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My senior cat is wheezing, losing hair, and grumpy. Is it serious?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Devon Rex | Male | neutered | 16 years and 11 months old | 15 lbs

Hello, So I have my boy he's a 16 year old Devon Rex he is sleeping lots loosing hair and scratching and is really weezing and almost choking when he eats and is louder than normal. He is over weight but always has been and has not gained anymore . he has been grumpy and not wanting attention and that ois out of his character. I also found purple bumps inside his ears. I have a vet app next week but im wondering if he should go sooner or if you know what this could be. I thought allergies .

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Destini R. Holloway, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on June 23rd, 2017

He could have multiple things going on here. Itching is a sign of allergies, so I would first check for fleas (they leave behind tint black pepper looking specks on the skin). The purple bumps may be an inflammatory reaction or actual masses, so have these tested through your vet.
The wheezing is the most concerning symptom that he has, as this can be early signs of asthma, bronchitis, a mass (an enlarged thyroid) pressing on his airway, or an upper respiratory infection. I would encourage you to schedule an earlier appt for Tobby to address the wheezing as soon as possible. Cats with airway issues are consider unstable and should seek medical attention right away because the lungs are their stress organ, so that means that if they are not feeling well then the lungs can get worse very quickly. I hope that your pet Tobby feels better soon. Best of luck at the vet.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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