Cat Breathing Fast But Otherwise Normal - Causes and Solutions

As a pet parent to a cat, you know those little moments of panic when something doesn't seem right with your feline friend. One of the most alarming symptoms I have seen is rapid breathing in a cat who is otherwise acting normally. It is disconcerting to see your cat's sides panting fast when they seem fine in all other respects.

You are not alone if you have been in this position, uncertain whether to rush to the emergency vet or wait it out. Let's start with an overview of normal and potentially abnormal fast breathing in cats in this all-encompassing guide.

What Is Considered Fast Breathing in Cats?

Before you freak out about your cat's breathing rate, realize there is a difference between what is normal and something serious. Cats normally breathe 20-30 times per minute while at rest. This is hard to monitor, as relaxed cats breathe so subtly.

To measure your cat's respiratory rate:

• Observe your cat when they appears at peace.
• Count the breaths for 15 seconds.
• Multiply that number by 4 to get breaths per minute.

If your cat is breathing more than 40 times per minute when resting, or if he/she is breathing rapidly for an extended period, these are all signs your cat could be reeling. In that case, they could be suffering from what respiratory therapists refer to as tachypnea (rapid breathing), and that would be concerning.

Cats will breathe even more slowly when asleep, around 16-20 times per minute. Kittens usually have a quicker respiratory rate than an adult, and this is not abnormal, as a kitten’s metabolism is faster.

Signs of Fast Breathing in Cats

Rapid breathing is not always readily apparent, particularly in cats, who are experts at disguising discomfort. Here are the signals I have learned to look for:

• Visible upward and downward motion of the belly/chest area
• Open-mouthed breathing (panting)
• Flared nostrils with each intake of air
• Extended neck while breathing
• Over the chest/abdomen. Pushing and pulling of the chest/abdomen.
• Labored or effortful breathing
• Bluish coloring to lips, mouth, or tongue (a severe emergency)

Differentiating rapid breathing from purring can be particularly tricky, as the rhythmic action can appear the same. For a better baseline, I have learned to look at my cat when I know that they are not purring and might be distracted by a noise or toy.

Common Causes of Rapid Breathing in an Otherwise Healthy Cat

There are many reasons why your cat may be breathing rapidly, yet otherwise acting as if everything is fine.

Physical Activity or Recent Play

Cats, like yours, will breathe faster during exertion. If your cat has recently been running around the house chasing toys or scaling the heights of their cat tree, their increased breathing rate is probably a normal reaction to increased activity.

It has been particularly noticeable with your young cats, who will engage in a hyperactive frenzy for 20 minutes and then flop down, still panting, yet looking perfectly content. In these situations, breathing normally returns after 5-10 minutes. I only start worrying when the rapid breathing continues long after playtime.

Heat or Environmental Stress

Cats control their body temperature differently from humans. As we sweat, a cat's primary way to cool down is to breathe faster. If your home is warm or your cat is sunbathing, some rapid breaths may be your cat's cooling system at work.

Some signs that your cat is overheated are

• Looking for cool surfaces (like tile floors)
• Grooming more often (drying saliva cools them off)
• Decreased activity
• Slight open-mouth breather

Especially during warmer months, it is going to be very important to have your screened cat enclosure in an area with shade and plenty of fresh water for your cats.

Anxiety or Fear

Cats are sensitive animals, and stress can cause them to breathe quickly. Common stressors include:

• New environments
• Unfamiliar people or animals
• Noisy environments (storming, construction, etc.)
• Travel
• Changes to their routine

Providing safe places that your cat can escape to and using pheromones like Feliway can help manage stress-induced rapid breathing.

Respiratory Infections or Asthma

Cats commonly get upper respiratory infections, and they can cause a high breathing rate before any other symptoms are seen. Early signs may include:

• Slightly faster breathing
• Occasional sneezing
• Mild nasal discharge
• Decreased appetite

A new survey looking at disease in the USA's pet cats has found that a substantial proportion of felines may have undiagnosed asthma, and that many cats with the condition. The findings suggest that cats are struggling to breathe and that further research could help us better understand the 1-5% of the population.  

Symptoms of cat asthma. Some signs of feline asthma are

• Episodic wheezing
• Coughing (commonly mistaken for hairballs)
• Breathlessness on and off
• Working harder to get air in during flare-ups

If you suspect the issue is respiratory, paying attention to what your cat's breath sounds like, depending on the environment, and noting any patterns can give your vet important information.

Heart Problems or Hypertension

Heart disease in cats may evade notice until it becomes quite advanced. Rapid breathing could be one of the earliest identifiable signs, emerging before more common symptoms.

In my older cat, the very first sign of impending heart disease was a subtle increase in his breathing rate. So, it is important to listen for slight changes in respiration as early warning signs since cats are instinctively driven to hide illnesses.

Other possible symptoms of heart problems might include

• Breathing faster when resting
• Low levels of tolerance for play or activity
• Very subtle coughing
• Decreased appetite

Anemia or Blood Oxygen Deficiency

Heart disease needs to be diagnosed and managed by a veterinarian, so any unexplained change in breathing patterns deserves a look-see, particularly in cats over 7 years old. When cats have too few healthy red blood cells to transport oxygen efficiently, their bodies respond by breathing more rapidly. Anemia may occur slowly from different causes:

• Fleas (blood loss)
• Kidney disease
• Autoimmune conditions
• Certain infections
• Cancer

Other symptoms that may indicate anemia are

• Pale gums
• Lethargy
• Weakness
• Reduced appetite
• Increased sleeping

We once fostered a cat brought in with a bad flea infestation. His fast breathing was due to anemia from the volume of blood he would lose. His respiration also became normal after treatment and recovery.

