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Why is my cat drooling, breathing hard, has a neck lump, and acts odd?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Domestic Mediumhair | Male | neutered | 1 year and 5 months old | 7 lbs

My cat is drooling, short sharp breaths, and behavior has changed. He also has gotten a lump in the side of his neck. I’ve brought him to the vets and she gave him an antihistamine but she thinks it’s more than a reaction. I feel like she was trying to stop me from being upset but she said she will see him again in the morning. He hasn’t seemed to get any better apart from the drooling has stopped. What is wrong with him. He just seems so stressed out as well.

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Stacey Anstaett, DVM

Answered By Stacey Anstaett, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on March 19th, 2019

If you are concerned that Jet's breathing is at all labored, or that he seems short of breath, he may need emergency care. I don't know what is wrong with him and unfortunately theres no way to tell that over the internet. If he seems to be breathing ok, and he's lethargic but responds to your voice and is able to rise on his own and support himself (pick him up then set him down--does he just flop where you put him or does he try to right himself and get his feet under him) its reasonable to wait until morning. However, if Jet is having trouble breathing, if he is open mouth breathing, if he's not responding when you talk to him or gently nudge him, then you need to try to get in to a vet tonight as it may be life threatening. Again, unfortunately I can't have a good idea of what is causing the problem without seeing Jet in person. Keep a close eye on him, I hope he is seeming to be a bit better now.
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