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My cat is wheezing. Could it be asthma? What should I do now?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Male | 1 year old

My cat is wheezing Does he have an asthma?? What should I do to him? Thank you

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Andrea M. Brodie, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on April 28th, 2018

Yes, wheezing could indeed be a sign of asthma. But it is also possible that she has an upper respiratory infection. Either disease is relatively easy to treat once diagnosed. Your vet will want to do xrays if he suspects asthma. URIs are usually treated with antibiotics. Here is some information of feline asthma: https://www.petcoach.co/article/feline-asthma-a-cause-of-coughing-in-cats/
https://www.petcoach.co/article/what-you-need-to-know-about-feline-asthma/

I suggest you make an appointment for Leo with your vet.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Dr. Dayna, DVM, CVA
Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist
Published on March 14th, 2018
Coughing and wheezing in cats is not normal. This can indicate many problems such as feline asthma, feline heartworm disease, fungal pneumonia, fluid in the chest, and even cancer. I would highly encourage you to have him evaluated by your veterinarian soon. A chest x-ray and heart worm test may be recommended. Best of luck and I hope he improves soon. Thank you for using Pet Coach.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Dr. Rachel
Veterinarian
Published on June 26th, 2017
Poor Candy - it sounds like she is experiencing respiratory distress - and this is an emergency situation. Coughing, wheezing, and struggling to breathe are all indications of a serious problem that can often be life-threatening. Possibilities include heart failure, cancer, asthma, pneumonia or bronchitis, or infectious disease - among others. She should be seen by a veterinarian ASAP to ensure she is stable and comfortable. Chest x-rays can be performed in order to determine the best course of treatment.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Andrea M. Brodie, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on March 9th, 2018
Your kitty could be having a hair ball. Cats usually try to move a hair ball coughing and then regurgitate it. This does not always work, Get some hair ball remedy from a petshop or fro m your veterinarian and give it according to the instructions on the tube. This helps eliminate the hair via feces. if your kitty keeps coughing, or shows a discharge from the eyes or nose, or gets lethargic and appears ill, I encourage you to take her to a veterinarian for an exam.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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