What Does Cat Panting Look Like?
Cat panting can be easily recognized. Keep an eye open for these identifying factors:
Your cat is breathing with an open mouth
Your cat’s breathing sounds labored
The Difference Between Normal and Abnormal Cat Panting
Normal Panting
In some cases, it is normal for your cat to pant. For example, you might notice your cat panting after rigorous exercise. Other causes could be stress or anxiety usually brought on by stressful events such as vet visits, introduction to new animals, or moving. Some cat breeds are more susceptible to panting episodes due to their lower tolerance for heat. These breeds include Maine Coons, Himalayans, Persians, and others.
Abormal Panting
There are also many cases in which cat panting would be abnormal. These scenarios include if they are panting and:
Have not gone through any recent stressful event
Are not in a hot environment
Are not tired from exercise
Monitor your cat for any additional symptoms such as:
A bright red tongue
Heavy drooling
Weakness/lethargy
Diarrhea
Vomiting
Bleeding from the nose
These symptoms indicate that your cat could be experiencing heatstroke.
What To Do If Your Cat Has Heat Stroke
Overheating is a common cause of cat panting. However, overheating can eventually lead to heatstroke, which occurs when the cat’s body can no longer regulate its body temperature. If you notice your cat suffering from heatstroke, follow these steps:
Move your cat to a colder location
This could be inside an air-conditioned house, onto a cold tile floor, in the shade, or in a slightly wet area.
Moisten your cat’s ears and feet with a cool wet towel or spray fur with cool water
Refrain from using ice-cold water as this could worsen the problem.
Call your vet or bring your cat to the closest emergency veterinary hospital
What Else Can Cause a Cat to Pant?
Problems in the Heart or Blood
Cardiovascular disease
Treatments include surgery, medication, and lifestyle changes.
Congestive heart failure
Treatments include surgery, medication, or a combination of both.
Congenital heart disease
Treatments include surgery, medication, and lifestyle changes.
Heartworm
Treatments include Corticosteroid medications and supportive care.
Anemia
Treatments include blood transfusions, medications, surgery, or a combination of these.
Problems in the Lungs
Asthma
Treatments include Corticosteroid or Bronchodilator medications.
Respiratory infections
Treatments include antibiotics or the use of humidifiers or steamers.
Pneumonia
Treatments include oxygen therapy, nebulizer treatment, intravenous fluid therapy, antibiotics, or a combination of these.
Other Conditions
Extreme pain
Treatments vary depending on the underlying cause of the pain.
Fluid build-up
reatments include surgery to drain the fluid.
Tumors/cancer
Treatments vary depending on the type and severity of the tumor/cancer.
What to Remember
While cat panting is fairly common it is important to remember warning signs of abnormal panting and to call your vet.
Resources
“Animal Emergency Center.” What To Do If Your Cat Is Breathing Heavily | Animal Emergency Center | Memphis Emergency Veterinarian,
Editorial, PetMD. “Cat Panting: Why It Happens and What to Do About It.” PetMD, PetMD, 8 Sept. 2017,
“Heatstroke and Hyperthermia in Cats and Dogs.” RSPCA Pet Insurance, www.rspcapetinsurance.org.au/pet-care/health/heatstroke-hyperthermia.
LLC, Aquanta. “Panting in Cats: What Does It Mean?”
“My Cat Is Panting. What Should I Do?” Gallant, 8 Feb. 2021
“Why Is My Cat Panting?” Greencross Vets
ASPCA Pet Insurance. “Cat Pneumonia: Know the Causes, Signs, and Treatment.” Pet Insurance Coverage, ASPCA Pet Insurance, 13 Jan. 2020, www.aspcapetinsurance.com/resources/cat-pneumonia/.
Cats, Anemia in, et al. “Anemia in Cats.” vca_corporate, vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/anemia-in-cats.
