Our cat is sick – with trouble breathing – what should I do?

Our question this week was:

Dr. Debra – our 1-year-old spayed calico kitten lethargic, loss of appetite. 104 temp. Bit of labored breathing and was put on antibiotics. Her appetite increased gained a pound in 3 days. Temp 105 then she was put on different antibiotic. Her leukemia test was negative. Currently is still lethargic, wants to constantly eat, and has very loose bowels. Breathing is still a bit labored. She has no energy or play.

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Rhonda West

Answer

Hi – thanks for your email Rhonda. You wrote that your 1-year-old cat has a fever, loss of appetite, lethargy and some labored breathing. There are many problems that can cause these symptoms. I’d recommend taking her back to your veterinarian for additional care.

She may have heart failure, pleural effusion or pneumonia. It may have started as an upper respiratory infection and progressed. She may need fluids and injectable antibiotics. She may not be eating because of her fever.

You may want to read some of the links in this text.

Best of luck!

Dr. Debra