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My kitten is breathing fast and wheezing. Is it a medical emergency?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Male | 1 month and 17 days old

Hello! Im currently fostering two kittens, and they started albon treatment for Coccida today. One kitten I have noticed, always was breathing faster, and that has continued. He seems to breath at ~105 a minute, both when awake and asleep. Breaths have become audible too, and sound a little wheezy. His stool was much more moist, which I assume is from the albon. Should I be worried about his breath? His gums look fine, but his nose is dry.

2 Answers

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Answered By David Elbeze, DVM, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Published on May 15th, 2017

Yes, you should be worried about his breath i'm afraid, upper respiratory infections are very common in young kittens and can be fatal if left untreated. his breathing rate is way to high and he is most likely suffering from an infection, you need to take him to the vet ASAP in order to get him an antibiotic course.

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    Answered By Linda G, MS, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on March 15th, 2019

    Hello. I think based on how you say the kitten is behaving & is otherwise normal, I would not be overly concerned, either. The amoxicillin was an appropriate precaution due to the other kittens infection, but otherwise, we due see intermittent elevated respirations in young pets without having any underlying disease. I would not worry. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

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