Cat has pale gums, should I be alarmed?

I was doing some searches on why my cat breathes through his mouth, and found that it could be any number of reasons from fatigue, low stamina, hyperventillation, asthma, etc. Until I stumbled upon a site that talked about feline anemia. I went through the symptoms list and only two really apply, one in that my cat can become fatigued quickly IF I have him chase a little bit of string round and round in a circle for a minute straight. And second, his gums are fairly pale, but not totally white.

Pale gums are a sign of low RBC count, which could also be any number of problems from leukemia, to feline aids, to infection. So I went from an innocent google search to the possibility of my cat having leukemia or worse. Should I be freaking out right now?

P.S. I've had my cat for about 5 months now, and behaviourly, he's more or less the same. The mouth breathing thing was part of him since he was a kitten when I got him, and the pet store didn't mention anything about anemia.

Well I would definitely get your kitty in to the vet for some tests. I too have a mouth breather, who is winded easily due to a bad infection when he was young. But that paired with the pale gums would have me worried too, just because well that's the way all us pet parents are...:o I'm sure the vet could clear up your fears, so get in soon before you worry yourself sick about it. :goodvibes: that it's nothing serious!

I agree 110%. :thumbs up

A person should never try to diagnose their pet (or themselves) by using the internet. You should ALWAYS go to the vet/doc first and then you read up on what the affliction is.

Good luck .....I hope it's nothing serious and please keep us posted. :fingerscr :goodvibes: