If your cat is taking more than 30 breaths per minute, it is considered to have rapid breathing. While some causes of rapid breathing, such as exercise or excitement, are normal and nothing to worry about, other causes can be more serious.
There are many reasons why your cat may be breathing quickly. It could be due to a medical condition, such as heart disease or asthma, or it could be because they are in pain.
Why is Cat Breathing Quickly
If your cat is breathing quickly, it could be a sign of a respiratory infection, heart disease, or even anxiety. If your cat is showing other signs of illness, such as lethargy, appetite loss, or difficulty breathing.
Stress, Anxiety, Or Excitement
If you notice your cat is taking more rapid breaths than normal, it could be due to stress, anxiety, or excitement.
While a certain amount of Panting is considered normal for cats (especially during warm weather), if your cat is excessively Panting, it’s important to take note and observe other signs and symptoms to determine whether there may be an underlying medical condition causing this.
If your cat is also showing other signs of distress such as hiding, cowering, or vocalizing (crying, meowing), this could indicate that they are experiencing significant stress and/or anxiety.
Heat Stroke Or Respiratory Distress
If your cat is panting excessively, it may be a sign of heat stroke or respiratory distress. If you think your cat may be suffering from either of these conditions. Heat stroke is a serious condition that can occur when a cat’s body temperature gets too high.
Symptoms of heat stroke include excessive panting, drooling, lethargy, and vomiting. If not treated quickly, heat stroke can lead to organ failure and death. Respiratory distress is another serious condition that can affect cats.
It occurs when the lungs are unable to adequately exchange oxygen and carbon dioxide. This can be due to a variety of causes, including asthma, pneumonia, and heart disease.
Symptoms of respiratory distress include rapid breathing, increased heart rate, and cyanosis (a bluish tint to the skin).
If not treated promptly, respiratory distress can lead to death.
Why is My Female Cat Breathing Fast
Cats are prone to a variety of respiratory problems, many of which can be life-threatening.
One common respiratory problem in cats is rapid breathing or tachypnea. Rapid breathing can be caused by a number of different things. There are many possible causes of rapid breathing in cats. Some causes are relatively benign, while others can be quite serious. If your cat is displaying other symptoms along with rapid breathing, that may give your vet some clues as to the underlying cause.
However, often further testing will be necessary to reach a diagnosis. Common causes of tachypnea in cats include:
Respiratory infections
This is one of the most common reasons for rapid breathing in cats. Infections of the nose, throat, or lungs can all lead to tachypnea. These types of infections are usually accompanied by other symptoms such as fever, sneezing, and runny eyes or nose.
Your cat may also have a poor appetite and general lethargy if she’s suffering from a respiratory infection.
Allergies
Allergic reactions can also cause rapid breathing in cats. If your cat is allergic to something in her environment (such as pollen or dust), she may start panting and have difficulty catching her breath.
Other signs of an allergic reaction include itching, redness/ swelling around the face or ears, and vomiting.
Anxiety/stress
Cats can get stressed out just like people! If your cat is feeling anxious or stressed, she may start panting and breathe faster than normal. Situations that might trigger anxiety or stress in your cat include being in a car, moving house, having visitors over, etc.
If you notice that your female cat is Breathing fast, it’s important to take her to see the vet as soon as possible.
While some causes of tachypnea are relatively harmless, others can be very serious. So don’t delay, get your kitty checked out today !
Checking a Resting Breathing Rate in your Cat
Conclusion
Quick breathing can also be normal for some cats – especially if they’re young or active – so if your cat is otherwise healthy and happy, there’s no need to worry.
Dr. John Morris, DVM is a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine who has seven years of experience in feline medicine, dermatology, and behavior. He also enjoys volunteering at a local NGO that supports literacy programs for children and adults. In his free time, he enjoys fostering kittens, traveling, vegan cooking, hiking, and biking. Learn more about Justin here.
