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My cat wheezes, snores, and pants. Should I worry about his breathing?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | American Shorthair | Male | neutered | 9 months and 23 days old | 8 lbs

My cat wheezes and snores when he’s sleeping. He also pants with his mouth wide open. It’s starting to scare me that something is wrong

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Daniel Fonza, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on October 3rd, 2017

Hi there and thank you for using pet coach to address your concern. If yeezy appears to be in respiratory distress at all, I would recommend he be examined by a veterinarian for further testing and treatment. Yeezy may be dealing with an upper airway infection or inflammatory disease such as asthma. The sooner the problem is diagnosed the better. I hope this helps guide you in the right direction. Please do not hesitate to contact me with any further questions or concerns you may have. I am also available via consultation if needed.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Vanessa Yeager DVM MPH
Veterinarian
Published on October 3rd, 2017
Hi and thank you for your post on Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach this morning.

Although it can be hard to say exactly what the issue with Yeezy is without examining him first, I can offer a few possibilities as to what may be the cause of Yeezy's symptoms.

Feline Asthma, polyps in the mouth, nose, or sinuses, or an upper respiratory infection can all be causes that should be explored and diagnosed with your veterinarian soon.

However, if he is breathing with his mouth open, this tells me Yeezy is having a hard time breathing properly and should be seen by an emergency veterinarian right away, I would take him in as soon as possible.

Best wishes and best of luck to you and Yeezy.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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