Seeing a dog panting is not uncommon. However, a cat panting can be a huge concern for the cat owner. For panting in cats is not a common behavior and may indicate a serious issue with your cat. Of course, there may be nothing to be worried about in many cases, but in certain special cases, it can be a huge case for concern.
Cats panting is not a common scene. However, your cat may begin to pant when it is anxious, stressed out, or feels very overheated. Any strenuous exercise may also be a cause for the heavy panting in cats. If panting happens a lot with no apparent reason, you may need to consult a vet to rule out the possibility of any disease.
Why Does a Cat Pant?
There can be several reasons that can make a cat to pant. if you find your cat panting rarely after a strenuous exercise or a lot of time in the hot sun, it may not necessarily be a cause for concern. However, if it tends to be much incessant, you will need to take an appropriate action to find the causes and take actions to fix them.
Cats do not pant like dogs to cool them off. However, they may pant when they are indulging in heavy activities or play.
Excessive heat
One of the common reasons that may make your cat to pant is the heavy heat or warmth in the body. Even when cats do not need to pant like dogs to cool their bodies off, they do pant as a means to cool their body and ease the body temperature. If you are experiencing a heavily hot weather, your cat may show a panting behavior.
Pain
Cats may also pant when they are in pain. Imagine what we do when we are in pain. We get an increased heartbeat and sweat. But, cats cannot sweat, so they need to pant to dissipate the heat generated by the increased heartbeat. If you notice your cat beginning to pant all of a sudden, look for the signs of pain if any. If there are any inner wounds or pain, your cat may be defensive about some part of her body.
Respiratory illnesses
Any kind of respiratory illness can cause your cat to pant. Respiratory illnesses can cause a stuffed nose, difficulty breathing, and other similar issues in your cat, just like they do in humans. When your cat finds it difficult to breathe, it will begin to pant.
Asthma
Asthma is a very common illness found in cats. It can result in lung inflammation and can make your cat find it difficult to breathe. This heavy breathing can make the cat pant. If you are unsure of whether your cat has an asthma attack, make sure to take your cat to the vet immediately.
Heart problems
The congenital heart problems are quite common in cats, and even in kittens. These heart issues can show themselves in the form of panting most of the time. In many cases, the signs may not show until the disease has progressed to an increased level. Some of the most common causes of congenital heart failure can include panting, rapid breathing, and blue-tinged or pale gums.
Stress or trauma
Stress or trauma can be yet another possible cause for panting in cats. If you have ruled out all the other reasons for panting, and still wondering why is your cat panting, stress and anxiety can be a major concern. If your cat experiences an abusive situation, it may begin painting.
Heartworm
Heartworms are the parasites that affect the heart and lungs of your cat. It can cause the issues such as Heartworm Associated Respiratory Disease (HARD). It can result in making your cat to pant, wheeze, or cough. Some of the reasons that you may come across can include any panting, including lethargy, hiding, lack of appetite, as well as wheezing, coughing, or other signs of respiratory distress.
Why is My Cat Panting in the Car?
When the cats get hot or when their body temperature increases, they do not sweat as we humans do. In such a case, they need to pant to cool them off. If you find your cat is panting too much in the car, it can be due to the stress and anxiety due to travel.
When the cats enjoy having their own category around them. When they are put in a new environment, like a car, they can get stressed out. The changes in the outside environment can further create issues with their psyche. This can make them lose their cool and begin panting due to stress.
The best way to help your cat avoid panting when traveling in a car is to let them investigate the surroundings. You can also consider treating the cat with some spray or cat nip to keep it calm during the travel.
Why Does My Cat Pant After Being Outside?
Cats – just like dogs can pant when they exercise too much. If your cat has been exploring outside and begins panting soon after entering your home, it can be due to heat exhaustion. This is something that you need not worry about. It is something your cat is doing to regulate its body temperature.
Since cats do not sweat, they need to pant to help themselves cool down. As soon as their body temperature is back to normal, they will stop panting. If it does not stop for a long time, maybe it is time you need to consult your vet.
What Does Cat Panting Look Like?
Panting in cats looks similar to panting in dogs. The panting is typically a symptom observed in dogs, but you are likely to find the same with the cats as well in some exceptional cases. There are a few salient differences when it comes to panting in cats.
- Cat’s mouth tends to be slightly open. Maybe a little wide at times
- Their tongue is partially out
- They take short breaths in and out.
- They may be wide eyed.
- The facial expression is stressed out and relaxed.
When is Cat Panting Normal?
There are several cases where panting in cats may be normal. Here are the conditions when panting in cats can be considered normal.
Overexertion
In a similar way as physical exertion can cause you to pant, you will find your cat panting when running, chasing something, playing, and exerting in something. Offering a calming atmosphere should be the best option to help you in helping your cat to cool down.
Stress, Anxiety, or Emotional Trauma
Just like us, cats too react to the external effects. It can be triggered by the events, triggers, and environmental changes. It is always important to understand what is triggering the stress and anxiety in your cats. Once you have identified it, you can take the right action to address it.
Exposure to stress for a prolonged period can pose a serious concern for the health of your cat. Some of the other signs of panting due to anxiety and stress can include shaking, vocalization, hiding, and bathroom accidents.
Overheating
Dogs begin panting as soon as they are overheated. But, cats cannot do it. If they are overheated, they are already heated up too much. You may need to take action to cool them up immediately.
You can bring your cat to a cool location to help them cool up. Provide them with enough cool water – make sure that you are feeding cold water to your cat. You can also apply room-temperature water to the fur and skin of your cat.
The Concluding Thoughts
As a pet parent, it is always essential to focus on making the life comfortable for your cat. If your cat is panting for some reason, make sure to identify the exact cause of the issues and address them. Occasional panting may not be an issue and can be addressed very easily enough. However, do remember that panting in cats may also be due to the health issues.
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