Ask Dr Claire

Cat with high respiratory rate. What could this be?

A higher than normal breathing rate in a cat can be the result of many underlying causes. Some of the underlying causes of this might be:

• Heart disease
• Obesity
• Lung disease ie pneumonia
• Low blood oxygen
• Pulmonary embolism
• Fever
• Pain
• Anxiety

A high breathing rate should always be investigated as it has the potential to be life threatening, and a hands-on examination from your local vet, as soon as possible would be a great place to start.

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Chat soon,

Dr Claire