Why does my kitten wheeze, snore, and have trouble breathing?

It sounds like Winchester may have an upper respiratory infection. Upper respiratory infections are common in kittens and can be caused by viruses and bacteria. It's also possible that he could have an inflammatory issue like allergies or asthma. It would be a good idea to have Winchester examined by your veterinarian as he may need antibiotics or other medication to treat. Until you can see your veterinarian you can try to put Winchester in a steamy bathroom to help open his airways. But I'd suggest seeing a veterinarian sooner rather than later as these issues can progress quickly. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

Unfortunately kittens are susceptible to many viruses that infect the respiratory tract and can cause noise, running eyes and noses and general ill health. There is little to do for a virus aside from administering antinflammatories which you would need to have prescribed by a vet. However I would recommend taking the kitten in for an exam as the viruses can make way for bacterial infection and the vet can give antibiotics if needed. In the mean time keep the kitten in stress and draught free environment.

Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Other than infections or asthma, noising breathing can be caused by an obstruction of the nasal passages. This can be due to a mass such as a polyp, which are common in middle aged cats or a foreign body. You can make an appointment at a specialty hospital that has the capability to do rhinoscopy, which is basically a procedure that puts a small camera into the nasal passages and airways. I hope this helps!

Depending on what type of upper respiratory infection Gotham had as a kitten, he may have some damage to his nasal pathways that will cause him to snore or wheeze when he is sleeping. Usually this is not a problem, but if it is getting worse or you notice any other clinical signs, I would certainly contact your veterinarian to make sure it is not something that needs treatment. Good luck! I hope that was helpful. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Yes, those are signs of breathing problems. The most common thing would be an upper respiratory infection but it could also be something more serious like feline asthma. I think you need to have him examined by your vet as soon as possible.

Hi there and what a sweet kitten you have. If Freya is eating, drinking, and very playful as you describe this might be a problem that can wait until her first check up. Please look closely at her eyes and nose to see if she has any discharge from them. Sometimes kitten can have upper respiratory viruses that can make their breathing more audible. If she seems do be doing well otherwise, I would monitor for now. If she stops eating, seems lethargic, or you have any further major concern please take her to your veterinarian. Freya's first kitten check up should be at 8 weeks, so I would recommend to schedule a general health check up for her soon. She will get her first vaccine and you can mention this problem to the doctor at that time as well.

Upper respiratory infections, allergies, and minor issues with the throat or lungs can sometimes cause congestion or coughing/snoring sounds, however minor cases may resolve on their own with little symptoms. If your cat is still eating and drinking and acting normally, it may just be best to keep an eye on her and watch for any changes. If you do see symptoms such as wheezing, coughing, loss of appetite, fever, difficulty breathing or discharge from the eyes and nose, then scheduling a veterinary appointment for further care is best. If she stays normal, then bringing it up at your next vet checkup if still concerned is best so that your vet can make sure to examine those areas more thoroughly.