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Why does my kitten wheeze, snore, and have trouble breathing?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Turkish Angora | Male | unneutered | 4 lbs

My kitten's been wheezing for about 4 moths already. I hear something like "snoring" noises from his throat, especially when he sleeps. Also after a run, when he gasps, there are noises as if something inside his throat doesn't let him breathe properly. We feed him Royal Canin and he hasn't got fleas nor worms. He doesn't caugh or has any liquids coming from his nose or any other symptoms. Vets tried to cure him from rhinotracheitis with Cobactan etc. but there was no effect. What can that be?

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Andrea M. Brodie, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on April 22nd, 2018

Was your kitten ever examined for nasopharyngeal polyps? There is a possibility that your kitty has a polyp in the area that connects the nose with the mouth. These polyps can grow big and fill out the cavity and cause signs that resemble upper respiratory infections without the infection. Snoring is another sign. They are most commonly seen in kittens and young cats, but can occur in any cat. Here is some more information: https://www.petcoach.co/article/ear-polyps-in-cats/

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    Answered By Christie Long, DVM

    Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist

    Published on May 9th, 2018

    I wouldn't worry, however there is definitely a cause for this that needs to be figured out. The most likely cause is a nasopharyngeal polyp, which is a benign growth in the mouth or sometimes the ear. It's time for them to visit the vet anyways, for vaccinations and deworming, so be sure to mention this and have the vet pay special attention to this area. If nothing can be seen while he's awake, a better exam can be done as he is being anesthetized to be neutered in a month or two.

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