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My found cat is vomiting, has diarrhea, and trouble breathing. What's wrong?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Female | unspayed | 3 months and 16 days old | 5 lbs

I found a cat on the side of the road. The cat is vomiting, has diarrhea, and difficultly breathing(making sounds while breathing too), and wheezing. She is eating and drinking. Pooping and peeing as well.

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Destini R. Holloway, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on November 21st, 2016

Poor kitty. This kitty could have an infection (viral or bacterial) or intestinal parasites. She should be dewormed (i.e. fenbendazole), fecal testing, examined by your vet, and then treated based on what is found. The wheezing indicates that an upper respiratory infections is most likely present as well, in which oral antibiotics are needed to clear. You can give Kiwi Lysine supplements (from your local pet store) to help boost her immune system and fight off viral infections; use a humidifier or place her in a bathroom with the hot water running to help clear up clogged nasal passages; and feed her high quality kitten food (Royal Canin, Wellness, Blue Buffalo, etc) for overall health.

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Other Answers

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    Answered By Jennifer Summerfield, DVM CPDT-KA

    Veterinarian, Certified Dog Trainer

    Published on

    Poor Kiwi! It's kind of you to try and help her. It sounds like she really needs to see a vet, so if you're planning to keep her, I would take her to the vet today for an exam to find out what all she needs. She will probably need some fecal testing and blood work to find out why she's vomiting and having diarrhea, and why she's having trouble breathing. The vet will start her on medication to treat the vomiting, as well as antibiotics or other meds to treat the breathing issue and may also prescribe a dewormer if she has parasites. If you aren't planning to keep her, I would take her to your local shelter or animal control office so that they can make sure she gets the veterinary care she needs.

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