Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!
Become a member today!
Members-only pricing and offers, personalized care notifications, Vital Care points back on every purchase and more!
Already a member? Sign in
Become a credit card member today!
Earn 2X Pals Rewards points at Petco
when you use Petco Pay!
APPLY NOW
Learn More About Petco Pay Benefits

My cat is suddenly cold, can't breathe, and acting unresponsive.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Male | neutered | 2 years and 2 months old | 25 lbs

My cat is cold to the touch kinda feels dead can't hardly breath tongue is out ,can't walk lays on side and starts jumping around on his side can't hold his head up eyes and pupils are big,he's a male was fine came home like this and he threw up once,like yellowish thick stuff,he's not really meowing just twice and it was a weird sound

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Claudia Fioravanti

Veterinarian

Published on July 5th, 2018

Hi, it sounds like Cricket has either suffered a severe injury or been in contact with a toxic substance. I would recommend to have him seen by the closest vet to you to evaluate if there is something that can be done to help him or if it is kinder to prevent him from suffering any longer. Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Jennifer Summerfield, DVM CPDT-KA
Veterinarian, Certified Dog Trainer
Published on July 5th, 2018
Oh dear! I'm afraid this sounds quite serious. Without being able to examine Cricket in person, it's hard to say what might be causing these symptoms. He may have heart disease, a severe infection of some kind, a neurologic problem, or may have ingested something toxic.

This sounds like it may be a life-threatening problem, so I would recommend taking him to your nearest emergency clinic immediately to be seen. If you're not sure where to go, try calling your regular vet's office - their voicemail message should have contact information for your nearest ER or an on-call doctor for emergencies.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Smart Picks for Smart Questions

Related Questions

Found unconscious cat breathing fast. How can I help without a vet?

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! I am sorry to hear about this young cat! When an animal is hit by a car sometimes there are injuries you can't see from the outside. They can bleed internally, herniate organs from the belly in to the chest, get contusions (bruising) of the lung or air can get trapped outside of the lungs (pneumothorax), rupture their bladders, brain trauma. Cats can also breath heavily when they are in shock. Sadly there is nothing that you can do alone. He needs a Vet to listen to his lungs and evaluate him for internal bleeding and shock. Just keep him warms and comfortable if you can't get him anywhere I wish you both the best!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My cat was outside in cold, shaking, breathing weird. What's wrong?

HI there and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to address your concerns. With your description, I would be concerned about a respiratory problem, hypothermia or systemic infection. The outdoor temperature is cold right now so if he was exposed to very cold temperatures for a prolonged period of time, he may be hypothermic. I would recommend getting him examined by a veterinarian to ensure nothing serious is going on that needs immediate medication attention. I hope this helps guide you in the right direction! Please let me know if you have any other questions or concerns that I may help you with.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My old cat is struggling to breathe and can't get around. Is he dying?

Your cat sounds critically ill and should be seen by a vet ASAP. Open-mouth breathing is always an emergency in cats - it is a sign of respiratory distress. It is difficult to say what the cause is without doing some testing, but possibilities include cancer, pneumonia, asthma, or heart failure.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Training & Behavior

Why is my cat struggling to breathe, drooling, not eating or standing?

Thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach with your question about Scamper. I wish this was something that could be treated at home, but it cannot. He sounds very sick, and he does need to see a vet now. Please take him into an ER vet clinic; if there isn't one in your area, there will be a vet on call for emergencies. The information to reach that vet is found on a clinic's answering machine or website. I hope this helps.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My senior cat is breathing hard, snotty, losing weight. What to do?

Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! If Mecia is having trouble breathing, she should be seen by a vet immediately as she may require stabilization such as fluids or supplemental oxygen to make her more comfortable. A vet may recommend euthanasia, but no vet will euthanize Mecia without your consent.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

My cat is very sick, bleeding, not eating, and barely breathing. What should I do?

Hi. It sounds like Kitty is in a critical situation. He needs to be seen right away! It sounds like he may bw suffering. The best thing for him would be to take.him to be see right away. On this site without an exam or a patient dr relationship, we cant diagnose or prescribe here. And there isnt anything you can do from home in this severe situation from home care. Good luck

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

My cat's eye is cloudy, lethargic, breathing fast. Emergency?

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This could be due to an eye injury or conditions such as a corneal laceration, corneal ulcer, conjunctivitis, dry eye (also known as KCS), among many other conditions. I highly recommend that you have Lewi evaluated by your veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. Further therapy would be based on the findings. Good luck and best wishes!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Share