Priority: Medium


Overview

  • Closely watch your cat.
  • Needs a veterinary appointment in the next 1-2 days.
  • If symptoms change, repeat and revise the Symptom Checker.

Symptom Considerations

  • If your cat has trouble breathing, it can quickly become life threatening.
  • 2 considerations are:
    • Respiratory rate (how many breaths per minute)
    • Respiratory effort (how hard it is to breathe)
  • Your cat should take between 20 and 30 breaths per minute.
  • Look at your cat’s side and count the number of times he breathes in a minute.
  • Notice if muscles seem to be working too hard.
  • Taking a video can be helpful.
  • Some questions to prepare for:
    • What is your cat's respiratory rate at rest when at home?
    • How hard does your cat seem to be breathing?
    • Has your cat had breathing problems in the past? When?
    • Were the previous incidents similar?
    • Does your cat make new noise(s) when breathing - snoring, wheezing, coughing, etc.?
    • Are vaccines up to date?
    • Is your cat on heartworm preventative?
    • Does anyone smoke in the home?
    • Are there air fresheners or scented products at home?
    • Does your cat cough anything up?
  • Your cat may need:
    • X-rays
    • Blood work
    • Sedated nasal examination