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My cat wheezes and meows painfully. What's causing his breathing problems?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Male | unneutered | 6 months and 14 days old | 6 lbs

My cat has had occasional fits of wheezing since he was about a month old. He has episodes that can last anywhere from 2-30 minutes where he will just lay and wheeze. He also doesnt meow like a normal cat and seems to strain and be in pain whenever he meows. usually massaging his stomach seems to ease a little pain when he is wheezing but i dont now what else to do. I have tried changing his litter, changing food, washing his regular pillow and much more. I just dont know whats wrong with him

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Heidi DVM, CVA, CCRT, CVTP, CVSMT, CVCH

Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist, Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner

Published on January 21st, 2018

It sounds like it's time to have Gizmo see a veterinarian. There are some infectious upper respiratory diseases that get into the lungs and can cause wheezing. The episodes will continue or get worse until they are treated. Your vet will need to take some x-rays to see what is going on in his lungs before deciding on the right treatment plan for Gizmo. One of my cats had this problem as a kitten and does not wheeze any more since he was treated. Good luck! I hope that was helpful and that Gizmo feel better soon. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

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    Answered By Sarah Derksen, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    Hi. I'm sorry Gizmo is having issues. Sometimes kitties who allergies or upper respiratory infections have changes in the sounds of breathing like congestion. If it is truly wheezing, I'd be concerned about asthma. Cat asthma is a chronic inflammation of the small passageways of a cat’s lungs. When an asthma attack occurs, the small passageways thicken and then constrict.  This can make it difficult fora cat to breathe. It can lead to respiratory distress, which can become serious very fast. The lungs may start make mucus into the airways, leading to fits of coughing and wheezing. Some kitties with less severe cases only experience a slight, chronic cough. Asthma can quickly become a life-threatening health problem, any coughing kitty should a veterinary evaluation right away

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