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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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 Vetplanet.
