One of the things we say all the time is that cats are not small dogs. Especially when it comes to mouth breathing.
Dogs pant quite often to release excess heat, show excitement, or cool down after exercise. It’s quite common to see a dog panting. But is it normal to see a cat breathing through the mouth? Cats are an entirely different species, and no – this is not normal.
For example, cats don’t usually pant to cool down when they’re hot. Cats will groom themselves and find a cool spot to regulate their body temperature.
Should Cats Breathe Through The Mouth?
If your cat is breathing through the mouth because they are outside on a very hot day, it’s likely they are already overheated. By the time you see this, they’re already struggling. Check the color of their gums – if they are pale, greyish, or blue, this is an emergency. If the panting stops and gums are pink, you’ll want to take steps to help cool them down.
Sometimes a cat will breathe through their mouth after high-intensity activity, but this should subside a minute or less. And is not usually a cause for panic.
However, if your cat is breathing through the mouth regularly for long periods of time (separate from heat or high-intensity activity), we recommend a vet visit to rule out any medical conditions. Mouth breathing in cats can be a symptom of several serious health conditions, including asthma, heart disease, upper respiratory infections, and even cancer. Extreme stress can also cause mouth breathing.
Normal breathing for an adult cat is 15-30 breaths per minute. It’s always good to familiarize yourself with how to check your cat’s vital signs. Cats are masters at hiding illness.
If you are worried about your cat breathing through the mouth, please take them to the vet for a check-up. Always trust your gut!
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