What to do if your cat is panting from stress?

Have you ever seen your cat panting? Panting is not a common behavior in most cats, so when it does happen, it can be very alarming to cat owners. Sometimes, there’s very little to be worried about when your cat pants, but other times, it can be an indication of a serious underlying problem.

In the article below, you’ll find out some of the potential causes of panting in cats. You can use this information to determine when your cat’s panting might be something that is more serious, and when you should consider taking her to the emergency vet. Read on to learn more.

6 Common Causes of Cat Panting

6 causes of cat panting include, but aren’t limited to:

Heat

Heat is the most common cause of panting in cats. However, cats do not pant as easily as dogs on a hot day, so if your cat is panting, you need to help her cool down as soon as possible.

A panting cat is likely already very overheated. Move her to a dark, cool room in your home with an air conditioner, a fan, or both. Let your cat rest and try to cool down. If you notice any signs of heatstroke (e.g. difficult or rapid breathing), do not wait to take her to the emergency vet, as this can be a fatal condition.

Pain

If a cat is in pain from any underlying cause, she may pant. Panting from pain is common in animals. Think of the last time you were in pain—you probably got sweaty, and your heart rate increased, right? Cats are the same way, but since they cannot sweat, they must pant instead.

If you notice your cat panting suddenly without a recognizable cause, look for signs that she might be in pain. Check her body thoroughly and take note of any areas she seems to be guarding or defensive about. Pay attention to her body language and behavior, too.

Respiratory Illness

Many respiratory illnesses and infections can cause cats to pant. Respiratory illness causes a stuffy nose, wheezing, coughing, and a variety of other symptoms similar to those found in colds or flus in humans. These symptoms can all make it difficult for your cat to breathe, which can lead to panting.

If you suspect your cat has a respiratory infection, you can take her to the regular vet instead of the emergency vet as long as she is not struggling too badly to breathe or showing other signs of severe distress. The vet will likely give her medication to clear up the infection.

Asthma

Asthma is a surprisingly common illness in cats. It causes frequent lung inflammation and can lead to bouts of severe coughing that are difficult for cats to deal with. When they begin coughing this hard, cats may also pant as they try to breathe between the coughs.

If your cat is having an asthma attack and has never had one before, take her to the emergency vet. If she has diagnosed asthma, follow your vet’s guidance for treating and managing flare-ups.

Heart Failure

Cats who suffer from congestive heart failure may pant as the disease progresses. With a worsening of congestive heart failure, fluid builds up around the heart and lungs, making it harder for cats to breathe. They may also pant because they are in pain during the final stages of this illness.

Heart failure can come in other forms, too, and can sometimes be related to heartworm disease. If your cat is panting suddenly and does not have a diagnosis yet, take her to the emergency vet.

Ingested or Inhaled Object

If your cat happens to swallow or inhale a foreign object, such as a piece of a toy or an item from around the home, it could become lodged in the airways and could lead to panting. If it becomes stuck in your cat’s throat but your cat is still somewhat able to breathe, she will pant as a result of the object’s presence.

This is an emergency situation and requires a trip to the emergency vet.

Call VEG Right Away for Your Cat’s Panting

Based on this information, it’s easy to tell just how concerning panting can sometimes be in cats. Depending on the situation and your cat’s other symptoms, there’s a chance she could be at risk for a serious health problem if she is panting. However, there is also a chance there isn’t anything too severe going on, and only a vet can tell you for sure.

If your cat is panting and seems to be showing any other signs of distress as well, take her to the emergency vet right away. The sooner you respond to emergency situations with your cat, the more likely she will be to recover fully.

At VEG, we have compassionate and experienced team members available around the clock to help guide you in the best direction and provide the best care for your pet. When you call any of our locations, you’ll speak directly with an emergency veterinarian who’s just as concerned about your cat as you are. If you’re concerned about your pet’s health, or have any questions about cat panting, call us right away so we can help.

In some cases, cat panting is normal. Consider what your cat was doing or experiencing immediately before you noticed the panting.

 Like dogs, cats may pant when they are overheated, stressed and anxious, or after strenuous exercise. This sort of panting should resolve once the cat has had an opportunity to calm down, cool down or rest.

