Injured Kitty

Our question this week was:

Dr. Debra,

My boyfriend accidentally stepped on our 3 month old kitten. Our kitty (Blackie) is walking fine & can still jump from the floor to the couch. But he is now breathing like he has a cold & I think he is coughing too. Every time he gets up from sitting it seems like his back arches (even when he lays down). This happened about an hour ago. I need some advice before I take him to the vet.

Liza Ramirez

Answer

I’m sorry to hear about your kitten. They can be so quick; I know how they can get under your feet. If you kitten is having trouble breathing and is coughing – I’d recommend that you have Blackie examined immediately. Difficulty breathing, commonly called dyspnea, is not normal in cats. It could be that there is abnormal bruising, bleeding or a diaphragmatic hernia. It is also possible there could be broken ribs and pain. The safest thing to do is to have your kitty examined.

Best of luck!

Dr. Debra

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