Internal Pain or Discomfort

Cats are notorious for concealing pain, but an elevated respiratory rate is a subtle tell that something is painful. Conditions like

• Bladder inflammation
• Arthritis
• Dental pain
• Gastrointestinal issues
• Internal injuries

These can result in rapid breathing, even if your cat seems normal. This is why rare, fast breathing, even without any other apparent issues, is always worth looking into.

Solution for Fast Breathing in Cats

What do you do if you notice your cat breathing fast? If you see your cat breathing heavily but behaving completely fine, here are some of the steps I recommend.

Evaluate the situation and activity in your area.

First, consider the context:

• Has your cat been simply playing with them?
• Is the room unusually hot?
• Are there any recent stressors (new pets, visitors, loud noises)?

And sometimes, some peace, frens, nah, but really, just taking your cat to a cooler, quieter spot can alleviate temporary rapid breathing.

Monitor and Record

Note:

• When rapid breathing occurs
• How long does it last?
• Any activities or other environmental influences that accompanied that event
• Other shifts in behavior (even small ones like drinking a little more water)

You may also want to video record your cat's breathing during this time for your vet to see later and reduce the trouble your cat will be caused by repeated or non-stop sitting still for a few hours while being recorded.

Check Other Vital Signs

Evaluate the following points while checking the breathing.

• The color of the gums (they should be pink, not blue, white, or very red)
• Energy levels
• Appetite and water intake
• Litter box habits

When the eye, fetlock, or prepuce begins to enlarge along with rapid breathing, you increase the urgency of medical attention.

Create a Calm Environment

If you believe stress is the trigger, try.

• Establishing quiet, safe places (Placing cardboard boxes with soft blankets in remote areas often works.)
• With the help of Feliway diffusers or sprays
• Maintaining routine
• Giving your cat high places to watch from in security
• Reducing exposure to known stressors

Soft classical music and a regular daily routine have relieved the symptoms of stress my more anxious cat experiences.

Cool the Environment Down

During hot weather:

• Ensure adequate ventilation.
• Let me in on some cool tile floors.
• Think about pet-safe cooling mats.
• During the hottest part of the day, keep blinds closed.
• Provide multiple water sources.

When Should I Take My Cat to the Emergency Vet?

Some possible causes of rapid breathing include benign conditions, but others can be serious and require medical attention. Contact your veterinarian if:

• Rapid breathing over a few hours that continues until the surgery of adhesions, and then stops.
• The fast breathing returns periodically.
• Your cat is a very small baby, is old, or has other medical problems.

Be ready to describe what you have observed about your cat's breathing, when it began, and any other details you can provide.

When Should You Take Your Cat to the Emergency Vet?

Take your cat to the emergency vet if he has:

• Is open-mouth breathing
• Has blue or very pale gums
• Has difficulty breathing or is gasping
• Does breathing often feel moist or gurgling?
• Cannot calm down or is believed to be in a panic.
• Is in shock (collapsed), or is passed out (unconscious), or is too weak to stand
• Sites of breathing effort (that is, belly heaving)

When in doubt, it is better to exercise caution with respiratory problems.

FAQ Section

Is it normal for my cat to breathe fast while sleeping?

When a cat is dreaming during sleep, it might have faster respiration. This is usually a short one, alternating with normal breath. But rapid breathing throughout sleep is not normal and should be checked out by a vet.

Can cats pant like dogs?

Yes, but far less frequently than dogs. Panting may be observed in cats after a vigorous play session or in extremely hot conditions. Still, excessive or consistent panting in cats is almost always a sign of an abnormality and should be brought to the attention of a veterinarian.

How do I know if my cat is in respiratory distress?

Signs of respiratory distress are

• Breathing with the mouth open
• Extended neck posture
• Flared nostrils
• Blue-tinged gums or tongue
• Hypertrophied head and pectorals project out to catch breath by the labored motion of the abdomen.
• Restless, he must move or get up; everything he lies on seems too hard.
• Noisy breathing (wheezing, gurgling, or whistling)

Those symptoms are an emergency and should be seen by a veterinarian immediately.

Should I be worried if my kitten is breathing fast?

The metabolism of kittens is higher than that of adult cats, so they will naturally breathe a little faster. But any kitten demonstrating difficulty breathing, weakness, lack of nursing or eating, or any other worrisome signs should be seen by a vet immediately, because kittens can go downhill fast.

Can heat cause rapid breathing in cats?

Absolutely. Cats' cooling mechanism is largely through respiration, not sweating (except through their paw pads). Cats will breathe more quickly to cool their bodies in hot environments. Providing your cat opportunities to stay in cool places and drink fresh water is crucial on hot days.

Conclusion

Fast breathing in a non-distressed cat can be associated with a natural response to the environment or an early indicator of a concerning health disorder. If you know what's normal for your cat and can watch for changes in rhythmic movements and sound when your cat breathes, you can be more informed in your debate about when to take the cat to the vet.

Keep in mind that early treatment can have a big impact on the outcome of most diseases in cats. If you are concerned about the rapid breathing of your cat, consult your veterinarian. They can also offer customized advice based on your cat's age, health history, and particular symptoms.

Have you observed any alterations to your cat's breathing? Can you describe your approach to dealing with that? Sharing our stories gives the whole cat parent community a chance to learn and to take better care of our beloved cats.