Why Do Cats Pant? | When Panting Is Abnormal on a Cat & What to Do

Do Cats Pant Like Dogs?

Yes, cats can pant. The first time I saw Mia panting I did not know what to do... I had no idea cats could pant and she seemed so uncomfortable that I got scared...

While cats don't pant as easily as dogs, which do it quite often, a panting cat can be worrisome, particularly if it doesn't stop after a bit.

Some breeds are more prone to it like Maine Coon and Persian cat... However, any cat can pant. Mia is a bengal cat and I´ve seen her pant for 2 reasons: heat and too much exercise in a short period.

Panting can be dangerous on cats, so let´s dive into what causes it, what to do about it, and when it can be dangerous!

Why do Cats Pant?

Because of their very efficient bodies, cats rarely breathe through their lips. Thus, we may infer something is wrong when we observe a cat panting. Cats' typical causes of panting include:

• Recently intense play
• A new stressor, such as home renovations, a new resident, or a new pet
• Fear of traveling
• Overheating

Cats will occasionally pant for a minimal length of time. These "typical" situations can include when a cat is tense, stressed, hot, or has recently finished an intense workout.

However, you must intervene if you notice your cat panting in these situations and give it a chance to rest, unwind, or cool off. It's time to schedule an immediate appointment with your veterinarian if your cat won't stop panting.

Cat Panting With Mouth Open and Tongue Out

Although it's not nearly as common, panting in cats can resemble that in dogs.
Your cat or kitten will take shallow breaths in and out while holding its mouth open and tongue partially out. While doing this, your cat is probably lying down, but if they are anxious about the scenario, they may be attentive and standing.

Here´s a picture of my Bengal Cat Mia with me on a beach... it was a little too hot for her so we had to seek shade because she was panting with her tongue out.

Is Cat Panting Dangerous?

Sometimes, cats pant and that’s normal! But if you notice your cat panting, think about what they were just doing. Cats might pant like dogs if they’re really hot, nervous, or just finished running around like crazy. I remember Mia as a kitten panted all the time.

Cats don’t like it too hot or too cold. They feel best when it’s between 65 and 75°F (18-24°C). If it gets too hot, they could overheat, which is dangerous—more on that later.

But here’s the thing: cats don’t pant as often as dogs do. So if your cat is panting and you’re not sure why, it’s a good idea to check with a vet just to be safe.

Normal Cat Panting

Dyspnea (difficulty) and excessive breathing, called panting, call for the mouth to be open. When a cat pants, its breathing is brisk, and its tongues typically protrude. Since cats normally breathe via their noses, natural panting is typically caused by one of the following:

• Exercise or excitement.
• Birth.
• Elevated temperatures.
• Worry or dread.

Cat Panting While Playing

After excess play or after getting zoomies, cats can pant. It's not an issue for a cat to pant after exercise. Your cat might need a few minutes to collect her breath after a short race like humans.

Stop playing with your cat for a moment and give her a chance to recover her breath if you notice them panting.

Cat Panting on the Heat

Cats are not very good at tolerating extreme temperatures.

Cat panting with mouth open typically in response to heat. A panting cat is probably already extremely hot. Take her to a room in your house that is cold and dark and has an air conditioner, a fan, or both. Rest and attempt to calm down your cat.

Cat Panting and Meowing

While some panting in cats is typical, it may indicate a severe issue that requires urgent veterinarian attention in other circumstances. You must understand what's specific for your cat and what is out of the ordinary because changes in your cat's vocalization habits could indicate medical or health issues.

Your cat might be attempting to tell you he's sick, in pain, or unhappy if he frequently engages in conversation but suddenly stops or if your usually reserved cat suddenly becomes noisy and pushy.

How to Get a Cat to Stop Panting?

When a cat's panting is a consequence of a pathological condition, the best way to treat will be better assessed by a veterinarian. 

