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My old cat is struggling to breathe and can't get around. Is he dying?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Male | neutered | 17 years and 4 months old | 16 lbs

My nearly 17 year old fixed male is struggling breathing. Loud congestive breathing. Constayrubbing nose as if trying to unplug nose. Panting occurring after any walking of 20 feet or more. Weak unable to get up on furniture or his perches. Appetite good drinking water ok. Do not know on urine/ bowels as he's indoors n outdoor cat. Is this an illness? Or signs of pending death. He's not himself.

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Rachel

Veterinarian

Published on June 23rd, 2017

Your cat sounds critically ill and should be seen by a vet ASAP. Open-mouth breathing is always an emergency in cats - it is a sign of respiratory distress. It is difficult to say what the cause is without doing some testing, but possibilities include cancer, pneumonia, asthma, or heart failure.

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    Answered By Ana M, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on September 18th, 2018

    Thank you for submitting your question regarding Ara. Panting or open mouth breathing is a sign of respiratory distress in a cat. This means that he is struggling to breathe. If possible, he needs to have an x-ray of his chest as soon as possible. He could be experiencing heart failure, fluid in his chest, cancer or asthma as you mentioned. The treatment for each condition is very different. I do not think it is necessary to restrict a potentially life saving medication just based on his age. If he cannot be treated, then I would discuss euthanasia with his veterinarian as he is suffering by not being able to breathe. Best of luck.

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