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Most pet owners don’t expect their cat to pant and seeing it can raise suspicions that something is wrong. Cats pant from time to time, but this is not normal for them. Cats and kittens that are stressed, sweaty, or exhausted from physical activity are more likely to show signs of panting than those that are not stressed. Once they have had a chance to cool off or relax, the panting should subside.
Some health issues can cause your cat or kitten to pant, so it’s important to keep an eye on their behavior.
Does a Cat Pant While Playing?
Cats will pant after play if they are nervous, if they are overly hot, or if they have had surgery for an illness. Panting is usually a sign that your cat is not feeling well.
Panting can be uncommon but is not usually dangerous. If you notice your cat acting strangely, don’t hesitate to call your vet immediately.
What does it look like and what does it sound like when a cat pants?
Cat panting can look similar to dog panting, but it’s not nearly as common.
Small, shallow breaths come out of your cat or kitten’s mouth while the tongue is partially out. If your cat is concerned about what’s going on around her, she may lie down, but if not, she may be alert and upright.
For What Purpose Do Cats Pant?
Because of their very efficient anatomy, cats rarely use their mouths to breathe. For this reason, it is well known that a cat’s panting indicates that something is wrong. Determine if the panting has a “normal” origin or if it’s being triggered by an underlying health issue that needs to be addressed.
Cats Pant for What Reason?
There are many reasons that can trigger an asthma attack.
Asthma is long-term inflammation of the lungs, and cats are particularly susceptible to the condition. Feline asthma shares many of the same factors as human asthma, including stress and allergies. During an asthma attack caused by any of these triggers, you may notice coughing, wheezing, panting, or an increased breathing rate.
For more information on the symptoms, causes, and treatment options for feline asthma, see our guide.
Heartworm
Small parasites called heartworms can attack your cat or kitten’s heart and lungs. Heartworm-associated respiratory disease can cause your cat to cough, gasp, or pant because of these tiny parasites.
In the case of heartworm or HARD infection, it is important to watch out for other symptoms such as lethargy, hiding, loss of appetite, wheezing, coughing, or other signs of shortness of breath.
Diseases of the Heart
Cats and kittens can have heart abnormalities that go unnoticed because they are so common. Depending on the type of heart disease, your cat may not show any symptoms until the disease has progressed to the point where it becomes an urgent problem.
The fluid that builds up around the lungs due to heart failure can reduce lung capacity and limit oxygen uptake.
Symptoms of congestive heart failure include panting, rapid breathing, and blue or pale gums. Because the situation can quickly get out of control, it is important to get veterinary help right away or contact your veterinarian.
Infection of the lungs
Upper respiratory tract infections (sometimes referred to as feline flu) are particularly common in cats and kittens. Symptoms similar to those of a cold appear, such as wheezing, sneezing, and panting.
The sooner you get treatment, the better the success. If you observe any of these signs, you should see your vet immediately.
Anemia
Oxygen is carried throughout the body by the red blood cells. Lack of oxygen can cause your cat to pant, breathe quickly or heavily, and become exhausted. There are five or six
Stress or trauma
Stress and emotional trauma affect different cats and kittens differently. Anxiety and stress can lead to physical reactions such as shaking or crying. 7 Depending on the cause of the trauma, these symptoms disappear when the trigger is removed or you can calm your cat or kitten. They may need special care if they have been subjected to abuse or neglect as a result of their upbringing.
Pains
Pain in cats and kittens can take many different forms as they are good at hiding their discomfort as a protective mechanism. Panting can be an indication that your cat is in pain. Your cat may need medical attention if panting is accompanied by other signs such as aggression, palpitations, excessive vocalization, changes in mobility, or changes in eating habits.