When you live with a dog you’re intimately acquainted with the sounds and smell of your dog’s snoring. They are known to breathe close to you when you’re about to finish watching another episode of your favorite show. Cats, on the other hand, are a bit less … gentle … as they choose to share with you the scent from their mouths. You’re more likely to feel their distinctive odor when they play with your hair before going to sleep, rather than an intense breath coming from your face after a lengthy game.
Cats do not sweat (we’re speaking about breath, not cat pants, and definitely not in cat pants!) continuously in order to control their temperature just like dogs do, however, there are occasions that you’re more likely to observe the cat panting. It’s not unusual to observe your cat taking more deep breaths after playing in your newly constructed feline tower or playing a game of chase and pounce. However, if your cat’s excessive panting happens without exercise or occurs suddenly it could be a sign of worry and could mean visiting the vet’s office is required.
What does it mean when My Cat is Panting?
Heavy or prolonged breathing that is open to the air is a common occurrence in cats. a normal occurrence if it happens immediately following the excitement of playtime or immediately following a cat’s zooms. If it occurs in random intervals or when they are resting it could be a sign that something is not right.
The feline’s usual breathing speed will appear to be constant and normal, with the breathing rate for cats of 15-30 breaths per min, depending on the cat’s level of activity. A cat that is asleep has a lower respiratory rate than one who is having a blast playing with your new potted plants (Bergeland cats can raise their paws! ).
5 Reasons Cats Will Pant
“Panting indicates that it is working difficult to return to normal. An assessment of the immediate situation is required to determine what actions should be implemented,” says Pam Johnson-Bennett, CCBC, author and the owner of Cat Behavior Associates.
If your cat played in the game of hide and seek with that incredible Amazon box that you didn’t put away, or your cat may have injured their paw from the laptop that was pushed off the desk In this article, we look at five reasons why your cat could be panting.
1. Exercise and Play
If your pet is ecstatic and full of energy it is possible that they begin to pant. “They might pant for a short time if they’re pumped up and are having fun and playing and jumping around,” says Theresa Entriken, DVM, a veterinary consultant at Leawood, Kan.
Your cat’s friend should have plenty of opportunities to play or enrich each day to ensure they are healthy and mentally satisfied. Give them games or games which allow cats to kick, scratch, and chase. However, make sure that the games are suitable for your cat’s individual. “Cats might pant after exhaustion after a long day of activity. This can happen after an animal’s owner has played too vigorously with the feline,” says Johnson-Bennett.
Make sure you let your cat take a break and recuperate after exercise and be sure to check them regularly to ensure they do not overheat.
2. Overheating
The constant chasing, pouncing, and scratching of the cat can make them sweaty. If they’ve been active for an extended amount of time they may become excessively hot (their bodies temperature is higher). If this happens the cat will require a cool space on the kitchen floor and may even engage in a cat splash(adorable! ).
“To cool down cats sweat through their pads on their feet or lick their fur. drink water, lounge in shaded areas, or lie on cool surfaces to expose more of their surface, releasing heat to cool down.” Entriken says.
Our pets are vulnerable to excessive heat, heatstroke, dehydration, and the effects of heat exhaustion similar to us, particularly when it’s humid, hot, or extremely hot outside. In such situations be aware of symptoms like:
- Reluctance
- Lethargy
- Heart rate rapid
- Vocalization
- Drooling
- A gray hue to the gums
- Nausea
- Do not want to consume or drink anything
- Don’t would you like to use the litter box
- Stumbling while trying to walk
Entriken advises that when your cat shows any of these warning signs, it should be examined by a veterinarian immediately.
3. Stress
Cats, despite their cute behaviors, aren’t immune from stress. Similar to their feline counterparts cats are prone to anxiety, stress along with stress and communicate those emotions through body expressions.
A cat stressed could take in quick and shallow breaths (panting). If you notice your cat do this, it could be a sign that there is a significant amount of stress within your home or that their current environment makes their body feel uncomfortable. For example, they might pant at the vet’s office, when visitors come to your home, or after you introduce your new pet to the family.
Examine the reason for your cat’s anxiety and act immediately to ensure that your pet has a feline well and at ease. Give them some space and free from any unwanted interactions, provide them with the chance to play with toys or scratch on their favorite pet tree and keep your house peaceful, and keep your guests away for a time and set up the routine that is appropriate to the needs of your cat.
4. Pain
If a cat is in pain, it may perform behaviors that seem unusual or unrelated to the context. Voices, mood changes, eating habits, hiding, or a constant obsession with licking the area of their body and mouth panting openly can be indicators that a cat may be suffering from discomfort and need to be assessed by a veterinarian.
Johnson-Bennett says that the discomfort may be the result of an injury in the past or an underlying medical issue. Cats can’t always communicate the location they’re hurting, and it’s sometimes difficult to determine the cause of pain, especially if have a cat who is very active. However, if you believe your cat might be suffering from pain, whatever the cause, you should take action.
“It requires a vet’s exam,” Entriken says.
5. The underlying medical condition
A cat who begins to pant out of the blue, at random, or appears to be panting at various times during the course of the day could not be feeling well. It may be suffering from a medical condition that requires urgent attention. Johnson-Bennett believes that respiratory or cardiovascular issues could be the cause of the issue. Other serious illnesses such as heartworm infection might also be the cause. Do not hesitate to schedule appointments with your vet when you observe your cat’s breathing is a bit heavy or panting their mouth open even when they’re not playing.
Though panting is normal behavior for dogs it can be abnormal and cause concern in the event that your cat exhibits it. If you’re unsure of the reason behind your cat’s panting, go to your veterinarian in person to have a health check-up and to get expert suggestions on what to do next.
“If you notice your pet shivering and there isn’t any known reason, it’s best to consult your vet,” Johnson-Bennett says.
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