Heaving breaths??

I recently rescued a very emaciated kitten. It came to my door in March. Every bone protruding from him, I started feeding him and have since let him in the house. The major reason for his emaciation I'm guessing was due to the fact that he had been declawed and kicked outside. He ate little and drank a lot his first couple of weeks. Since then, he has put on about 3 lbs, looks great,healthy, and drinks normal amounts now. There's one problem, He whether he is relaxing or running around, his whole stomach will heave when he breathes. He also seems depressed on somedays, alothough now that it is warmer out he seems to be better.No other signs or symptoms. I have phoned rescue groups because I need to find him a home but am willing to foster him until then. I would like to take him to the vet but I'm hoping a rescue group could help me out with the bills b/c I am a poor college student. I have yet to here back from any of them. They must be swamped with kitten season. So heavy breathing/depression???no other siigns and symptoms???Heart condition??Any ideas?

There could be many reasons for the heavy breathing, heart worms, asthma, illness... Perhaps you could ask the Humaine Society in your area if they have a low cost vet clinic. Have the kitty tested for Toxiplasmosis, Heartworms, Intestinal Worms, FLIV, and make sure to get all the shots too. See if the vet can give you an approximate age and let you know if he is fixed or not. Best of luck! And thank you for being a good person and helping this lost soul.

Thanks,
I looked at symptoms in my book and it looks consistant with toxiplamosis so I am going to take him to the vet.
Thanks again,
Angela