My cat is coughing, breathing hard, and has bad breath. What's wrong?

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! I recommend that you have him evaluated by a veterinarian as soon as possible as it looks like a severe upper respiratory infection. Sometimes when untreated, they can result in pneumonia. They are likely going to start him on antibiotics right away. Good luck and have a good night!

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Poor Boots! The most common causes for coughing in a cat is feline asthma. It can be diagnosed by an exam (listening to the lungs and heart) and by X-rays of the chest. Other tests depends on how old Boots is. Asthma can be from inhaled allergens, lung worms or feline heart worm disease. Prices vary by region but on average an exam is $50 and X-rays are around $120. I would call to make an appointment because you mentioned his breathing has changed. Ask for the exam price and then after the Vet listens to him ask for a detailed estimate for anything else. Asthma is treated with steroids, bronchodilators and sometimes antibiotics. Good luck!

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Open mouth breathing can be a sign of many conditions such as pneumonia, bronchitis, heart disease, among many other possibilities. I recommend that you have Bruce evaluated by a 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 night!

Hi and thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Sorry to hear Harry is having problems. Breathing problems are always an emergency so I would advise you seek veterinary help right away. Many reasons may exist for breathing problems including lung and heart/chest problems. Cats also get asthma and that can be life threatening. Also, heartworm disease, lung problems including infection, inflammation, different types of fluid in the lungs or chest cavity, heart problems, etc. Again seek vet help immediately so your vet can evaluate Harry and develop a diagnostic and treatment plan. Oxygen, x-rays, blood work may all be indicated, also ultrasound. I hope Harry does well

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Breathing issues can be a sign of many conditions such as pneumonia, bronchitis, heart disease, asthma, among many other possibilities. This could certainly be due to asthma which is not treated with antibiotics but rather it is treated with steroids and other medications. Since he has not improved, I recommend that you have Oscar reevaluated 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 night!

Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! It sounds like Nero has severe gingivitis. This condition can be caused by a condition that causes the tooth roots to be resorbed by the body, or a build up of bacteria and tartar around the gum line. This results in chronic infections an inflammation, which can be very painful and even result in Nero not wanting to eat. I recommend having Nero looked at by a vet as soon as possible to determine the cause of this condition and begin the appropriate treatment. He may need to have some of the teeth removed under general anesthesia. I hope this helps and that Nero gets better soon!

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! I’m sorry to hear Lil Man isn’t feeling well. Coughing is usually a sign of respiratory disease and that is very concerning in a cat. There could be a problem in the lungs like fluid build up or asthma or a problem with the heart like heartworms or something congenital. There are many different possibilities and without seeing him it’s hard to say what the cause is. I recommend taking Lil Man to a vet right away for an exam and possible xrays and blood work. Try not to stress him out while transporting him because this could make him worse. Put him in a carrier and cover it with a blanket. Good luck and kisses to Lil Man!