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Why is my cat breathing loudly and sounding congested? Is it normal?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Domestic Shorthair | Female | spayed | 8 lbs

My cat breathes very louldly. Not like wheezing or anything. But like congested sounding. Is this normal? Is there anything I can do to help?

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Jessica Keay, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on May 25th, 2018

Unless your cat is a brachycephalic (smooshed face) breed then a loud breathing is not normal and could indicate a problem such as a respiratory infection, a nasopharyngeal polyp or other growth, a foreign body stuck in the nasal passages, or even an infected tooth root. I would recommend bringing Princess in for her vet to examine her for this issue.

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