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My old cat is breathing heavily with mouth open. Can I calm her until morning?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Persian | Female | spayed | 15 years and 4 months old | 2 lbs

I have a 14 year old cat, and she suddenly started breathing heavily with her mouth open, and making weird sounds. She had a breast cancer surgery two months ago, but she was always acting fine. From one minute to the other, she started acting like this, and I think she's in pain, just can't figure out where. I can't take her to the vet right now (it's 12am), so I wanted to know if there's something I can do to calm her down until morning.

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2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Jessica Keay, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on June 10th, 2017

Unfortunately there is no over the counter product to help with this issue. We don't know the cause of her respiratory distress and it could include anything ranging from infection, spread of cancer to lungs, or heart disease. If she is in respiratory distress I would recommend taking her the the emergency vet closest to your area. It looks like there is one near you according to your zip code http://www.wvrc.com/about/locations/racine-wi-pet-hospital/

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    Answered By Lauren Barry, BVSc, MRCVS, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    I am concerned for Hanna, given her age and medical history, it's likely to be caused by her heart or lungs. Keep a fan nearby to keep her cool and allow fresh air to come to her. Overnight position her near food water and litter box so she doesn't need to move far to be comfortable. Take her straight to the vet in the morning. I can tell you care deeply about her.

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