Why Is My Cat Panting Hard

Panting can be a normal response in cats that are overheated stressed and anxious or after strenuous exercise says dr.

Why is my cat panting hard. Persistent cat panting might signal a breathing issue or heart problem. If you think your cat is panting because he is hot watch for symptoms of heat stroke. Often the cat will stand or crouch with his elbows bent away from his chest and with head and neck stretched out. Cat breathing hard so as weve seen there are many reasons why a cat might breathe heavily or appear to pant.

Bright red tongue or gums vomiting or lethargy can all indicate your cat is suffering from heat stress. Work to cool him off immediately. It is unusual to see a cat pant or breathing heavy but it does occur when a cat is having respiratory distress dyspnea. In such cases a cat usually returns to normal after some time and does not require any medical attention.

By videoscats in cats normal breathing rhythm should be smooth and unlaboured. Sometimes cat panting is normal and not a reason to be concerned especially if you know what kind of activity your cat was involved in immediately beforehand. Cats may pant as the result of anxiety fever hot weather or excessive exercise but that is rare. A panting cat does not look that different from a panting dog.

If this is the case the panting will begin once the cat is in the carrier or the car and will end once the cat has had some time to settle back in at home. When diseases or bacteria reduce the amount of oxygen in the blood this can trigger panting as the cat is over compensating to get more oxygen into its system. Elizabeth cottrell dvm a veterinarian at the cat hospital at towson in maryland. If your cat is playing hard especially in the heat they may be panting as a way to cool down.

This is particularly likely on car rides as many cats find them to be incredibly stressful. Hematological or blood problems can cause panting. Panting is usually just a sign of overheating or excitement whether from playing too hard or from stress and excitement for example a veterinary visit like you said the fact that your cats do this only after playing or when anxious certainly makes it sound like a case of simple panting and not something more serious. There are a number of reasons that a cat may be panting.

Severe anemia can cause this as well as carbon monoxide poisoning. Sometimes it is a normal short lived reaction to exercise or stress. Panting is usually a sign that something isnt right with your cat. A hard time breathing is another reason why a cat might pant or breathe heavily.