Cat laboured breathing?

[edgeware]

Our cat seems to be be breathing oddly this morning. He is eating, drinking, going to the toilet and otherwise just like himself, but it looks like his chest is heaving/sucking in when he breathes. Has anyone ever experienced this?? Just wondering if it’s an immediate Vet issue!

Breathing difficulties need to be seen by a vet.

I would definitely take him to the vet for that. He might have an allergy, but breathing problems aren't something I'd leave. Hope he's ok.

Never a good sign in cats, I'd call your vet now.

Straight to the vet. Good luck.

I’ve phoned the vet. Going later today, she said to call back if he starts breathing with his mouth open. At the moment he’s happy as larry sleeping on my bed though! We have wondered before whether he might have asthma because he seems to ‘cough’ a lot - like coughing up a hairball but a lot and there’s never a hairball!

Was he out overnight? Possible injury - damage to ribcage? You've done the best thing to get him checked over by vet. Hope he's ok.

Is he a half breed or an unregistered breed? I don't want to panic you but I once adopted a half breed ragdoll who was the love of my life and he died of hcm it started off as you have described. It's why now I would only ever buy a registered pedigree cat who is health tested.

@OohKittens he's a full breed/registered pedigree, four years old now. I certainly hope it's not that but I will bear it in mind when speaking to the vet. :(

@Otterseatpuffinsdontthey I don't think it's an injury, he stays in and he doesn't get up to too much in the way of shenanigans, but he does have a real habit of eating things he shouldn't. And I don't mean food, it's always plastic and toys!

@mightybuzz what breed is he? My ragdolls have an awful habit of trying to eat plastic.

@OohKittens he’s a Korat, a thai breed. It’s a lovely breed, very social and affectionate, great with kids. They are mixed with Siamese I think. I wonder what the motivation is for the plastic?! Clingfilm and thin plastic he goes nuts for! I’m always shooing him away from the kitchen counter!

Woops I realise I’m posting from two accounts. My PC is logged in to a different one because I can’t remember the password. Always do this!

How is he now? Beautiful breed of cat very elegant

I thought one if my Persians had asthma, as she coughs like you describe. But I showed a video of her doing it to the vet who said it wasn't. She doesn't do it as much any more.

My other Persian also adored plastic! I used to chase her round the house to fish sweet wrappers out of her mouth!

Hello - any update on your cat?

@Otterseatpuffinsdontthey we took him to the vet late yesterday, they wanted to keep him in overnight and do xray this morning. So hopefully we’ll know more later! They didn’t think it was a heart issue. Hope it will be good news.

Thinking of you @edgeware

Thank you. They don’t know what it is it seems, x rays came back fine, vet is asking for a second opinion and then we can pick him up. Dread to think what the bill will be, but will be happy when he’s home!

Is he home now @edgeware

He is home! They really couldn’t find anything. They think it’s asthma or allergies, they witnessed one of his coughing fits. He might need an inhaler (can’t picture this, a cat inhaler?!). Happy he’s home, bank account much lighter though!

An inhaler . So glad he is ok, I can't even take mine to the vets my husband goes because it gives me such anxiety.

That's good. You can have a few puffs of an inhaler when you get the vet's bill!

amazon sell inhaler spacers for cats to use with the vet prescribed inhaler - you will be glad you got one!!! (Or buy very thick and long industrial welding gloves)