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My older cat has a raspy purr and wheezy, fast breathing. What to do?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Male | neutered

My older, fat cat has had a strange raspy purr for a couple of weeks and he sounds very wheezy. He's eating loads and still jumping about but he sounds like he's struggling when he purrs. His breathING seems very fast as well though I'm not sure if it has always been like this and I'm just noticing because I'm worried. He's terrified of the vet so we don't want to take him unless we have to. He likes to eat plastic so I'm worried he's eaten something.

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Lauren Jones VMD

Veterinarian

Published on April 19th, 2017

I understand your concerns for Scuff! Fortunately, from the signs that you describe, a foreign body obstruction from plastic is unlikely, as significant vomiting and anorexia would be expected. Wheezy breathing and changes in purring can be caused by asthma, heart disease, hyperthyroidism, among others. While I understand Scuff's fear of the vet, in this case, that is the only way that he's going to be diagnosed and treated appropriately. Consider looking into mobile vets in your area to see if they can make house calls and also have a portable x-ray machine. It sounds as though Scuff will likely need to have chest x-rays to get to the bottom of his problem. I hope that all goes well!

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Other Answers

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    Answered By Jacqueline Nobles, DVM, DACVECC

    Veterinarian, Board-Certified Emergency/Critical Care Specialist

    Published on

    The raspy purr and fast breathing are concerning for a problem in the upper airway such as an inflammatory airway disease, nasopharyngeal polyp or laryngeal mass. I would advise you to discuss an upper airway exam and chest x-rays with your veterinarian.

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