My new cat purrs a lot but also coughs. Is it breathing trouble?

He could have a respiratory infection, allergies, or heart disease. If it continues, have him examined by a vet to diagnose. Your vet can take an x-ray to evaluate his heart and lungs. He might need an antibiotic, anti-histamine, corticosteroid, bronchodilator, or other medications.

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! What a good description! I know the noise exactly! If this is a new sound for her when purring then it could be mild nasal congestion from an upper respiratory tract infection URI) or allergies. Most URI's are viral and run their course in about 2 weeks. I think as long as she is eating/drinking, active and not doing the noise any other time then when purring that it is okay to monitor her for now. I wish you both the best!

Hi, and thanks for your question. It is unlikely to be caused by the persistent growling. This sign could be compatible with an upper respiratory tract inflammation/infection or possibly to a rhinitis (inflammatory, allergic, infective). A clinical examination at your local veterinarian is essential to confirm these clinical suspicions and treat appropriately. Antibiotics may be needed. Hope this answer was helpful, but please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further. If this answer was helpful please let us know, this will be used to improve our service!

As long as she isn't in any distress and seems comfortable, that may just be her purring. However, if this is a behavior you've never seen in her before, it's worth getting her checked by your vet just to make sure she doesn't have the start of an upper respiratory infection or something similar.

I understand your concerns for Scuff! Fortunately, from the signs that you describe, a foreign body obstruction from plastic is unlikely, as significant vomiting and anorexia would be expected. Wheezy breathing and changes in purring can be caused by asthma, heart disease, hyperthyroidism, among others. While I understand Scuff's fear of the vet, in this case, that is the only way that he's going to be diagnosed and treated appropriately. Consider looking into mobile vets in your area to see if they can make house calls and also have a portable x-ray machine. It sounds as though Scuff will likely need to have chest x-rays to get to the bottom of his problem. I hope that all goes well!

Poor Gizmo! It is possible that he is suffering from a respiratory infection, cardiac disease, or even cancer if he's wheezing and seems short of breath. If this continues, I would have him seen by a vet immediately, as he could go into respiratory distress. Otherwise, I would have him seen by a vet on Monday for a physical exam, geriatric blood panel, urinalysis, and x-rays. With these tests, the vet can determine if there is a medical illness causing his symptoms and can discuss treatment options with you.

That may be due to a pharyngeal/laryngeal inflammation, potentially due to a viral or bacterial infection. A check up would be needed to have a look inside his mouth and throat and spot any sign of it. Antibiotics may be needed.