Why is my cat panting?

Have you ever noticed your cat panting and wondered if it is cause for concern? Why do cats pant? While panting is a common behaviour in dogs, it can cause cat owners anxiety. The good news is that a cat panting after playing or strenuous exercise is not normally a reason for concern, providing that the breathing returns to normal fairly quickly after resting. We will discuss the reasons why cats pant to help you understand your cat better and provide them with the best care. 

What is cat panting?

It is normal for your cat to pant occasionally as they do not exchange heat (sweat) in the same way that humans do, so panting helps them cool down. If you see your cat panting with their mouth open accompanied by heavy breathing this may be a cause for concern if it is prolonged. Cats only breathe with their mouths open if they are overheated, stressed or suffering from an underlying illness. For example, if your cat is panting and sneezing this could be an upper respiratory infection. 

Panting is a common behaviour among dogs to help regulate their temperature, however, cats do not pant as often as dogs do, so panting means they have already overheated. Cats are very good at self-regulating and will often manage a situation to prevent themselves from reaching the distress of panting.

Normal vs. abnormal panting

Why do cats pant? Vigorous exercise is one of the most common and least concerning reasons why your cat may be panting. Cats panting after playing / overexertion can sometimes happen, particularly if they've been chased or frightened. Cats are normally very good at self-regulating play and exercise before they get exhausted. If your cat is panting after exercise, encourage them to rest so they can calm their breathing. If your pet is panting excessively after play or with no clear trigger, it is time for a check-up at the vet to make sure there are no underlying issues. 

Common causes for why do cats pant?

Overheating

Is your cat panting with their mouth open? Another common reason for cat panting is overheating due to high temperatures in the summer or poor ventilation. Make sure that your cat has access to fresh drinking water, a shaded area during hot weather and decent ventilation. A fan could help too. 

Stress and Anxiety

Stress and anxiety in cats can also lead to panting, this could be triggered by a recent move, unfamiliar visitors, or loud noises. Try to eliminate these stressors by providing a safe and calm environment for your pet with lots of places they can hide or escape to, using cat trees, boxes and cat shelves. Making sure your pet is well socialised can also help if visitors to the home are a trigger, make introductions gradually and use positive reinforcement techniques by rewarding them with their favourite treat after any positive behaviour. 

Health Problems

Why do cats pant while lying down? Various health problems can cause panting, such as respiratory infections, heart disease (especially in older cats) and asthma. 

Excessive panting in cats could be a sign of asthma or allergies. Asthma is a condition diagnosed in cats. It causes inflammation of the lungs and painful bouts of coughing but can be managed with medication prescribed by your vet. 

Respiratory illness and infections can cause symptoms of panting alongside sneezing, coughing, a runny nose, loss of appetite, lethargy and fever. These health issues affect cats just like colds and flu affect humans and they will be feeling under the weather. You should schedule a trip to your vet if you think your cat is suffering from a respiratory illness.

In more extreme cases, sudden and severe panting could be a sign of worsening heart disease in cats. If you are concerned about symptoms of heart failure always make an appointment with your vet. 

When is a cat panting an emergency?

If you find your cat suddenly struggling to breathe or panting excessively, it is important to check them over from head to tail, looking for any signs of injury. Sadly a common cause of respiratory distress in cats is trauma, such as being hit by a car or after being injured by another animal. These are emergencies and a vet should be contacted immediately.

If your cat has been panting for longer than 5 minutes with no obvious trigger (such as obesity), it could be an emergency. Other dangerous symptoms to look out for include blue gums. If your cat has collapsed or is also showing signs of extreme lethargy it is also an emergency and you should ring the emergency vet immediately. 

Despite the gravity of the situation, try to keep calm in order to keep your cat calm while you seek immediate veterinary help.

Conclusion

Some cat panting is normal and to be expected on hot days or after lots of play. You should contact your vet if your cat pants excessively for prolonged periods, especially if they are a senior cat. If you monitor your cats' panting and suspect that they may have an illness, heatstroke, pain or that they are suffering from asthma/allergies you should contact your vet as soon as possible for a check-up. 

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Why Is My Cat Panting with His Mouth Open?

It is normal for your cat to pant occasionally, as they do not exchange heat (sweat) the way humans do, so panting helps them cool down. For example, cats panting a little after playing is fine. However panting is not a common behaviour in cats so it does require more vigilance. If your cat is panting with their mouth wide open, it is usually a sign your cat is overheated, stressed or suffering from an underlying illness, trauma or injury. Monitor them for any further symptoms. Cats panting a little after playing is normal. 

Why Is My Cat Panting When It Isn't Hot?

Stress and anxiety in cats can also lead to panting, this could be triggered by a whole host of reasons including fear, a recent move, unfamiliar visitors, or loud noises. Various health problems can also cause panting in cats, such as respiratory infections, heart disease, and asthma. Be wary of it and monitor your cat for any other symptoms. 

Why Is My Cat Panting While Laying Down?

If your cat is lying down and panting, it could point to respiratory problems. Cats pant when they are stressed, after strenuous exercise, or during hot weather. Panting can also be caused by underlying health conditions, trauma or injury. We suggest booking an appointment with your vet for a check-up if your pet is panting after laying down for long periods of time with no obvious trigger, for example, excessive play.