We all know that it’s normal for dogs to pant, especially when they are excited, exercising, or are overheated, however, panting in cats is not normal. Like dogs, cats may pant when stressed or hot, but it is very unusual and is typically a sign of a more serious condition. Cats do not normally pant to cool themselves down like dogs, and open-mouthed breathing as a rule should not happen at all in cats. If you experience panting in your cat, contact your veterinarian right away and schedule a full examination. Often panting in our feline friends is a symptom of stress or an underlying medical condition.
- What Does Cat Panting Look and Sound Like?
Panting in cats can often look similar to panting in dogs, but as mentioned above, it is very rare and should be cause for concern. Panting cats will have their mouths open, the tongue partially out, and they will be taking rapid, shallow breaths. Most cats lay down in a sternal position when they are panting, and often are agitated or uncomfortable.
- Is Panting in Cats Bad?
Normal breathing in cats should be regular and natural, and panting is a sign that something is potentially wrong. Cats only breathe hard with their mouths open when they are very stressed, extremely hot, or if they have a medical problem. For example, cats with asthma, heart failure, pulmonary edema (fluid in the lungs), certain types of cancer, or pneumonia may pant to obtain more oxygen. If you notice panting in your cat and you are concerned, contact your veterinarian.
- Is It Normal for Cats to Pant?
Panting in cats is not normal, but it may occur if your cat has been overactive, stressed, or overheated. In most cases, panting can be alleviated if your cat has had a chance to calm down or cool down and rest. Stress is probably one of the more common causes of panting in healthy cats and can be treated by removing the cat from the source of tension. However, if you notice panting in your cat on one or more occasions, contact your veterinarian to rule out any health issues.
- Concerning Signs in Cat Panting
No matter the cause, panting in your cat is cause to contact your veterinarian. Signs of concern and a medical emergency include abdominal breathing (where the cat is breathing heavily and the abdominal muscles are working hard to move oxygen throughout the body), blue, purple, or white gums and tongue, rapid, shallow breathing, and the inability to get comfortable. Your veterinarian can offer supplemental oxygen, as well as to conduct diagnostic tests to check for heartworm, anemia, bacterial infections, or metabolic diseases such as diabetes. Chest X-rays and a cardiac ultrasound can detect changes in the heart and lungs.
- Causes of Abnormal Cat Panting
Several medical and environmental conditions cause panting in cats, and these include:
- Asthma
Asthma occurs when a cat inhales particles that stimulate an allergic reaction, causing the tissue of the bronchi and lungs to become inflamed. This can cause panting, coughing, wheezing, coughing, and occasional panting. Asthma treatment often entails the use of corticosteroids or bronchodilators to reduce inflammation. Asthma in cats can also be triggered by stress, and treatment for this may involve anti-anxiety medications as well.
- Heartworm
Believe it or not, cats can get heartworm. Heartworms are minuscule parasites that can infect the heart and lungs, and can trigger Heartworm Associated Respiratory Disease, which can cause coughing, wheezing, panting, lethargy, hiding, lack of appetite, and other signs of respiratory distress. Treatment often involves supportive care with corticosteroids to reduce inflammation and oxygen therapy in more severe cases.
- Congestive heart failure
Congestive heart failure is caused by the accumulation of fluid in and around the lungs, causing panting, rapid breathing, and coughing. Accumulation of fluid reduces lung capacity and decreases circulating oxygen levels. The excess fluid around the heart is caused by the inability of the heart to pump normally, so blood builds up in the veins that take the blood into the lungs. As the pressure in the blood vessels increases, fluid is then pushed into the air spaces in the lungs. Treatment involves draining the fluid from around the lungs or prescribing medications to dilate the blood vessels, eliminate excess fluid, and make the heart contract with greater force.
- Respiratory infection
Respiratory infections in cats can also cause panting and breathing difficulties. Most respiratory infections occur as secondary infections due to a virus such as FIV or FeLV and are most often treated with antibiotics and supportive care. Treatment can also involve the use of humidifiers and steam to help loosen up fluid and mucus buildup in the lungs and allow to make breathing through the nose easier. Signs and symptoms of respiratory infections in cats include panting, sneezing, wheezing, and coughing.
- Anxiety
Anxiety and fear can also cause stress in cats, triggering the panting response. Cats are creatures of habit, and they often feel stress if something in their environment has changed, such as the introduction of a new pet, construction projects, or a new human member of the household. Treatment for anxiety in cats entails identifying the cause of the strain, as well as consulting with your veterinarian about the use of anti-anxiety medications and other solutions.
- Anemia
Anemia is a condition where there is a deficiency in the number of red blood cells that are responsible for transporting oxygen throughout the body. Cats who are suffering from anemia may experience panting, heavy and rapid breathing, and increased lethargy and tiredness.
- Stress Or Trauma
As mentioned above, cats are creatures of habit and do react differently to stress and trauma. Symptoms of stress, or have experienced a traumatic event include panting, hiding, trembling, inappropriate urination vocalization, and agitation. If you suspect that your cat suffers from stress or trauma, it is important to identify the trigger and remove it if possible. Cats do seek out safe, quiet places, so offering your cat a quiet haven from the normal hustle and bustle of life is critical. Also, you can consult your veterinarian for ways in which to help calm your cat and keep him stress-free.
- Pain
Panting can also be a response to physical pain. Although most cats are experts at hiding pain, symptoms include rapid breathing, hiding, lethargy, and exhibiting a crouching position while resting. If your cat is panting and exhibits aggressive behavior, excessive vocalizing, rapid heartbeat, excessive purring, inappetence, or a reluctance to move, your cat may be in pain and should receive medical attention.
- When to See a Veterinarian about Cat Panting
As mentioned above, panting in cats is not normal, and can be a sign of an underlying medical problem. In many cases, panting in cats is associated with underlying cardiovascular disease or chronic respiratory disease, and should be assessed by a veterinarian. Even in young healthy cats or kittens, panting is not normal, and if accompanied by wheezing, rapid breathing, coughing, or labored breathing, contact your veterinarian immediately.
- Treatment For A Panting Cat
If you think that your cat is overheated, or has over-exerted himself, try to keep both yourself and your cat calm and cool. If your cat is overheated, moisten your cat’s feet and ears with a cool, wet towel, offer freshwater, but refrain from giving any medications or food. Also, try to keep your cat calm, take him to a cooler area, and give him time to rest and relax. Once your cat is cooled down, his panting should subside. However, if your cat is panting for any other reason, contact your veterinarian at once to rule out any underlying medical conditions.
- When Should You Be Concerned About Your Cat’s Panting?
Panting can happen in cats following strenuous physical activity or overheating, but can also be a sign of something more serious. If you notice any of the following signs and symptoms in your cat, contact your veterinarian as soon as possible:
- Loss of appetite and lethargy
- Increased tiredness
- Shallow breathing
- Rapid breathing
- Loud and raspy breathing
- Intermittent panting (panting that starts and stops repeatedly)
- Hiding or reluctance to move
- Aggression
- Pale, purple, or blue-tinged gums and tongue
- Wheezing or coughing
Unlike dogs, panting in cats is not normal, and can be a sign of overexertion, stress, or a result of an underlying medical condition, such as heart failure, a respiratory infection, or asthma. In any event, if you are at all concerned about panting in your cat, contact your veterinarian and make an appointment for a comprehensive physical examination. Your veterinarian is your best resource in diagnosing the underlying causes of panting in your cat.