My cat is breathing fast and struggling to exhale. Is it an emergency?
Updated On September 23rd, 2025
Pet's info: Cat | Domestic Shorthair | Female | spayed | 15 lbs
My cat is breathing at 28 breaths per minute m and is very labored on the exhale
3 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
Published on January 19th, 2019
This could be a normal respiratory rate for Bella, but I’m concerned that she seems to have labored breathing. I would recommend having her examined by an emergency vet as soon as possible - respiratory disease in cats can quickly get worse and a prompt exam and treatment is important.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Related Answers from Veterinarians
-
Published on November 8th, 2019
Oh my. I would highly recommend taking Bella to your local vet right away! This is a medical emergency and there could be a number of underlying causes here including: bacterial pneumonia, underlying heart disease or an upper airway infection. She needs a full physical exam and treatment based on the underlying cause. I would take her in asap. This isn't something that you can help her with at home. I do hope that your furry friend Bella is able to make a full and speedy recovery soon! Best of luck and take care.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
-
Published on January 28th, 2019
Hi. Poor Bella. Yes, with any breathing issues, it is worrisome. And if the belly is swollen that is concerning as well. I would get her to the ER to have her checked out and have her breathing evaluated. They will do an exam and xrays to help guide us towards the most probable diagnosis.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
My cat isn’t able to breathe very well she struggles when she’s just resting
My cat is making strange sounds. Seems like she can’t breathe properly and she make retching sounds as if she is trying to vomit but nothing happens. How can I help her?
Hi my name is Jessica and I have a cat and her stomach is huge and she breathing heavy and fast and I'm worried about it
Gabriella is about 13 and today I have noticed some labored breathing. She’s breathing hard from her stomach. Almost like she has a cold and hard to breath. As I continue to monitor this should I be more concerned? Or any suggestions? Thank you
I have a 13 year old cat breathing abnormally. Heavy and quick(ish), nose is flaring, chest is moving as well as her belly and when she sits her head is slightly outstretched like she's leaning forward. Could she be having difficulty breathing due to
Hello, I found my kitten hiding today behind the washer, she's usually responsive to her name but wouldn't budge, she didn't seem ok. I grab her, i realize she is having abnormal breath sounds (heavy vibrations and noise recognizable when close to h
Hi, when I came home last night, my 2 year old cat was breathing very rapidly, seemed lethargic, wasn’t meowing (normally very vocal) and not really eating or drinking. I watched him all night and while he’s still breathing fast now, he’s eating trea
My cat is 1 year and has feline leukemia. She got out of the house 2 weeks ago and got into a fight. Her wounds are all healing well. But she has fast paced breathing this morning. Do I need to take her in?
My cat seems like she's breathing quickly when she's laying down her chest area is rapidly moving but other than that she seems fine. How do I know if that is normal? I mean, is it normal for a cat's chest to show the breathing?
What is a good home remedy to help a cat with breathing problems until you can get them to the vet?
Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.
