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My cat's purr sounds like breathing stops. Is it allergies or URI?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Female | spayed

Sarabi has a kind of car-breaking-down kind of purr. It seems like her breathing stops for a bit or her nose gets clogged at that time. It only occurs while she is purring, so I'm not sure if this is something to worry about. Could it just be allergies?

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Laura Johnson VMD

Veterinarian

Published on August 4th, 2018

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! What a good description! I know the noise exactly! If this is a new sound for her when purring then it could be mild nasal congestion from an upper respiratory tract infection URI) or allergies. Most URI's are viral and run their course in about 2 weeks. I think as long as she is eating/drinking, active and not doing the noise any other time then when purring that it is okay to monitor her for now. I wish you both the best!

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