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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

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Sara Farmer, DVM

Veterinarian

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.

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