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Original poster

Cat breathing fast

72 replies

PriamFarrl · 19/02/2023 16:43

My little girl seems in fine health in all other respects. She’s an outdoor cat and had been happily running around the garden today. She had been under the vet for urinary issues but it seems to be under control now.

The problem is that she is breathing really fast. I only noticed this yesterday evening (after the vet had closed obviously). She’s sat with me right now, fast asleep and looking really comfortable but breathing like she’s purring.

Im going to call the vet tomorrow but should this be a case for the emergency vet?

Cat breathing fast
OP posts:
Original poster
PriamFarrl · 20/02/2023 20:07

Back in tomorrow for an X-ray and all sorts of other carry on. The hardest thing is that I can’t give her breakfast.

Cat breathing fast
Cat breathing fast
OP posts:
CatAssTrophic · 20/02/2023 20:21

Beautiful girl.

CatAssTrophic · 20/02/2023 20:26

We had tests at the vet and got a diagnosis, and were given the choice of a cardiology appointment at hospital which we took, in case there was an underlying condition that could be treated. There wasn't but at least we knew what we were dealing with.

The vet we were seeing at the time was fairly newly qualified and preferred dogs. Possibly not experienced at giving an unhappy diagnosis, however he said our boy only had months to live which was completely wrong so assume he made a mistake with the tests/xrays etc. which was another reason for the cardiologist visit.

LilLilLi · 20/02/2023 20:28

I’m so glad you took her in, my heart dropped reading your thread and then seeing that she was fine this morning. Cats hide things really well don’t they!

Fingers crossed she’s on the mend soon x

Original poster
PriamFarrl · 20/02/2023 20:44

I wish I’d pushed it with DH. He adores her but he’s never had a cat before.

OP posts:
LilLilLi · 20/02/2023 20:45

You did everything right, the emergency vet on video call even said to wait until today please don’t beat yourself up.

I just noticed that you said she slept somewhere different last night too, that’s also a sign that all is not well. I wish I’d known that with my girl.

TheShellBeach · 20/02/2023 20:51

Hope things are okay tomorrow, OP.
They're such a worry when they're ill.

Original poster
PriamFarrl · 20/02/2023 21:37

LilLilLi · 20/02/2023 20:45

You did everything right, the emergency vet on video call even said to wait until today please don’t beat yourself up.

I just noticed that you said she slept somewhere different last night too, that’s also a sign that all is not well. I wish I’d known that with my girl.

She will sometimes sleep with us. Often if she’s stressed or if we’ve been away. But more often she’s on the sofa.

OP posts:
FlowerArranger · 20/02/2023 22:27

Cats are creatures that like their own, personal routine. If they start to deviate from their routine, or otherwise change their behaviour, there is usually a reason.

The classic signs are hiding (especially in unusual or dark places), or peeing outside the litter tray. Or lack of grooming or excessive grooming. Also purring for no apparent reason. Cats are very good at hiding pain and self-soothing.

I hope all turns out well for your beautiful girl!

Aldisfinest · 20/02/2023 23:07

Bless her. Glad you got her checked out, hope tomorrow goes as best as it can.

justasking111 · 20/02/2023 23:12

Poor wee thing. I hope the vet gets her right ASAP

Original poster
PriamFarrl · 21/02/2023 17:03

I’m sorry to say that it’s heart failure.

We are going to pick her up in a minute. She’s going to have loads of tablet and so on but the vet said that it’s not all that hopeful really, long term.

OP posts:
Beamur · 21/02/2023 17:05

That's not great news. Hopefully the vet can explain more when you collect her.

LilLilLi · 21/02/2023 17:18

I’m so sorry to read this x

FlowerArranger · 21/02/2023 17:22

So sorry to hear, @PriamFarrl 💐

I'm sure you know that now it will be all about her quality of life. Just remember that cats have no sense of a future, no bucket list of things they want to do.

Your little girl has had a good life up. Sometimes that difficult decision is the best one, for their sakes.

Original poster
PriamFarrl · 21/02/2023 17:49

Just picked her up. DH is in pieces, he’s not had any kind of pet before.

So she has to be on two tablets now forever. The vet didn’t want to commit to how long she’s got but I think we are talking months rather than years.

OP posts:
LilLilLi · 21/02/2023 17:53

I’m sorry if I missed it but how old is your girl?

Original poster
PriamFarrl · 21/02/2023 17:54

She’s 10. We think.

OP posts:
LilLilLi · 21/02/2023 18:11

I only asked because she looked young in one of the photos you posted.

Be very kind to yourself, I don’t know much about heart failure in cats but I hope she surprises you all and stays healthy for a long while yet.

MyopicBunny · 21/02/2023 18:54

I'm so sorry. My cat has also developed a strange cough and I'm taking her to the vets tomorrow. She's only 6 but she's a Ragdoll and so I'm worried about heart problems etc. she's eating fine but I do feel that something might be up. I hope your lovely cat will have more days with you xx

Original poster
PriamFarrl · 21/02/2023 20:07

MyopicBunny · 21/02/2023 18:54

I'm so sorry. My cat has also developed a strange cough and I'm taking her to the vets tomorrow. She's only 6 but she's a Ragdoll and so I'm worried about heart problems etc. she's eating fine but I do feel that something might be up. I hope your lovely cat will have more days with you xx

Although my girl is a rescue moggy I’m convinced she’s at least part rag doll.

OP posts:
TheShellBeach · 21/02/2023 20:14

PriamFarrl · 21/02/2023 17:49

Just picked her up. DH is in pieces, he’s not had any kind of pet before.

So she has to be on two tablets now forever. The vet didn’t want to commit to how long she’s got but I think we are talking months rather than years.

Aw I'm sorry to read this.

Whatever time you have left with your cat, you know that you've done your best for her and that you'll care for her until the end.

It wouldn't have made any difference if you'd taken her to the vet's much sooner.

Humans with heart failure often live for much longer than doctors think they will. Some cats are the same, I expect. Perhaps with the tablets she'll do better than the vet thinks. I do hope so.

LadyVictoriaSponge · 22/02/2023 13:18

PriamFarrl · 21/02/2023 17:49

Just picked her up. DH is in pieces, he’s not had any kind of pet before.

So she has to be on two tablets now forever. The vet didn’t want to commit to how long she’s got but I think we are talking months rather than years.

Honestly please don’t despairyet, my dog was given 12 months at best and so far she has hit 14 months, she is on cardisure tablets twice a day and Libeo for the fluid on her lungs, at the moment (🤞🙏🏻) she is still doing really well, her breathing is stable and only has the occasional cough. The medication can really extend life.

Toddlerteaplease · 22/02/2023 17:41

My cat had a great life with really bad heart disease. She lived for nine months after diagnosis. And it was actually her kidneys that packed up. It's a shit diagnosis. But they can do well.

Toddlerteaplease · 22/02/2023 17:41

My girl was on five types of medication. Which fortunately she took beautifully.