Hey there, fellow cat lover! If you’re anything like me, you probably keep a close eye on your furry friend.
So when I noticed my cat breathing fast, I got a little worried. Is it normal? Should I call the vet? After doing a lot of research (and talking to my vet), I learned a lot about this topic.
Let me share what I found so you can understand what’s going on with your cat, too!
What’s Normal Breathing for a Cat?
A healthy cat breathes 15 to 30 times per minute while resting. If your cat is breathing faster than that, it might be a sign of something going on.
Here’s how I check my cat’s breathing rate:
- I watch my cat’s chest rise and fall. Each rise and fall is one breath.
- I set a timer for 60 seconds and count the breaths.
- If I don’t want to wait a full minute, I count for 15 seconds and multiply by 4.
- If it’s over 30 breaths per minute while resting, I pay close attention for other symptoms.
Why Might My Cat Be Breathing Fast?
There are a few reasons, and some are completely normal, while others require a trip to the vet.
1. Normal Reasons (Nothing to Worry About!)
Sometimes, my cat breathes fast, but it’s nothing serious. These are the most common harmless reasons:
- After playing – Just like us, cats breathe faster after running around.
- When scared or excited – A stressful situation (like a loud noise) can make their breathing speed up.
- When they’re hot – Though rare, cats can pant a little if they overheat.
2. Medical Reasons (Might Need a Vet Visit)
But sometimes, fast breathing is a warning sign. Here are some medical reasons my vet told me to watch for:
| Condition | Symptoms | What I Do? |
|---|---|---|
| Respiratory Infection | Sneezing, coughing, runny nose, watery eyes | Take to vet for antibiotics |
| Asthma | Wheezing, coughing, trouble breathing | Vet may give inhalers or medicine |
| Heart Disease | Weakness, blue gums, collapse | Emergency vet visit required |
| Pain or Injury | Hiding, limping, not eating | Check for injuries and call vet |
| Anemia (low red blood cells) | Pale gums, tiredness, weakness | Blood test at the vet |
| Fluid in Lungs (Pleural Effusion) | Open-mouth breathing, struggling to breathe | Emergency vet visit |
When Should I Worry?
If I ever see any of these signs, I don’t wait—I call my vet right away:
- Open-mouth breathing (cats do NOT pant like dogs!)
- More than 30 breaths per minute while resting
- Noisy breathing (wheezing, coughing, struggling to get air)
- Flared nostrils or heavy belly movement when breathing
- Acting weak, hiding, or not eating
What Will the Vet Do?
If I take my cat to the vet, here’s what usually happens:
- The vet listens to my cat’s lungs and heart.
- They take X-rays to see inside the chest.
- Blood tests check for infections or anemia.
- Oxygen therapy is given if my cat is really struggling.
- The right treatment is given based on the cause—whether it’s medicine, fluids, or something else.
How I Keep My Cat’s Breathing Healthy
Since I don’t want to deal with breathing problems, here’s what I do to help my cat stay healthy:
✔ I keep my home clean – Dust and smoke can make breathing worse.
✔ I avoid strong smells – No strong perfumes, candles, or air fresheners.
✔ I take my cat for regular vet check-ups – Catch problems early!
✔ I help my cat stay at a healthy weight – Overweight cats have a harder time breathing.
✔ I watch for allergies – Some cats react to dust, pollen, or food.
Final Thoughts
So, if I see my cat breathing fast, I check if they were just playing or excited. If they’re calm but still breathing quickly—or struggling to breathe—I don’t wait.
I call my vet. Breathing is so important, and I’d rather be safe than sorry!
I hope this helped! If you found this useful, share it with other cat lovers.
