My kitten fell. Is rapid breathing and fast belly movement serious?

Coco is adorable and I'm sorry to hear that she has been having so many changes to her breathing. Heavy breathing with abdominal effort/movement is a sign for concern and can be related to congenital heart defects causing congestive heart failure, pneumonia, pain, infectious conditions, among others. Any breathing changes are an emergent cause for concern and should be addressed by a vet immediately to assure that Coco seems to be stable. I hope that all goes well!

Increased respiratory rate can have several causes, including anemia, pain, heart disease, or lung disease. If you can see the abdomen moving when she breathes, I would be very worried. I would recommend that you have Kiku examined by a vet. They may need to diagnostics such as blood work or x-rays, depending on what the exam reveals.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. I’m sorry to hear about Lerdi! I too am somewhat concerned but have a few ideas. Least scary is just that he is painful or developing a fever. A fractured rib that is difficult to see on X-ray is also possible- this makes deep breathing quite painful so animals tend to take shallow, frequent breaths. A more scary idea is that he could have a slow leak of air or buildup of fluid into the chest cavity which is compressing the lungs. Keep a close eye on the color of his gums (pale pink in most cats) and that respiration rate. If those guns become white, grey, blue-tinged or that respiration rate keeps climbing, you head to the emergency vet immediately. Otherwise, Call the first vet back and see what they recommend- a repeat X-ray or chest ultrasound might be indicated. Best of luck to you and Lerdi!

Oh no, poor Fors! I'm sorry to hear that he isn't feeling well. Fors' appetite changes and heavy breathing could be a sign of pain. I'm gland to hear that he has sensation and the ability to move his feet, but being unable to walk and falling over are certainly not normal and could be due to a fracture (leg, pelvis or back) or progressive neurologic disease. At this point, Fors should be examined by a vet immediately so that he can be examined and have any necessary diagnostics and treatments performed. I hope that all goes well!

Good for you for noticing that Simba is breathing more heavily than normal! This is a fairly subtle symptom that many cat owners don't notice until the problem is severe. Increased respiratory effort like this is not normal, and definitely warrants a vet visit. Some possible causes could include heart disease, a severe respiratory infection, fluid in the chest, or even lung cancer. Your veterinarian can listen to Simba's heart and lungs, and may also take chest x-rays to help diagnose the problem. Many of these issues are treatable once a diagnosis is made, so it's definitely worth trying to determine what's wrong before things get worse.

Ideally, Aries should be physically examined by your veterinarian. If he is breathing normally, not lethargic, has pink gums and is not extremely painful, then you can likely have him examined first thing tomorrow. X-rays of the paw and leg may be indicated to diagnose any fractures. If you can, restrict his activity for the rest of the night. Use a cat carrier if you have one. If he is very painful or if his breathing becomes labored and he is lethargic, then he should be examined tonight at the nearest veterinary ER.

It is hard for me to tell you what is going on without examining your kitten. There is the possibility for internal trauma from a fall that high in a very young kitten. I would recommend that you keep a close eye on her. I would be more concerned if the cough continues or worsens for 72 hours, or if she is not eating or panting more than normal. Keep her as still and calm as possible so that her body can heal. Kittens can heal very quickly if you can manage to let them do it!