Heavy Breathin

Question
Hilary,

I have a cat, it's quite old now.
Just recently, a couple weeks,
i noticed it was breathin' heavy,
its mouth open,
it has trouble lyin' down,
just sits up takin' deep breaths.

Also noticed that the cat
has a bit of a cough, not dry, but chesty.

He eats his food, now'n'then
but not really gettin' enough, looks thin.

Can u advise please.

Riik@mctr  

Answer
Hi Riki!  I would suggest a vet visit immediately.  Your cat is showing classic symptoms of congestive heart failure.  This is where the pulminary sacs around the heart fill with fluid.  It feels as though the fluid is in the lungs so your cat will be coughing.  This fluid causes much pressure on the lungs, making it difficult to breathe and much pressure on the heart, causing stress and irregular heartbeat.  By taking him to your veterinarian right away, your cat will be prescribed Lasix. Lasix is an oral medication that dries all that fluid up.  When the fluid dries up, the pressure on the heart and lungs will decrease, leaving your cat feeling a whole lot better!
I hope this helps and please let me know how he does,
Hilary