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Why is my cat breathing fast with swollen belly? Vet suggests colitis fasting.

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Male | unneutered | 6 years and 2 months old

After fast breathing problem with my cat I have him checked by our vet, he now has swollen abdomen from the two sites of his body, mostly from the right,still breathes faster than normal and is lethargic but eats even more,urinate normal, can't catch if he defecate,I have other cats home, the vet says he might has colitis and has to stay hungry two days to see what will happen then but he's so thin and exhausted,I don't think it's safe to stay hungry,any advice for other treatment of colitis,pls

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Ana M, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on June 15th, 2018

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Tikvichko. I do not recommend fasting a cat for 48 hours. That is a long time for him to go without food. It is unusual for a cat with colitis to have an increased respiratory rate. I would recommend that he has x-rays of his chest to ensure there is not a cause for his rapid breathing. He should have his abdomen x-rays as well if it is swollen. Colitis is an inflammation of the colon where diarrhea is usually the chief complaint. It is treated with a course of antibiotics. From your description, this does not seem to match with his problems. I am concerned there is something more serious going on with him. I think that he should have further testing. I hope this information helps!

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