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Why is my senior cat lethargic, clingy, and struggling to breathe?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Female | spayed | 6 lbs

Hello, my cat is turning 13 this year. My mom noticed she doesn't breathe as easily nowadays and is very clingy. We recently got her dewormed because she was acting very lethargic. Is this due to old age or something else?

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Jenna Beyer, DVM, MBA, cVMA

Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist

Published on February 21st, 2020

Old age is possible, but it could also be pain from arthritis, heart or lung disease, or other issues. I would recommend having Pepper examined by a vet. Now that she can be classified as "geriatric," she should have examinations every 6-12 months to monitor for age-related diseases.

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