales microscopic fungal spores. In nasal aspergillosis, these spores stay localized in the sinuses and nasal passages. In disseminated aspergillosis, the infection spreads through the bloodstream to infect multiple organs. 🫁🧠

At-risk cats often have:

• 🧬 Feline leukemia virus (FeLV) or FIV
• 🩸 Cancer or diabetes
• 💉 Immunosuppressive therapy or chronic illness

👁️ Symptoms to Watch For

Nasal Aspergillosis Signs:

• 🤧 Sneezing and nasal discharge
• 😿 Snoring or noisy breathing
• 🧱 Facial swelling or deformity
• 👁️ Eye or cheek puffiness
• 🦴 Swollen lymph nodes under the chin
• 🌡️ Fever or appetite loss in severe cases

Disseminated Aspergillosis Signs:

• 🫁 Coughing and labored breathing
• 💩 Loose stool or diarrhea
• 🧠 Disorientation or wobbliness
• 🛏️ Lethargy, anorexia, or rapid weight loss

🔬 Diagnosing Aspergillosis

Diagnosis can be challenging and often requires multiple tests, especially for the disseminated form. Your vet may recommend:

• 🧪 Blood tests & cultures (limited accuracy)
• 🔬 Biopsies of nasal or systemic tissue
• 🧲 Advanced imaging: MRI, CT scans, or X-rays
• 🔍 Fungal PCR testing or antibody panels

Diagnosis is confirmed by identifying the fungus in affected tissues, often using biopsy or imaging-guided sampling. 📈

💊 Treatment Options

1. 🧼 Surgical Debridement

• Removal of fungal plaques or infected tissue is often needed
• Important in nasal aspergillosis to relieve obstruction and reduce load

2. 💊 Antifungal Medications

• 🌡️ Long-term oral antifungals (e.g., itraconazole, voriconazole)
• 💉 Systemic treatment for disseminated cases (months of therapy)
• ⚠️ Some antifungals are costly or cause liver stress—monitor bloodwork

3. 🧴 Nasal Infusion or Irrigation

• Direct instillation of antifungal solutions in the nasal cavity under anesthesia
• Used in combination with surgery and oral therapy

📉 Prognosis

Sadly, prognosis is poor for disseminated aspergillosis—even with treatment. Cats often experience significant discomfort, and survival times are short once systemic infection occurs. 🩺

Nasal aspergillosis carries a better outcome, though relapses are common and repeated treatment may be necessary. Some cats live comfortably with managed symptoms. 🐾

⚠️ When to See Your Vet

• 🌬️ Persistent nasal discharge that doesn’t respond to antibiotics
• 🧱 Facial swelling or deformity
• 🫁 Coughing, ataxia, or unexplained weight loss
• 🧪 Prior diagnosis of FeLV or chronic disease

🛡️ Prevention Tips

• 🐱 Keep immunocompromised cats indoors and away from soil, mold, or compost
• 💉 Maintain routine care for cats with FeLV, diabetes, or cancer
• 🩺 Address respiratory issues early

📱 Ask A Vet App Support

Suspect aspergillosis? Use the Ask A Vet app for fast expert help:

• 📤 Upload X-rays or test results for interpretation
• 📋 Get second opinions on nasal discharge or systemic symptoms
• 💊 Discuss antifungal plans or prognosis options
• 📅 Track appointments and lab recheck schedules

🏁 Final Takeaway

Aspergillosis in cats is rare but serious. While nasal forms can sometimes be managed, systemic infection carries a grave prognosis. Early detection and aggressive treatment are key. If your cat has respiratory signs, immune issues, or unusual facial swelling, consult your vet or use the Ask A Vet app immediately. 🐱🧪❤️