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My cat is breathing rapidly and purring. Should I be concerned?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | American Longhair | Female | spayed | 7 years and 7 months old | 9 lbs

My cat is breathing rapidly but at the same time purring. Is this something to be concerned out?

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Debi Matlack

Veterinary Technician

Published on November 23rd, 2020

As long as she isn't in any distress and seems comfortable, that may just be her purring. However, if this is a behavior you've never seen in her before, it's worth getting her checked by your vet just to make sure she doesn't have the start of an upper respiratory infection or something similar.

2Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Dr. Elizabeth
Veterinarian
Published on February 7th, 2020
It sounds like Chassi needs to be examined by the veterinarian quickly. Changes in respiratory pattern in cats can indicate an emergency and there's not way to tell without an exam. Heavy breathing could be due to pneumonia, asthma, a tumor in the lungs or fluid in the chest. She will need a physical exam and likely radiographs. I recommend to play ti safe and have her examined quickly. I hope this helps.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Jennifer Summerfield, DVM CPDT-KA
Veterinarian, Certified Dog Trainer
Published on January 26th, 2020
Poor Gabriella! Labored breathing is always very concerning in a cat, and could be a life-threatening problem - so I would recommend taking her to an emergency clinic tonight to be seen. The veterinarian there can examine her and do blood work, x-rays, or other testing if needed to help diagnose the problem and see what kind of treatment is needed.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Dr. Strydom, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on August 22nd, 2017
Hi there. Sorry Kitty is having this issue.

Her symptoms should not be related to the desexing surgery at all. Not after 8 months.

Any time a cat has labored breathing or coughing they should see a vet. Those are not specific signs for any one disease process or issue. That being said, it sounds like she may have asthma or bronchitis. Of course pneumonia is also possible.

I would recommend you get her to a vet for an exam as soon as you can to get it figured out.

I hope this helps. If you have more questions feel free to post again. Best wishes!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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