She has been very lethargic as of lately and sleeping a lot more than usual. Ive also noticed her breathing has been very loud and heavy, shes breathing faster than normal and she now snores/grunts in her sleep.
First, I would like to apologize for not responding to your question sooner.
One possibility is an upper respiratory infection, especially common in cats. Infections can cause inflammation, nasal congestion, and airway narrowing, leading to noisy breathing and increased effort. Another concern could be asthma or other respiratory disorders that cause airway constriction. Heart disease, such as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (common in cats), may also explain her lethargy and labored breathing, as it can lead to fluid buildup in the lungs or difficulty in circulating oxygen. Her exact cause can be determined through testing.
At home, ensure she’s in a quiet, stress-free environment with good air circulation. If her symptoms worsen, you might use a humidifier in the room to help her breathing if nasal congestion is suspected. Keep an eye on her hydration by checking that she’s drinking water and consider offering wet food to support her fluid intake.
However, there are warning signs that require urgent attention. If Doll’s breathing becomes visibly strained—characterized by flaring nostrils, open-mouth breathing, or her sides pulling in with each breath—it’s an emergency. Other signs of distress include pale or bluish gums, sudden collapse, or complete refusal to eat or drink.
If possible, I would recommend taking her to the vet to determine her exact condition.
If you have any additional questions, please don't hesitate to come back to us! Thank you.