Why Do Cats Pant?

Let's discuss the common reasons you might catch your cat panting with their tongue out.  

This is a frequently seen cause of panting, and also a very serious one. If it is a hot day and your cat has been out in the sun or overexerted themselves in the heat, they may be suffering from heatstroke. As well as difficulty breathing, you may also notice their eyes are glazed over and they are super sleepy and lethargic. They may vomit and collapse. If you suspect your cat may have heatstroke, immediate action is required, get them to your vet asap.  

Sometimes panting can be a sign of some sort of respiratory issue such as pneumonia, bronchitis, or feline asthma. All of these conditions mean it is difficult for your cat to breathe and they are then forced to pant to get more oxygen. You may also hear a wheeze or cough at the same time. This always requires a trip to your vet to have them checked out.   

If your cat is in severe pain, this can cause them to start panting and breathing faster. Your cat may have been injured or they may be suffering from a generally painful condition.  Usually panting is because they are stressed from the pain they are experiencing. Signs of pain include limping, hissing, hiding, and reduced appetite.  

If your feline friend is anxious or stressed, they may start panting. Potential stressors for cats are slightly different from those we humans are used to. Cats can get stressed by other cats, changes in their environment, or new people in their household, to name a few things.  

Heart disease such as congestive heart failure can cause excessive panting. In congestive heart failure, the heart struggles to pump blood efficiently around the body. It can result in fluid building up around your cat's lungs which makes it difficult for them to breathe properly.  

If your cat has heart disease, you may also notice them coughing and becoming lethargic. 

Your cat may be so excited, that they just can't hide it…literally. Some cats pant due to extreme excitation. This can happen if they have been playing an intense game or if they are excited about being fed a special treat. 

Any sort of respiratory infection can give your cat breathing difficulties and cause them to pant. Infections can be bacterial, viral, or fungal. Viral infections are very common in cats. Unfortunately what often happens is that your feline friend has a virus and then they go on to develop a secondary bacterial infection which makes the situation even worse.  

If your cat is meowing and panting, this can be a sign that they are getting very distressed. They are likely to be in a lot of pain. Pain can cause excessive panting. If the panting is accompanied by other signs of pain such as vocalisation, loss of appetite, or limping, it is very important you get them to your vets as soon as possible in this situation.  

If your cat starts panting in the car, there are two very good reasons for this. The first one is that they are stressed and anxious. Lots of cats do not travel well. They are fully aware that a car ride usually results in a trip to the vet or a stay in a cattery! Cats generally do not enjoy being confined in a small space in an unfamiliar environment. They may become stressed out and start to pant.  

The second reason is that your cat is overheating. Cats keep heat in very well. Your cat can easily become too hot in the car, especially when the weather is warmer. Even if you put the air conditioning on, your cat may not have enough air flowing through their cat carrier to keep them cool enough and they may start to get too hot.   

You may also see your cat panting when they are playing. They may just be very excited and perhaps overexert themselves. This is common in mischievous kittens with lots of energy who love to leap about. If the panting is only mild and settles after they stop playing or have a rest then it is likely to be exertion. This is unlikely to be anything to worry about. Some cats may start panting if they become too stressed when playing. If play with another cat is too rough, or if they are playing a game where they become overstimulated they may start to pant. If this occurs, try to adjust the style of play or introduce different toys.  

 

There are many reasons your feline friend may be panting. Some reasons are behavioural related and some are health issues that need addressing by your vet. If you see your cat panting, the best thing to do is to get them to your vet so that they can give them the help they need.