Times When Heavy Breathing is Normal for Cats
While uncommon, heavy breathing is sometimes normal behavior for cats. Consider what your cat was doing or experiencing immediately before you noticed them breathing heavily.
Like their canine counterparts, cats may breath heavily if they become overheated, anxious, or following strenuous exercise. If your cat is breathing heavily for any of those reasons, it should resolve itself once it has had an opportunity to calm down, cool down, or rest.
As mentioned previously, panting and heavy breathing are much less common in our feline friends than in dogs. So, if you're not entirely sure why your cat is breathing heavily, it’s worth a visit to your vet.
Possible Causes of Heavy Breathing in Cats
Our Los Angeles vets often hear from concerned pet parents wondering, "Why is my cat breathing heavily?" Below are a few reasons why your cat may be panting or breathing heavily.
Asthma
- Common asthma signs in cats include heavy breathing with their mouth open, panting, wheezing, coughing, and increased respiratory rate. While asthma in cats cannot be cured, it can be successfully managed with corticosteroids or bronchodilators.
Heartworm
- Heartworm in cats can cause breathing difficulties. Treatment for heartworm includes supportive care with corticosteroids to reduce inflammation, and oxygen therapy in more serious cases. Heartworm disease is extremely serious and can be fatal, so our vets recommend keeping your cat on a monthly heartworm preventative medication.
Hydrothorax
- Hydrothorax is a condition characterized by the accumulation of fluid in and around the lungs. It can cause deep, rapid breathing, coughing, and panting. Treatment may include draining the fluid and medications to dilate blood vessels, eliminate excess fluid, and make the heart contract more forcefully.
Respiratory Infections
- If your feline friend has developed a respiratory infection, it may be difficult for them to breathe normally. Respiratory infections can lead to heavy breathing or panting in cats. These infections typically begin as viral infections, but often develop into secondary bacterial infections. Antibiotics may be required to treat your cat's condition so that they can breathe easier. Humidifiers and steam can help loosen mucus and make nasal breathing easier as your cat recovers.
Other Conditions Which Can Lead To Cats Breathing Heavily
- Anemia, neurologic disorders, trauma, abdominal enlargement, and pain can also cause cats to pant or breathe heavily.
Caring For Your Cat's Long-Term Health
Veterinary care is important if you are concerned about your cat's breathing. After all, when it comes to your cat's health, it's always better to err on the side of caution.
It's also important to remember that treatment is most effective when a condition is diagnosed early, before developing into a more severe health concern. Early treatment could save you money in the long run and may help protect your cat's health.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.