Why Do House Cats Pant?

Panting is a common reaction that can often signal the need for veterinary attention.

When a cat pants, this can be an indication of a serious problem that may require veterinary assistance, or sometimes it can be caused by your cat's immediate environment. It is important to understand how each affects your cat; therefore, you must know what signs to look for. House cats are just as likely to pant as their feral brothers and sisters, and this is one way they can vocalize their needs to their owners.

Considerations

What was my cat just doing?

If your cat begins to pant, you may want to ask yourself why. Dogs pant all the time. It is a way for them to keep their body temperatures cool. Cats, however, do not pant as often because they have other preferred methods for keeping cool. Sometimes, it's not a matter of keeping cool, but rather a signal of a more serious condition. The first thing to do is consider where your cat was prior to its panting.

Temperature

The normal temperature for an adult cat is 101.5.

The first thing you want to check to help rule out possibilities is the cat's temperature. The normal temperature for an adult cat is 101.5 degrees Fahrenheit. This may fluctuate one degree lower or higher depending on factors such as age, sex, time of day, environmental factors, exercise, eating and season, so don't be alarmed if it is not exactly this temperature. Ruling out your cat's body temperature is helpful in determining whether your cat's panting is an indication of another serious condition.

Function

Panting is done to keep your cat cool. Once the cat's environment hits 90 degrees and up, the cat's own body temperature will begin to increase. This triggers the cat's respiratory system, and the response is an increased rate of breathing. During times of increased temperature, your cat will actually begin to salivate at an increased rate. Panting helps to increase evaporation from the cat's tongue and mouth, thus keeping it cool.

Veterinary Assistance

Knowing when to take the next step is crucial in your pet's health.

So you have an indoor cat and you have ruled out the cat's temperature. Several other health and non-health related reasons will cause a cat to pant. According to Bruce Fogle D.V.M., "cats pant when agitated, to eliminate excess heat, or when they are in pain." Heatstroke, a blood calcium issue and heart disease are other reasons that can lead to panting. In tomcats with a urinary tract infection, this can also result in a panting episode. A good indicator to determine if a trip to the vet is necessary is to watch and see how long your cat's panting session is and its level of frequency. With increased frequency and length, a trip to the vet would be in order.

Precautions

You should look for several other signs when examining your cat while it's panting. Fogle recommends checking for the following: Is your cat gasping for breath? Take it to the vet. Are its gums white? This could indicate shock. Take your cat to the vet immediately. Wheezing? If yes, see the vet the same day. If your answer is no, this could be normal panting. Does your cat have a glazed look and expression? This could be an indication or some pain or injury your cat might have suffered. Either way, a vet trip is necessary.

Caveat

Always consult with your veterinarian and ensure that your pet's needs are handled responsibly. If you don't have a vet, seek one out in your local community. Many professionals can assist you and your pet. Since pets are a large responsibility, you might also want to consider pet insurance. Many options and plans are available, and your pet will thank you for it. (See Resources)

References

• "The Basic Book of the Cat"; William H. A. Carr; 1963
• "First Aid for Cats: What to Do When Emergencies Happen"; Bruce Fogle, D.V.M.; 1995

Resources

• Cornell Feline Health Center: To Improve the Health and Well-being of Cats Everywhere
• Cat Fancier's Association: Caring for Cats
• Veterinary Pet Insurance for a Dog or Cat: Cat Insurance