Cats, like dogs, are able to pant but, unlike dogs, felines do not do it to regulate their temperature. panting is a heavy, excessive, and labored breathing which, in cats, can be caused by totally normal and natural issues or by serious illnesses.
Cats breathe through their noses, so it is not very common for them to gasp. To know what are the reasons Why your cat is panting can save you more than one scare, as it may be for a specific reason or because it is suffering from some type of specific pathology, shown by this panting.
Below, we explain the reasons why a cat may pant and what can be done if your cat’s panting is not punctual.
Why do cats pant?
Panting in cats, if they are sporadic, usually happen due to physiological reasonsthe most common being the following:
- Exercise or excitement: There are some cats, such as small ones, older ones and the most active ones, that pant after intense physical exertion, since, when exercising, the heart rate increases, breathing quickens and the cat begins to pant.
- Fear: Fear increases cats’ heart rate in the same way as exercise, speeding up their breathing and causing them to pant.
- High temperatures: Cats tolerate temperatures between 17 and 30 degrees quite well. Having no sweat glands, a temperature above 30 degrees will cause their body temperature to rise, thus triggering panting to try to lose heat through evaporation. The hotter the cat is, the more he will pant, so keep a bowl of cool water nearby or lower his temperature with wet towels or wipes to avoid possible heat stroke.
- Cats during childbirth: Due to the effort and exhaustion of childbirth, it is normal for cats to end up panting, even hours after delivery. If the panting lasts for days, it is best to go to a veterinarian, as there may have been complications during delivery.
Why is my cat sticking out its tongue and panting?
If your cat’s panting does not correspond to the causes mentioned above, it is likely that he has some more serious problem What a vet should know
Among respiratory diseases, the one with panting as the most common symptom is feline asthma, inflammation of the pulmonary bronchi that cause them to contract to prevent the entry of foreign substances. Another respiratory disease that causes panting in cats is pleural effusionaccumulation of fluid in the space between the lung and the pleura.
Panting is also a sign associated with severe anemiathe diaphragmatic hernia wave congestive heart failureas well as other heart diseases. The toxic plants for cats, some medicines and certain foods They can cause poisoning that translates into respiratory difficulties for which they end up gasping.
Remember that, before any unknown symptom of panting in your cat, you should take it to the vet as soon as possible, who will tell you what may be happening and what is the best way to solve it.
My cat is panting in the car, what can I do?
The car trips they can be seen as activities outside of your usual environment, which can make you feel insecure, uncomfortable or fearful, which can cause you to wheeze.
Preventing your cat from panting due to car travel is not very complicated, having to follow a series of guidelines to avoid having such a bad time:
- Avoid high temperatures inside the car opening the windows or putting the air-conditioning. We have already seen that cats pant when temperatures rise above 30 degrees, and the car is a place where temperatures are even higher than outdoors.
- Make sure your cat is well hydrated giving him water to drink regularly and cool him down by putting a wet towel.
- make several stops to entertain your cat with his toys and thus distract him. If he’s loose in the car, make sure he’s wearing a specific harness for cats in cars try entertain him as you can or caress him so he knows you’re by his side.
- The days before the trip, get used to the carrier so you don’t get scared and know what it’s about. Let her sniff it and tuck her toys and blanket inside her to make it easier for her to trust.
- uses cat pheromones so that you feel safer and more confident during the car journey.
- Do not forget visit the vet before your trip to advise you on what may be best for your cat when traveling and thus avoid scares and problems.
What can I do if my cat is panting a lot?
Knowing if your cat’s panting is physiological or pathological is important to fully understand what to do in your specific case. If it is for a specific and specific issue, such as exercise, stress or a visit to the vet, you must take into account a series of steps to reassure your cat and so stop panting:
- stay hydrated your cat, especially during high temperatures.
- don’t let him eat toxic plants or substances.
- Don’t let it gain weight. The obesity and overweight they can make illnesses worse and cause your cat to pant more.
- Talk it over with your vet if it doesn’t seem like the reason your cat is panting is punctual.
You already know some of the reasons why your cat won’t stop panting. Remember to visit your vet if his panting is for no apparent reason or if his condition gets worse and worse.
venomoussnakes has allowed me for years to work on what I am most passionate about: the animal world. I combine my work collaborating as a volunteer in protectors, sanctuaries, reserves and any related event or activity. I have done various seminars and courses related to canine education, birds, primatology and a long etcetera. I enjoy learning every day from these incredible colleagues with whom we are lucky enough to live.