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My cat is breathing heavy, coughing, and not eating. What should I do?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

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

My cat is breathing heavy, coughing, and is hardly eating. Not sure what to do?

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Elizabeth

Veterinarian

Published on February 7th, 2020

It sounds like Chassi needs to be examined by the veterinarian quickly. Changes in respiratory pattern in cats can indicate an emergency and there's not way to tell without an exam. Heavy breathing could be due to pneumonia, asthma, a tumor in the lungs or fluid in the chest. She will need a physical exam and likely radiographs. I recommend to play ti safe and have her examined quickly. I hope this helps.

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Other Answers

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    Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

    Veterinarian

    Published on June 19th, 2017

    I would take Tom into a vet immediately. It is concerning that he is breathing heavily as well as not eating or drinking, and he could have gotten into something toxic or may have been seriously injured causing his symptoms. Any breathing problems should be investigated right away by a vet. Please take him into an ER vet clinic; if there isn't one in your area, there will be a vet on call for emergencies. The information to reach that vet is found on a clinic's answering machine or website.

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    Answered By David Elbeze, DVM, MRCVS

    Veterinarian

    Published on November 30th, 2016

    I do not think your cat is suffering from hairballs, although it might seem like it, he has a respiratory condition, either asthma, a severe infection or a heart problem. I strongly advice not to wait until tomorrow as it may be too late, you need to take him urgently either to your vet, a different vet or an emergency centre.

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