My gf

My gf's cats breathing especially her purring has gotten a lot louder (like a motorboat) she has also made like the wheezing sound like she has bronchitis or athsma, it like a low hum that has appeared out of nowhere. Its got me worried cause I love the little fur ball but the gf has problems taking care of animals, so I'm looking into it for her. She has thrown up her food twice in the last week (it was warm) and the only other time previous to this I found out what a hairball thrown up looks like, but this has been food. I just want to make sure she's ok, or if any of you have any advice on what could be happening, thanks:)



It could be a few things:


If she's an indoor cat she is very likely to have a hairball problem, outdoor cats get it too but not as often. They have special food for cats that are indoors to help with that problem and weight control. Also they have a hairball remedy in a tube that you can give to your cat orally. You can find it almost anywhere and you give them a little 1 inch squirt everyday between meals until symptoms disappear, then continue it once or twice a week. This with good oral care will help. FYI if you try this and can't get the cat to eat if off of your finger wipe it on there paw, cats hate being dirty and will lick it off. They also sell a special kind of cat grass for them to eat to help them digest everything if they are indoors.





Another problem could be a upper respiratory infection, my cat got one right after being spayed which is very common with cats who under go surgery, I'm not sure why but that's what the vet said. If this is the problem when the vet gives you medicine ask for it in a liquid, it's better than pills because cats often can't get the pills down all the way which will create ulcer like sores in there throat (happened to my cat when she had her URI and we had to bring her back and get her the liquid)





She could also be getting into something that is making her sick. Cats for some reason like to lick and chew on plastic grocery bags or garbage bags, types of ribbons...they are crazy! If she uses a litter box make sure everything that comes out in there looks normal because if she's eating something weird the answer might be in there.





It is also allergy season not only for humans but for animals too. There are so many possibilities that the cat should probably be seen by a vet if it isn't resolved soon. Good Luck and I would try the hairball stuff until you can get her in to see the vet. Otherwise they have those emergency vets that are always open, if it's a URI it could probably kill her if not taken care of.




She may have a respiratory condition or allergies. My cats sometimes throw up, but they are fine. The fact that it sounds different than usual, you may just want to take it to the vet. It doesn't sound that serious.




I would definitely take her to your vet. She may have an infection od some kind.




I have to disagree with the previous answerer. Breathing issues can be very serious. Especially combined with vomiting. You should take her to the vet as soon as you can. You cal also call the vet and explain to the tech that answers the phone what the situation is and they can tell you how urgent it is the cat be seen.





Sounds like she has a cold and/or respiratory infection. Respiratory Infections can become quite serious and often need antibiotics to cure. if she's throwing up that can quickly lead to dehydration problems. Something you can do in the mean time is turn the shower on hot and lock the kitty in the bathroom. The steam will help loosen up the gunk in her lungs and airway and help her breath better for a little bit.





Please at least give the vet a call and explain the issue. It wont cost you anything and will give you a better idea of what is wrong and if/how soon kitty needs to be seen. They might also have some more ideas on what to do in the mean time.





Good luck with your kitty! :)