Unlike dogs, which breathe hard and fast when stressed or hot, felines don't have to breathe heavily, and if they do, it's usually a sign of a health problem. So what should I do when my cat is breathing heavily? What to do with a cat breathing too fast or having trouble breathing?

We will tell you more so you can better understand the situation!

WHAT IS A CAT'S NORMAL BREATHING RATE? KNOW IF MY CAT BREATHES STRONGLY?

Like us humans, cats can increase their breathing rate if necessary, for example, if they are exercising.

But once they rest or sleep, their body should return to a normal rhythm.

A cat's average breathing rate should be less than 30 breaths per minute, and anything over 40 breaths should be checked out by an emergency veterinarian.

How to measure your cat's breathing rate:

-make sure your cat is at rest, if possible, sleeping for more than 30 minutes

-count the number of breaths for 30 seconds (a breath is an inspiration and an expiration)

-multiply the result by two, and you will have the breathing rate of your tomcat

-Suppose the result is less than 30, no problem. If it is above 40, consult your veterinarian. Between 30 and 40, repeat the measurement several times during the day, and if the value remains high, call your veterinarian for more advice.

Note: for information, the respiratory rate of a human at rest is less than 20

Note 2: The breathing rate is the same for a male or female cat. If your cat is expecting a litter, do not hesitate to ask your veterinarian.

THE THREE TYPES OF STRONG BREATHING IN CATS

Your cat's heavy breathing can be classified into three categories: dyspnea, tachypnea, and panting. We are going to learn more about each type of heavy breathing.

1- DYSPNEA – LABORIOUS BREATHING | HEAVY OF YOUR CAT

In addition to the apparent difficulty in inhaling and exhaling, cats with dyspnea frequently show various associated clinical signs:

 

-The belly and chest move while breathing.;

-Breathing rate may be noticeably rapid;

-Potentially noisy breathing, sometimes open mouth;

-Head down, body extended forward;

-Symptoms of retching, similar to vomiting.

Risk factors vary depending on the risk factors associated with the condition causing respiratory distress.

 

For example, difficulty breathing due to heart failure tends to affect older cats since they are more prone to this condition. On the other hand, asthma-induced dyspnea can affect cats of all ages, but it can occur more frequently in hot weather and when there is a lot of pollen in the air. Obesity is not a predisposing factor, although respiratory problems may intensify more quickly in overweight cats.

 

The leading causes of heavy breathing are:

 

-Disorders of the trachea, including foreign bodies stuck in the throat, tumors, or an elongated soft palate

-Nasal disorders, including nostrils that are too small, infections, tumors, or bleeding.

-Diseases of the lungs and lower trachea include infections, fluid in the lungs, heartworms, or tumors.

-Chest wall disorders, including physical trauma and paralysis caused by toxins.

-Congestive heart failure.

-Abdominal problems include an enlarged liver, bloating, or fluid buildup.

What should you do if your cat is breathing heavily?

 

There are too many things that can cause respiratory distress. Only a veterinarian is equipped to do a proper examination and perform the basic tests to determine the source of dyspnea and the appropriate treatment. It is, therefore, essential to take your cat to your veterinarian.

2- TACHYPNEA – MY CAT BREATHES QUICKLY AND SUPERFICIALLY

Tachypnea, also called polypnea, is an increased rate of breathing. Unlike dyspnea (a feeling of distress associated with labored breathing), Tachypnea is not necessarily a sign of distress.

Clinical signs of tachypnea:

 

-Rapid, shallow breaths;

-Wheezing;

-Cough;

-Loss of appetite;

-Lack of energy;

-Rapid breathing during sleep.

Possible causes of tachypnea:

 

-Hypoxia (low blood oxygen levels);

-Anemia (decreased number of red blood cells);

-Heart failure;

-Fever: your cat is breathing rapidly in an attempt to cool its body;

-Nervousness – Stress;

What to do if your cat is breathing too fast?

 

If his heart rate remains above 30 during the day, contact your veterinarian urgently.

 

If you think your cat is stressed, we advise you to use a little pheromone (spray or diffuser). You will see it is very effective.

3- PANTING – MY CAT BREATHES QUICKLY WITH ITS MOUTH OPEN

Gasping is, essentially, tachypnea with the mouth open.

Gasping can also indicate severe underlying conditions, including heart and lung disease.

 

It is important to note that rapid breathing with the mouth open can be expected if it does not last during the day and especially if it is consecutive to:

 

- A game, running, or intense excitement such as after the hunt;

- Exposure to high heat;

- Significant stress.

What to do if your cat is breathing too quickly through its mouth?

 

If his heart rate remains above 30 during the day, contact your veterinarian urgently. Also, contact your veterinarian if the problem persists during the day.

 

If you think your cat is stressed, we advise you to use a little pheromone (spray or diffuser). You will see it is very effective.

WHAT SHOULD YOU DO IF MY CAT BREATHES STRONGLY?

In most cases, heavy or overly rapid breathing is a symptom of underlying issues. However, especially if prolonged and accompanied by other symptoms of distress, heavy breathing is a sign that you need to take your cat to the vet.

 

In some cases, it is not necessary to go to the veterinarian. For example, it is usual for cats to breathe temporarily and heavily during exercise or a stressful event. This type of heavy breathing doesn't seem to be painful or painful and should go away within a few minutes.