Why Is Your Cat Panting? (What Can You Do About It?)

Canines pant after playing fetch or engaging in other strenuous exercises but felines don’t tend to share this trait. You don’t normally find cats panting. But when you do, it might be a sign that there is something wrong with your cat’s respiratory system. You need to thoroughly assess the situations and make an appointment with your veterinarian as soon as possible.

Some types of panting are normal in cats. If your cat was doing something that might have made her tired beforehand, the panting can be easily explained and there is no cause for concern. Panting is also normal in the instances where your cat is anxious, stressed, or overheated. If the panting resolves after some time, there is no reason to worry. Cat panting can still be an indication of various serious health conditions and you might still want your veterinarian to examine her unless you’re absolutely sure of the cause.

More often than not, panting is an indication of an underlying medical condition. If your cat’s panting is not caused because by stress, vigorous exercise, or overheating, then she might have a medical condition that’s causing it. There have been many studies over the years that links cat panting to underlying cardiovascular problems. Other diseases that panting can indicate to are bronchial diseases and congenial heart issues. Make sure you contact your vet when you notice your cat panting.

There are numerous health problems that can eventually lead to panting. These are:

• Asthma – It can cause wheezing, panting, coughing, and an increase in your cat’s respiratory rate. Asthma usually occurs when your cat breathes in something that she might be allergic to. The treatment for asthma involves the administration of medications like bronchodilators and corticosteroids.
• Heartworm – Canines are more prone to heartworms than felines. Felines do get it though and it can, in turn, lead to difficulties in breathing. As heartworm is often fatal, it is wise to give your cat heartworm preventative medication on a monthly basis. Treatment of heartworm includes oxygen therapy and an administration of corticosteroids to reduce swelling.
• Respiratory Infection – The number one cause of panting in cats is caused by a difficulty to breathe due to respiratory infections. It can be treated using antibiotics or humidifiers and steam in order to loosen the mucus.
• Congestive Heart Failure – Fluid around and in the lungs usually leads to coughing, rapid breaths, and panting. Treatment includes medications used to get rid of the excess fluid, make heart contractions more forceful, and dilate blood vessels. You can also treat congestive heart failure by draining the fluid that’s around the lungs.

Don’t panic when you see your cat panting. Make a call to your vet and book an appointment. It’s probably nothing serious. If it is, there is usually an easy fix if the problem is caught at an early stage.