Cat breathing strangely?

[MitchT]

The OH and I are concerned about one of our cats. We watched her lying on the sofa and she seemed to be breathing out strangely. Her body would inflate slowly as she breathed in, but then appear to deflate suddenly she she started to breathe out, as though some pressure builds and then releases suddenly. That's the best way I can describe it. She's a bit on the light side too. Our two cats usually weigh about 3.4kg but she's currently 3kg. Any ideas? We're currently having to self-isolate which doesn't help matters.

[Boosted LS1]

Is this an older cat?

[MitchT]

8.5 years old.

[Caddyshack]

Maybe get a video of it and see if a vet on here can help?

I have had cats on and off all my life so I am sure we can say if we have seen similar before.

[MitchT]

Yep, crossed my mind that I could video it. She's not doing it at the moment but the OH has noticed it quite a bit over the last couple of days.

[Boosted LS1]

Old cats can become hyperthyroid but that's not very old for a cat. I'd take her to a vet. We have vets on here who may advise.

[bexVN]

You need to phone your vet and take it from there.
Unfortunately there is nothing we can/should really advise on here especially re respiratory concerns and possible weight loss.
I hope you can find a way to get her seen, I know it is not easy right now.

[MitchT]

bexVN said:

Unfortunately there is nothing we can/should really advise on here...

Absolutely. Just wondered if anyone immediately recognised it and could say "ah yes, my cat had that, it was..."

I'll make a video for our vet next time she does it. Typically she's been normal since The nurse who trimmed their claws a few weeks ago didn't seem concerned that she was only weighing in at 3kg. The other cat is a steady 3.4kg but this one seems to fluctuate between 3 and 3.4, but she's fussier with her food

[Boosted LS1]

Oh, one more thing. Do you use chemicals in the house, plug in air fresheners, spray polish etc?

[MitchT]

Boosted LS1 said:

Oh, one more thing. Do you use chemicals in the house, plug in air fresheners, spray polish etc?

No, the OH is really OCD about chemicals.

Cat is currently asleep next to me and breathing normally.