Why is my cat wheezing, coughing, and having trouble breathing?
Updated On September 23rd, 2025
Pet's info: Cat | American Shorthair | Male | neutered | 9 years old | 15 lbs
I was petting my cat and all of the sudden he started wheezing. Now he keeps acting like he has something to cough up but doesn't. He seems a little short of breath and at first wouldn't purr. Is there something stuck in his throat? He was perfectly fine bedsore this happened.
5 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
Published on March 11th, 2017
Poor Gizmo! It is possible that he is suffering from a respiratory infection, cardiac disease, or even cancer if he's wheezing and seems short of breath. If this continues, I would have him seen by a vet immediately, as he could go into respiratory distress. Otherwise, I would have him seen by a vet on Monday for a physical exam, geriatric blood panel, urinalysis, and x-rays. With these tests, the vet can determine if there is a medical illness causing his symptoms and can discuss treatment options with you.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Related Answers from Veterinarians
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Published on May 7th, 2020
Poor Hades! Breathing issues are always concerning. It's possible that he may have asthma, as this is a relatively common issue in cats. Other possible causes of coughing and wheezing or labored breathing could include a respiratory infection of some kind, bronchitis, or heart disease. I would recommend taking him to the vet for an exam as soon as you're able to, as some of these issues can be life-threatening without treatment. Your veterinarian can listen to his heart and lungs, and may recommend chest x-rays or other testing if needed to help diagnose the problem and see what kind of treatment is needed.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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Published on December 6th, 2016
Poor Stinky! The most common causes of labored breathing in a cat this age would be a severe respiratory infection, heart disease, or lung cancer. I would recommend having him examined by a vet as soon as possible to find out what's wrong - he/she can take x-rays to help diagnose the problem and see what can be done to treat it.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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Published on August 17th, 2019
Increased respiratory rate is always very concerning in cats. They are really good at hiding respiratory illness, so if we are seeing something abnormal then it likely means they are really very sick. Heart disease, lung disease, anemia, infection, pain, etc can all cause this to happen. I would recommend that you have Tyler examined by a vet today to see what could be going on.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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Published on March 8th, 2019
It sounds like Simas needs to see the veterinarian. Trouble breathing is concerning for a heart condition, primary lung disease, heartworms, asthma or bronchitis. Any of these conditions could make him feel sick and have no energy. It’s also possible that there are two conditions going on in his body and are not related. The only way to know what is going on is to have a physical exam so the doctor can start to narrow down the problem. Try to get him seen today. I hope this is helpful and please feel free to post any additional questions.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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