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Why is my 5-year-old cat coughing and wheezing more often lately?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My cat often makes a coughing and wheezing noise. She seems to be doing it more lately.In the past one vet said it was a heart condition and another one said post nasal drip. She is a 5 year old spayed kitty.

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Lauren Jones VMD

Veterinarian

Published on May 24th, 2017

Coughing and wheezing in a younger cat most commonly occurs as a result of asthma, but could also be related to underlying allergies, masses in the chest, or heart disease (although cats with heart disease do not commonly cough). At this point, I do recommend taking your cat back to the vet for another exam and chest x-rays to try to help differentiate (this is not always completely conclusive) between these causes. I hope this helps!

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Claudia Fioravanti
Veterinarian
Published on November 15th, 2016
It could be a number of different things from infectious diseases to heart/chest disease. Although he is young, some conditions can have an early onset. The symptoms you describe are quite concerning, I truly advise you to have him checked over.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Sara Farmer, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on December 15th, 2019
I would definitely recommend seeing a veterinarian for a physical exam. The coughing could be a sign of asthma, although it is a little unusual that the coughing only occurs when he's eating. He might also have an upper respiratory infection. The weight loss in particular is concerning. The vet might recommend taking some chest x-rays and blood work.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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