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Why is my outdoor cat wheezing, having diarrhea, and acting lethargic?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Male | unneutered | 3 lbs

My cat is an outdoor cat. However since he's been back in the house he's been wheezing nonstop. His eye was closed shut with mucus but that's been token care of. He has bad diarrhea and he's walking really slow. He's being really slow in general. What's wrong ?

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Massimo Orioles, DVM, Cert AVP, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Published on August 4th, 2017

This sign could be compatible with an upper respiratory tract inflammation/infection or eventually to a more wide spread infection (systemic). Usually viral infections and secondary bacterial ones are the cause of these signs. A clinical examination at your local veterinarian is essential to confirm these clinical suspicions and treat appropriately. Antibiotics may be needed. Please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further.

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Other Answers

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    Answered By Daniel Fonza, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    It sounds as though Matthew may be fighting a respiratory infection. The diarrhea may be separate from the breathing proble.s. If he has slowed down, it may be due to systemic infection / disease or that he is dehydrated. I would get him seen by a vet as soon as you can as respiratory infections can become quite serious and life threatening if left untreated.

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    Answered By Jeffrey Milner

    Veterinarian

    Published on August 5th, 2017

    Unfortunately, what you are describing does not sound like a simple hair ball issue. Wheezing, coughing, and gastrointestinal issues is an indication of some sort of infectious or inflammatory process within the body. I would recommend having Matthew checked and examined by a vet, and likely to have some diagnostic tests ran to rule out some common causes of the symptoms. If they find nothing serious, Matthew will likely be placed on some antibiotics, cough suppressants, and anti diarrheal medications. Hope this helps.

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