Is Your Cat Panting? Here’s What It Could Mean

While it might not be unusual to see a dog panting to cool itself on a hot day, it elicits quite a shock when you notice your cat doing the same. Though cats do not normally display this behavior, there are quite a few reasons why they might. Read on to learn more about why your cat is panting and what you should do about it.

Panting or Heavy Breathing in Cats

Panting in your cat could be relatively harmless or a sign of a serious health condition. If your cat is breathing heavier than usual or is panting, you should assess the situation based on the things we’ll go over below. Cats pant less frequently than dogs. Sometimes cats will pant after running and jumping. In this case, the cat is simply out of breath from the exertion and needs a moment to catch its breath. This is completely normal and will only last a moment.

Cats may also pant if they’re feeling anxious or overheated. If you suspect one of these reasons is the cause of your cat’s panting, you should watch to see how long the panting lasts and then decide whether or not to see the vet. This type of panting is also a rare occurrence in cats.

Symptoms

There are a few symptoms to be aware of to help you determine whether your cat’s heavy breathing is normal or a cause for concern. Watch For:

• Hiding
• Coughing
• Lethargy
• Loss of appetite
• Purple/Bluish tint to gums
• Labored breathing (rapid, noisy, or shallow)
• Crouching or standing while stretching the neck and pulling elbows away from the body

If you notice any of these symptoms, you should take your cat to the vet immediately so that they can rule out any potentially life-threatening illnesses. These symptoms combined with heavy breathing/panting are not normal cat behavior. The sooner you can see your vet, the better the chances are for a positive prognosis. In cases where breathing is labored or restricted, rapid onset of treatment is crucial and can mean the difference between life and death. If you are in doubt, it’s always best to seek help.

Causes

Check your cat’s temperature to make sure it isn’t running a fever. A cat’s normal body temperature ranges between 99 degrees to 102.5 degrees Fahrenheit. Once a cat’s temperature reaches more than 102.5 degrees, it is considered to have a fever. If your cat’s body temperature rises above 106 degrees Fahrenheit it is at serious risk of damage to its vital organs. If you see that your cat is running a fever, take it to the vet immediately so that they can help bring the fever down and determine the cause.

The following are potential causes of heavy breathing in cats. Remember, only a veterinarian will be able to determine the true reason for your cat’s panting so it is best to get your kitty to the vet as quickly as possible.

Respiratory Infection

Respiratory infections are typically viral and make it difficult for cats to breathe. This can cause your cat to experience heavy or labored breathing. If a secondary bacterial infection develops, your cat may need to be treated with antibiotics. While your cat is in recovery, you can use steam or humidifiers to help loosen up the mucus and make it easier for your cat to breathe.

Asthma

Asthma is a treatable condition that can cause cats to cough, wheeze, or pant. It can also be responsible for the increased respiratory rate that you notice in your cat. Similarly to humans suffering from asthma, medications like bronchodilators or corticosteroids are often prescribed to help manage these symptoms in cats.

Congestive Heart Failure

The most common symptom of congestive heart failure (CHF) is difficulty breathing. In CHF, fluid builds up around the lungs, making it harder for your cat to breathe. Other symptoms associated with CHF include coughing, deep, rapid breathing, and panting. If your cat is suffering from this condition, it will need treatment administered by a vet. The vet may drain the fluid, as well as prescribe medication.

Heartworm

Heartworm (Dirofilaria immitis) is another cause of breathing problems in cats. The disease itself can also be fatal if not properly treated, so your cat needs to have regular checkups. A cat can also be put on a monthly preventive medication. However, if your cat has already been diagnosed with the disease, there are treatment options. Treatment for this disease usually involves supportive care using corticosteroids to help reduce inflammation. In more severe cases, your cat may need to undergo oxygen therapy.

Miscellaneous

Other conditions that cause heavy breathing or panting in cats include pain, neurological disorders, enlargement of the abdomen, anemia, or trauma. If you have ruled out the listed reasons, you’ll want to take your cat to the vet. Once you arrive, the veterinarian will likely put your cat on oxygen to help it breathe and allow it to calm down. They will then do a thorough physical examination of your cat to check that its heart and lungs are functioning properly.

The only way to determine the cause of your cat’s panting is to have them examined by a professional. The root cause might be as simple as too much playtime or being overly warm. Always pay close attention to your cat’s behaviors so that you know what is normal and what is not. A healthy, normal cat will not usually pant. So if you spot this behavior, pay close attention and consider some of the options we’ve laid out here.