That being said, this sort of panting in cats is much more rare than it is in dogs. So if you're not entirely sure why your cat is panting, it’s worth a visit to your veterinarian.

Abnormal Panting in Cats

If your cat isn’t stressed, too warm, or tired from exercise, heavy or labored breathing may be a sign of a serious medical problem. In this case, emergency veterinary care may be required.

Asthma

Asthma can cause cats to pant, wheeze, and cough, and can also cause increased respiratory rate.  Asthma is treatable in cats and often involves medications called corticosteroids or bronchodilators.

Heartworm

Heartworm in cats can cause breathing difficulties. Treatment for heartworm includes supportive care with corticosteroids to reduce inflammation and oxygen therapy in more serious cases. Because heartworm disease can be fatal, it is important to keep your cat on a monthly heartworm preventative.

Congestive Heart Failure

When fluid accumulates in and around the lungs, it can cause deep, rapid breathing, coughing, and panting. Treatment may include draining the fluid, as well as medications to dilate blood vessels, get rid of excess fluid, and make the heart contract more forcefully.

Respiratory Infection

Respiratory infections can make it difficult for cats to breathe, resulting in heavy breathing. Respiratory infections are usually viral, but in cases where a secondary bacterial infection develops, antibiotics may be required for treatment. Humidifiers and steam can help loosen mucus and make nasal breathing easier as your cat recovers.

Other Conditions

Trauma, anemia, neurologic disorders, abdominal enlargement, and pain can also cause cats to pant or exhibit heavy breathing.

If your cat has heavy or labored breathing, contact our emergency veterinary clinic right away. 

While most of us are surely used to the image of a dog panting, it’s one we don’t readily associate with cats. That’s because our kitties usually keep cool by licking their fur and sweating from the pads of their paws. Seeing your cat huffing and puffing, mouth open, might raise an alarm in your head, but don’t panic just yet! If your cat is panting, there are a few possible culprits.

While cat panting can be a bit scary, there are a few causes that are mostly non-threatening. Do keep in mind that panting for an excessive period of time is always cause for some alarm or at least attention. If you have any reason to be alarmed or concerned, call your cat vet! It’s always better to be safe, and a vet can determine if a visit is necessary.

If you need to schedule an appointment for a cat examination in Frederick County, MD, contact Village Vet of Urbana today.

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Non-Health or Life-Threatening Causes

While it’s certainly not as common for your feline friend to be panting, there are two non-health or life-threatening causes:

• Overheating. Don’t be too quick to discount the possibility that your cat is just hot. Even though they don’t do it as often as dogs, cats also pant to keep cool when grooming and sweating from their paws aren’t enough. Ensure they have a cool, dry place to rest. An ice cube can also provide some measure of relief. The cube can be added to the water bowl, given to them for play, or rubbed lightly on fur (be sure to dry them afterward!).
• Stress. Stress can be threatening if the cat remains stressed for too long, so be wary of the time frame. For many pets, the stress may come from a car ride or coming to a new place. The panting should subside when the ride is over or when they’re returned somewhere safe that they are familiar with.

Dangerous Disorders & Maladies Causing Cat Panting

There are a number of disorders and maladies that can cause panting in cats. These include:

• Heartworms
• Low blood oxygen levels
• Hydrothorax (fluid in the lungs)
• Fever
• Infection
• Respiratory complications
• And others

Unfortunately, these are quite hard to determine on your own since most of these don’t display any outward symptoms aside from panting, listlessness, or panic. However, there are ways to determine when you need to call a vet.

If you think your cat may be at risk, contact Village Vet of Urbana for cat vet services in Frederick County, MD.

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Assessing the Threat

• Your cat’s breathing becomes shallow, or the panting is loud, raspy, or very rapid.
• Your cat is exhausted, tired, and has lost their appetite.
• Your cat pants frequently on and off.
• Your cat is hiding. (This is often a sign of distress.)
• Your cat has discolored gums.

Any of the above are indications of a more serious issue, which should be addressed immediately.

Cat Respiratory & Heart Health With Village Vet of Urbana

At Village Vet of Urbana, we never want you or your cat to deal with stress or fear, so never hesitate to call us right away. We can put your cat on oxygen to calm them and assess the issue from there.

For cat vet care in Frederick County, MD, call (301) 228-0681. Emergency calls are welcome during business hours.