Are you asking yourself the question ‘Why is my cat panting? – We are going to be sharing the reasons why cats do this.
Cats are known for their grace and composure, which can make it all the more concerning when you notice that your cat is panting like a dog. While more commonly seen in their canine counterparts, there are several reasons why your cat might be panting, ranging from a harmless way to stay cool to more serious medical conditions.
But fear not! All of the possible reasons to explain why your cat is panting are listed below.
Possible Reasons Why Your Cat is Panting
Overexertion from exercise
One of the least concerning reasons why your cat is panting is because they need to catch their breath after exercising. Especially with high energy breeds or younger cats sprinting around your home, sometimes cats can pant like a dog in order to cool their bodies down faster.
For cats who have a high prey drive and like to hunt, panting may be a more common experience to help cool themselves down after a high intensity hunting session, even if it’s just a prolonged set of the zoomies!
If you notice that your cat is panting regularly after intense play sessions, make sure they have access to plenty of fresh water and a cool, well-ventilated environment. It is essential to make sure they are able to cool themselves down. If you find that your cat is panting regularly from excessive exercise, it may be to their benefit to check with your veterinarian to make sure they are not hurting themselves from overexertion.
Overheating in Hot Climates
While cats are generally more tolerant of higher temperatures than dogs, cats can still become overheated and start panting, especially in climates that tend to experience extreme heat and humidity. One of the ways cats cool down if they are unable to rest in a cooler environment is by panting. When cats pant, it allows them to cool their internal temperature down and avoid developing heat stroke.
If you and your cat live in a hot environment and you notice your cat is panting regularly, consider helping them cool down by making some environmental changes. Make sure your cat has access to shaded, cool areas and always make sure they have access to plenty of fresh water. If you are leaving your cat at home during the day, set the thermostat to make sure your home is unable to reach dangerous temperatures for your cat while you are away. Cat cooling mats are also a good aid for helping to keep your cat cool.
And of course, never leave your cat in a parked car, even if you think they will be fine in the shade. It only takes a few minutes for the internal temperature of a car to reach dangerous and deadly temperatures!
Stress and Anxiety
Some cats are more sensitive than others when it comes to changes in their routine or environment. While some cats can show signs of stress through gastrointestinal distress, many cats will showcase their stress through panting. This is similar to humans hyperventilating during an anxiety attack.
Common stressors for cats include car rides, being at the veterinary clinic, frequent loud noises, or the addition of a new pet or baby.
A cat that is very stressed will also want to hide, groom excessively and have dilated pupils as well as exhibit panting. Occasionally, they may also howl or vocalise to express their distress. In order to alleviate this stress, it is important to identify the cause of your cat’s stress and do your best to mitigate it. Your veterinarian will be able to provide insight into helping your cat’s anxiety. We always recommend the use of Feliway as a starting point.
Obesity
Given that over 75% of domesticated pets are overweight, it is no surprise that a cat who is obese would have some medical problems.
When cats gain weight, they tend to carry most of it around their chest, right where their lungs are. This means that an obese cat would need to work even harder to expand their heavy chest and fill their lungs with oxygen. For some cats who are obese, this task is just too hard, and they may resort to panting in order to get enough oxygen into their lungs.
If your cat is overweight and has been panting, consider speaking with your veterinarian to set up a weight management plan to help your cat reach a healthy weight. Obesity in animals can come with many other health concerns, such as diabetes, so it is important to work with your veterinarian to formulate a plan for your cat to safely reach a healthy weight.
Respiratory Illness
Occasionally a cat can end up with a respiratory illness, such as a respiratory infection or asthma, that can result in your cat panting. While respiratory illnesses are able to be treated by a veterinarian with medication, it’s important to be able to spot when panting becomes a more serious issue.
If your cat is panting and their gums or tongue have a purple-ish or blue-ish tint instead of pink, this is a medical emergency and you should immediately bring your cat to the nearest emergency veterinary hospital. The emergency veterinarian will be able to triage your cat and treat them to the best of their ability.
Has your cats panting also been related to weight loss?
Heart Disease
For some cats, panting may be one of the first signs of a heart condition that needs to be diagnosed and treated. When panting is paired with regular coughing, it can be a sign of something more serious in your cat, such as congestive heart failure or heartworms. When a cat has congestive heart failure, fluid builds up around the heart and lungs, making it harder for the cat to breathe. This is why you might see the cat coughing as well as panting.
For a cat who is panting and coughing, especially if they are also more lethargic than normal, it is important to schedule an appointment with your veterinarian as soon as you can. They will be able to diagnose the problem and recommend a treatment plan to help your cat feel better as soon as they can.
Anemia
Red blood cells are the vehicle that carry oxygen to the lungs, so when the body is not producing enough red blood cells, it means the cat is not receiving enough oxygen to the rest of the body. This could be the reason why your cat is panting, especially if it is paired with heavy breathing and tiring very easily.
The good news is that this is easily diagnosed with a blood test called a Cell Body Count, or a CBC. If you are concerned about your cat panting, schedule an appointment with your veterinarian and they will be able to help diagnose why this is occurring.
While many of these possible explanations may seem over-the-top, it is important to pay attention to your cat’s overall behaviours and when they start acting differently from their normal routine. Regular veterinary check-ups, a well-balanced diet, a stress-free environment, and proper exercise can go a long way in ensuring your cat’s health and well-being.
Remember that your veterinarian is the best source of advice when it comes to understanding and addressing your cat’s specific needs and concerns, but you are their biggest advocate!
The next time your cat starts panting, remember this list and feel empowered to take action to keep your cat happy and healthy.