Cat Panting and Open-Mouth Breathing: Why It Is an Emergency

By Tailwisp Editorial TeamUpdated October 20, 20264 min read

When a dog pants, it is often a way to cool down. When a cat opens its mouth and breathes hard, something is usually wrong. Cats are nose breathers by nature, so open-mouth breathing means they are struggling to get enough air. It is one of the clearest signs of an emergency.

What is normal?

At rest, cats breathe quietly through the nose, at about 20 to 30 breaths per minute, with little movement of the chest. Brief panting may occur after very vigorous play, in hot weather or during extreme stress, such as in a carrier or at the vet. It should settle within a minute or two once the cat is cool and calm. Anything beyond that is cause for concern.

Causes

• Heatstroke. See heatstroke in cats.
• Asthma. Narrowed airways cause wheezing, coughing and labored breathing. See feline asthma.
• Congestive heart failure. See congestive heart failure in cats.
• Pleural effusion. Fluid in the chest, from heart disease, cancer, infection or injury.
• Pneumonia and other lung infections. See upper respiratory infections in cats.
• Lung or chest tumors. See cancer in cats.
• Heartworm. See heartworm in cats.
• Trauma, such as a fall or car accident, with a collapsed lung or diaphragm injury.
• Anemia, or blood loss.
• Pain, or high fever.
• Poisoning. See cat poisoning: what to do.
• Airway obstruction, from a foreign body or swelling.
• Severe stress, fear and anxiety.

Other signs of respiratory distress

• Neck stretched out, elbows held out from the chest.
• Belly moving a lot with each breath.
• Flared nostrils.
• Blue, gray or pale gums.
• Wheezing, crackling or whistling.
• Refusing to lie down, or sitting in a hunched position.
• Hiding, restlessness and anxiety.
• Coughing.

What to do

1. Stay calm. Cats pick up on panic.
2. Minimize stress. Do not chase, restrain or squeeze the cat. Stress can worsen breathing.
3. Keep the room cool and quiet, with good airflow.
4. Call the vet or emergency clinic and tell them you are coming.
5. Transport carefully. Use a carrier covered with a light towel, keep the car cool and drive smoothly. See how to choose a cat carrier.
6. Do not give human medication or food.
7. Note details to tell the vet: when it started, any coughing, recent events and the cat's breathing rate.

If you suspect heatstroke, begin cooling on the way. See cat emergency warning signs.

At the vet

The vet may give oxygen first, before examining. After stabilizing, they can take X-rays, run bloodwork and use ultrasound to find the cause. Fluid may be drained from the chest. Treatment depends on the diagnosis.

Breathing rate at home

Count your cat's resting breathing rate regularly if it has heart or lung disease. Count chest rises over 30 seconds, and double. A rate over 40 at rest is worth a call. See how to check your cat's vital signs.

Prevention

• Keep up with checkups, particularly for older cats.
• Treat asthma and heart disease as directed.
• Avoid smoke, dust and strong scents. See cat-safe cleaning products.
• Keep cats cool in hot weather. See keeping cats cool in hot weather.
• Prevent heartworm. See heartworm in cats.
• Keep cats indoors, to avoid trauma.

Kittens and seniors

Kittens with breathing trouble need urgent care. Seniors are more prone to heart disease. See senior cat care guide.

Common situations where owners see panting

Many owners first see open-mouth breathing in the car, at the vet or after being chased by a dog. These stress-related episodes usually calm within a few minutes. But if panting continues once the cat is back in a calm place, or if it comes with other signs, treat it as a medical problem. In heat, panting means the cat is already overheating. Start cooling steps as in the heatstroke guide while you travel.

What your vet will look for

In an emergency, the vet will listen to the heart and lungs, check gum color, measure temperature and may start oxygen at once. Quick tests include X-rays, ultrasound of the chest, blood tests and sometimes draining fluid. Telling the vet exactly what you saw, with a video if possible, speeds up diagnosis.

Long-term care for cats that have had a breathing crisis

After a crisis, your vet will plan treatment for the cause, such as asthma inhalers, heart medication or drainage of fluid. Keep a record of resting breathing rate, avoid triggers and keep a plan for emergencies, including the nearest 24-hour clinic. Keep a carrier ready, and keep the clinic's number somewhere easy to find. See disaster planning for cats.

When to see a vet

See a vet immediately if your cat pants or breathes with an open mouth. Use the US vet directory to find a clinic.

This article is general educational information, not veterinary advice. Every cat is different. If your cat is unwell, or you are unsure about a symptom, diet change or medication, contact your veterinarian.