Nevertheless, if your cat is panting for some of the reasons outlined above like heat or aggressive play there are ways we can prevent the cat from panting. To help a panting cat:

• Offer them to seek shelter/shade
• Offer them water and keep them hydrated
• Help them decrease body temperature

A panting cat because of excess heat can be at risk of getting heatstroke, stop what you are doing and try to help them cool down.

Abnormal Panting - Health Issues Causing Cat to Pant

If it´s not too hot and your cat is likely not tired from exercise, stressed,  heavy, or labored breathing may be an indication of a serious medical issue. If this happens, your cat may emergency vet care right away. Getting help fast can make a big difference—it might help them recover quicker or even save their life.

In cats, abnormal panting often begins suddenly or without a cause. Additionally, it does not go away fast with rest, the elimination of the stressor, or the removal of heat. It is frequently accompanied by other odd behaviors, including coughing, drowsiness, and an accelerated breathing rate.

Any cat can exhibit abnormal panting, although kittens and older cats are frequently more vulnerable. Excessive cat panting with mouth open and other concerning behaviors are commonly linked to an underlying illness.

The most typical root causes of abnormal panting in cats are listed below:

Respiratory Infection

Viruses, bacteria, and even fungi can cause respiratory diseases in cats, affecting their lungs and nasal passages. When these infections settle in, the immune system responds with inflammation, making it seem like the cat has asthma.

Cats with respiratory infections may struggle to breathe—either too fast or with extra effort. They might also cough, pant, and act extremely tired. Most of these infections are viral and can make breathing difficult, leading to heavy breathing. If a bacterial infection develops, your cat may need antibiotics.

Using steam or a humidifier can help loosen mucus and make it easier for your cat to breathe while they recover.

Asthma

Asthma is a treatable condition that can make cats cough, wheeze, pant, and breathe faster than normal. Some may even vomit. The severity varies, but during an asthma attack, it can become life-threatening—just like in humans.

Fortunately, asthma in cats can be managed with medications like bronchodilators and corticosteroids. Inhaler therapy is often used to deliver steroids directly into the lungs, helping them breathe more easily.

Congestive Heart Failure

When fluid builds up in and around a cat’s lungs, it can cause coughing, deep rapid breathing, and panting. A vet may need to drain the fluid and prescribe medication to remove excess fluid, relax blood vessels, and help the heart pump more effectively.

Heart disease in cats often goes undiagnosed until serious symptoms appear. One common condition is hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), where the heart muscle thickens and becomes stiff, forcing it to beat faster and less efficiently. Cats with HCM may have trouble breathing, pant, cough, lose their appetite, and lose weight. In severe cases, blood clots may form and travel to other parts of the body. This condition is especially common in Maine Coons.

Heartworm

Heartworm can easily cause breathing problems in cats and can be fatal. Since there’s no cure, keeping your cat on a monthly heartworm-preventative medication is crucial.

Cats get heartworm when bitten by an infected mosquito. If a cat becomes infected, they may cough, pant, and struggle to breathe. Treatment focuses on supportive care, such as corticosteroids to reduce inflammation, and in serious cases, oxygen therapy.

Talk to your vet about monthly heartworm preventatives to protect your cat from this dangerous disease.

Other Conditions

Pain, neurologic disorders, enlargement of the abdomen, trauma, and anemia can also cause cats to display heavy breathing or panting.

Cats can Pant Before Dying.

Usually, your cat panting with its mouth open indicates something wrong with them. Cats breathe heavily with their jaws open when they are anxious, excessively hot, or during a disease process. Typical indications that a cat is dying include blatant shifts in disposition, increased hiding behavior, a lack of desire for food and water, and alterations in general look. Changes in appearance can consist of dull, matted fur, feces or urine in their hair, glazed or dilated eyes, not blinking, and a "sunken" appearance. In addition to having convulsions, dying cats frequently experience breathing problems.

Stay Wild, Stay Safe... we'll see you outdoors

Albert & Mia