Cats pant in hot weather to regulate their body temperature. They also pant when they are frightened or nervous. These are normal body reactions and are not shortness of breath. If your cat is truly having trouble breathing minor breathing out and is gasping for breath, there is probably a serious obstruction in the chest or breathing tubes.
Cat Shortness of Breath Home Remedies![](http://www.mypethealthguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/cat_in_arms.jpg)
During an emergency, give artificial respiration and see your veterinarian immediately.
Cat Shortness of Breath TreatmentYour veterinarian will perform a careful examination of all systems. Your pet may need oxygen at this time. If there has been evidence of trauma (such as an auto accident), X-ray swill be taken when your cat is stabilized. An outdoor pet that has no fever and sudden breathing problems may have a chest injury from being in a fight or being hit by a car.
An old cat with a history of coughing and heart disease develops sudden shortness of breath may have a failing heart. Acrimony (a sudden degeneration of the heart muscle of a cat at any age) can also cause the heart to fail. Oxygen and drugs are necessary to strengthen the heart. Blood tests, electro-cardiograms, echocardiograms, hoarseness and X-rays are indicated.
There are other common diseases that your doctor will consider if your cat has short-ness of breath: clamps in nursing cats, anemia, internal hemorrhage from bleed-in disorders or trauma, fever from infection or heatstroke, tumors, or feline infectious peritonitis. Hospitalization is almost always necessary for a pet that has shortness of breath.