Cat Breathing Fast: Causes, Symptoms and When to Worry

Unlike dogs, cats rarely pant. Rapid or laboured breathing in a cat is a very concerning symptom and one your veterinarian will take seriously. There are a number of benign causes of rapid breathing but it is essential that you are able to detect when your furry friend needs help.

What Is Normal Breathing in Cats?

When a cat is breathing normally, their body movements are quite subtle. The chest moves slowly and calmly up and down and there is little to no noise. A typical resting breathing rate in a cat would be under 30 breaths a minute.

In one study, healthy cats at home were found to have an average resting breathing rate of 19-27 breaths per minute.

Why Is My Cat Breathing Fast?

There are a wide range of potential reasons your cat may suddenly begin to breathe fast.

Stress, Exercise and Temporary Causes

A cat who is highly stressed or in pain may breathe rapidly during the worrying event. This can be seen after a traumatic incident, or in a cat who panics when being transported to the vet.

Very high external temperatures and fevers will also increase the breathing rate. Cats are usually good at keeping themselves cool in the heat, but heatstroke is possible.

Vigorous exercise, particularly in young cats, can also lead to short spells of rapid breathing. Importantly, for these cats, their breathing quickly returns to normal and they will have no other concerning symptoms.

Respiratory Infections and Illness

A respiratory disease such as Cat Flu, pneumonia or asthma is going to affect how your cat is breathing. In the case of an infection, the laboured breathing is often explained by congestion and secretions within the upper airway.

However, true laboured breathing can also result from inflammation lower down in the airway, fluid around the lungs, or reduced oxygen exchange.

Heart and Other Underlying Medical Conditions

The symptoms of heart disease in cats tend to be subtle in the early stages. One of the signs to be on the lookout for includes a higher breathing rate at rest.

We can also see faster breathing in other circumstances, including:

• Pain
• Acidosis e.g. ketoacidosis
• Blood clots
• Anaemia

What Are the Signs of Abnormal Breathing in Cats?

You might pick up on the fact that your cat is acting differently and their chest is moving quickly.

Rapid or Heavy Breathing Patterns

As well as being faster than usual, the breathing may be erratic or laboured. Some cats will recruit their abdominal muscles to help them breathe, causing the abdomen to visibly move in and out with each breath.

Open Mouth Breathing and Respiratory Distress

Some cats may breathe with their mouths open and their tongues hanging out and their breathing could be wheezy or crackly.

Other Common Symptoms to Watch For

Your cat is likely to be off their food and lethargic, with much less interest in playing or engaging with you.

When Is Cat Breathing Fast an Emergency?

A lot of the time, rapid breathing is indicative of an emergency, and it is never one to take lightly.

Signs of Severe Respiratory Distress

Be on the lookout for pale or grey gums, standing with the arms wide apart and the neck outstretched, or flared nostrils.

When to Seek Immediate Veterinary Care

Contact the emergency vet if your cat is panting or breathing rapidly and there is no reasonable explanation.

When Breathing Changes Become Dangerous

Any changed breathing pattern is a potential cause for concern. Seek veterinary attention if your cat is struggling to breathe, appears weak, or is breathing rapidly.

How Do Vets Diagnose Breathing Problems in Cats?

Your vet will want to know about your cat’s recent breathing at home, particularly their breathing rate while at rest or sleeping.

Physical Examination and Respiratory Rate Assessment

The veterinarian will start with a hands off exam, assessing your cat’s breathing from a distance and timing their breathing rate.

They will then check them from head to tail, assessing their circulation, listening to their chest, identifying any source of pain or infection and checking for a fever.

Blood Tests and Oxygen Level Checks

Basic bloods may be run to check for indicators of infection or a low red blood cell count, and to assess organ function. A blood gas analysis can also be performed to measure the levels of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the blood and to assess blood pH.

A pulse oximeter may also be used to check oxygen levels, but this is not very accurate on furry skin.

Chest Imaging and Further Diagnostic Tests

Your vet may then run further diagnostic tests to investigate the cause of the respiratory issues. This can include imaging such as a chest X-ray and echocardiogram.

Cats with any type of heart disease tend to show similar signs. The echocardiogram can determine the underlying issue as it assesses both structure and function, making it the gold standard test.

Further tests are warranted in some cats, which may include e.g. a blood clotting profile or lungworm test.

How Is Rapid Breathing in Cats Treated?

The priority will be in stabilising your cat and ensuring they are not distressed and are getting enough oxygen.

Emergency Stabilisation and Oxygen Support

Initially, the cat may be placed in an oxygen chamber, or given flow by oxygen, and given some medicine to help them calm down and breathe deeper. At this point, it is important that interactions are minimal, to avoid them getting distressed.

Treatment for Underlying Causes

Once the underlying cause is established, treatment will begin. This may include placing a chest drain to remove fluid, starting cardiac medication or providing antibiotics.

Ongoing Veterinary Care and Monitoring

Most of these cats are going to be very unwell, requiring close ongoing monitoring and regular re-checks.

Can Breathing Problems in Cats Be Prevented?

It won’t always be possible to prevent breathing issues, but there are some things that may prove helpful.

Home Life

A cat who lives in a calm and predictable environment, gets plenty of exercise and mental stimulation, who eats a good quality diet, and who is not overweight is one with a great foundation for health.

It is known that second hand smoke can negatively affect cats and owners are asked not to smoke or vape near their pets. Similarly, it is wise to keep the air well ventilated and clear of dust, fragrance or essential oils.

Regular Veterinary Check-Ups

Cats should be seen in the veterinary hospital at least once a year, and more regularly in their senior years. This way, early health issues (such as a heart murmur) can be detected and addressed sooner rather than later.

Early Detection of Symptoms

With certain cardiac conditions, starting therapy early is key. Prompt identification and treatment of feline hypertrophic cardiomyopathy can help prevent fatal blood clots, slow disease progression and increase life span.

Get Veterinary Advice for Your Cat

Contact us if you are concerned about your cat’s breathing or feel that it has recently changed.

Cat Breathing Fast: FAQs

How many breaths per minute is normal in cats?

Most cats will breathe 30 times a minute or less while resting or asleep. This parameter should be measured without disturbing your cat, from a distance.

Why is my cat breathing fast while resting?

Rapid breathing while at rest is a red flag sign. There are a variety of reasons this could be happening and it does warrant a vet check.

Can stress cause rapid breathing in cats?

Stress is a well known cause of rapid breathing. If your cat is acutely distressed or panicking, their breathing rate skyrockets due to adrenaline. Once they are calm again, their breathing settles back to normal.

Is fast breathing in cats always an emergency?

Unless there was an obvious cause for the rapid breathing and things returned back to normal directly after, rapid breathing in a cat should be addressed urgently.