Petco Text Logo
Petco Pet Logo
  • Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!

    rewards header
    Become a member today!
    Members-only pricing and offers, personalized care notifications, Vital Care points back on every purchase and more!
    Petco Pay LogoBecome 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 has a bad cough, congestion, and fast breathing. What's wrong?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Siamese | Female | 4 years and 1 month old | 12 lbs

Ember is a cat has a bad cough and congestion . She been on clavamox for 4 days today and hydroxzine . She got real bad today and the vet keeps saying her heart is b eating faster then normal and there is crackle in her lungs . She did a xray and her lungs looked clear . Put her on gentamycin in a nebulizer and on furosemide

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

David Elbeze, DVM, MRCVS

Answered By David Elbeze, DVM, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Published on August 29th, 2017

Your vet seems to be thinking that Ember is suffering from a severe infection, which is one possibility but i think a couple more things need to be ruled out completely in order to be sure that she is getting the correct treatment. it could be cat asthma, although usually it will show on the xray, it might be worth having the xray sent to a radiology specialist to rule that out completely. it could also be heartworm, although less common in cats than dogs this parasitic disease could cause these symptoms. there is a blood test available that can rule this disease out as well.
Vote Icon1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Smart Picks for Smart Questions

Have A Vet Question?

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

Share

Styled arrow button