Breathing faster than normal

Hi, I wanted to see if anyone has experienced something similar with their cat.  My cat Lily is around 12 years old and has been very healthy thus far.  About two weeks ago, I noticed she was breathing a little faster than normal.  I looked to see what was normal and she is at between 40-45 breaths per minute, which can be considered normal or just above normal (according to what is online).  I should add that other than her breathing, she is eating and drinking normally, bathroom habits are normal, and she is playful.  I took her to see the vet just to make sure and he said he thought he heard a little congestion and that it was probably an URI.  He gave me some Lysine and said to try some steam therapy.  After a week, she still was breathing the same, but I noticed she seemed to be a little anxious, was grooming more than normal and started sleeping in other areas of the apartment.  I took her to another vet for a second opinion and she said she didn't hear anything in her lungs and her heart sounded normal.  She said with what I described it sounded more like stress or anxiety.  I then realized that we are moving in a few weeks and I have sold one of their kitty condos, some furniture, there are boxes stacked up, etc. and asked if that would affect her.  The vet thought it could very possibly be all the changes to her environment and gave me some ideas on how to ease that anxiety.  So I got a Feliway diffuser, separated the litter boxes (I have two cats) and am also going to try some Zylkene to see if that will help her.  It's been almost another week now and her breathing is still the same and her behavior is still pretty much the same.  I just got the Zylkene yesterday so it's too early to see any results from that yet.  I just keep thinking that if something was wrong she wouldn't be playing with my other cat, running and jumping, playing with toys, etc.  Am I being too paranoid and making a mountain out of a mole hill?  Or should I take her in and get blood work and X-rays done?    She really doesn't seem like she is in any discomfort or pain, but I know that cats hide that stuff really well.  Thanks!

Hello and welcome!

I am quite surprised that one of the vets at least, would suggest a blood panel be done.

It could be a number of things that can be well managed with med, but can cause bigger problems if it goes uncontrolled.

Also, when checking her rate, do this when she is fully sleeping and count the times her chest expands in a 30 sec period then double.

Just so it's accurate.

40 is high.

I think it might be a good idea to get an x-ray done, but of course, this is up to your vet. Just call your vet and give an update and she'll advise you from there. Hopefully everything works out.

Thank you for your response abyeb ! I'm going to take her in tomorrow and see what we can find out! Last night it seemed like she coughed once or twice, but she was more playful than I have seen her in a week, so maybe that's a good sign??

Increased playfulness is a good sign, however I would be concerned about the coughing. Mention all these things to your vet, the more info they have, the better.

Welcome to TCS bets55429. Get it checked out. Sure hope it is nothing. If it is something, early detection is a big deal.

Thanks boney girl dad !!