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Why does my old cat have a chest bulge and difficulty breathing?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Female | spayed | 10 lbs

my cat is very old, has a huge buldge in her chest. she usually likes to sleep half in her water bowl its hard for her to breathe i think so because she sleeps in her water bowl she has very little hair on her chest where the bulge is. what would this be? i tried looking up symptoms & descriptions but i get super confused theres so many. help please. :(

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Lauren Kennedy, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on August 2nd, 2017

A bulge in the chest could possibly be a tumor or an abscess. I would recommend having Riley and this bulge checked out by your vet. A cytology can be performed to determine the source/cell type of the mass. Your vet may also recommend X-rays to see if the mass is invasive. I would also try to prevent Riley from sleeping in her water bowl as it could be potentially dangerous.

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    Answered By Andrea M. Brodie, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on November 23rd, 2018

    It may be that the mass has grown. You really need to take your kitty back to the vet to have her examined and x-rayed to see what is going on in her chest. Respiratory distress is always an emergency to I strongly suggest you take your kitty to a veterinarian today, or to an emergency room. She may need supplemental oxygen and supportive care.

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