My cats breathing

Question
My cat has been acting a little strange lately, Ive noticed over the past week and a half,that he has been making the noises cats make when they have a hairball in their throat,but hes been doing it more and more lately,and it seems to be getting louder and louder,I just began giving him hairball medicine,but now I noticed that yesterday,he barely ate any food which is VERY unlike him,and isnt drinking his water,since last night,hes been looking like he may be having trouble breathing,he seems to be taking several short breaths,you can physically see him stomach going in and out with each breath,and if you get close to his mouth,you can see hs mouth open and close with each breath,rather than normal breaths..
What do you think this could be?

Answer
Hi Anita.  I'm sorry to say this is a very serious symptom, and you need to get him to the vet IMMEDIATELY.  I fear you may lose him.

This breathing he's doing is called deep abdominal breathing or diaphragmatic breathing.  It's a symptom that there is a very serious health problem such as congestive heart failure, pneumonia or a tumor pressing on the airways.  Congestive heart failure is sometimes manageable.  Pneumonia would really be the best scenario.  This type of breathing CAN be caused by serious upper respiratory infections or fever, too.

With my cats who have shown diaphragmatic breathing and crackling noises, one had congestive heart failure, four had cancer and one had pneumonia.  All had to be treated in emergency hospitals.  Congestive heart failure may be treatable if caught early enough.  Unfortunately, by the time we see this type of breathing, the problem is usually very advanced, and time is short.  I don't tell you this to panic you, but I just wanted to pass along a sense of urgency.  He needs to be seen by a vet right now, even though it's the weekend.  This is an emergency situation.