Why is my 6-month-old cat breathing fast? Is lung fluid serious?

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Rapid breathing can be a sign of many conditions such as pneumonia, bronchitis, heart disease, among many other possibilities. I recommend that you have him evaluated by your veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. Likely diagnostics to be performed include thoracic radiographs and bloodwork. Treatment would be dependent on findings. Good luck and have a good day!

I certainly hope Thor will be fine! Unfortunately, without seeing him in person, I can't say for sure he will be ok, but it's good that he is eating and sleeping well. The diuretics are used to drain the fluid in his lungs, and the antibiotics are used to treat infection. A cat's normal breathing rate is 20-30 breaths per minute, so Thor's is a little high at the moment, but not alarmingly so at the moment I would keep following the vet's instructions, give him his medications as necessary, and call the vet with any questions or concerns.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. I’m sorry to hear about Lerdi! I too am somewhat concerned but have a few ideas. Least scary is just that he is painful or developing a fever. A fractured rib that is difficult to see on X-ray is also possible- this makes deep breathing quite painful so animals tend to take shallow, frequent breaths. A more scary idea is that he could have a slow leak of air or buildup of fluid into the chest cavity which is compressing the lungs. Keep a close eye on the color of his gums (pale pink in most cats) and that respiration rate. If those guns become white, grey, blue-tinged or that respiration rate keeps climbing, you head to the emergency vet immediately. Otherwise, Call the first vet back and see what they recommend- a repeat X-ray or chest ultrasound might be indicated. Best of luck to you and Lerdi!

Hi there. Usually inhalation would not cause fluid in the lungs, but I would recommend having Baby seen by your vet if you suspect any lung issues. These can be progressive and get worse rapidly, so if you're able to have Baby checked today that would be a good idea. I hope that helps, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Hi there, and thank you for posting this question. I am concerned as you are about that high respiratory rate. I would also be concerned about other lung problems and would recommend an x-ray. Kittens can develop an infection called FIP that causes fluid to build up in the chest and/or belly. I would want to make sure this isn’t what is happening. Best of luck and I hope she improves soon. Thank you for using Pet Coach.

There could be fluids in the lung indeed but it could also be just the upper respiratory tract that is blocked, as it's been 2 weeks the type of antibiotics probably needs changing, i would recommend switching to an antibiotic called Zithromax which is usually the best option for this type of infection.

Hi, and thanks for your question. This sign could be compatible with an respiratory tract inflammation/infection or possibly to a cardiac problem leading to accumulation of fluids in the thorax. A clinical examination at your local veterinarian is essential to confirm these clinical suspicions and treat appropriately. More investigations and antibiotics may be needed. Hope this answer was helpful, but please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further. If this answer was helpful please let us know, this will be used to improve our service!