Why is a kitten breathing heavily?

If your kitten is breathing heavily and previously had a normal mental state, there's no need to worry. It's likely that the kitten is gasping because it choked on water or overheated due to excessive exercise. However, if the kitten's mental state remains poor and is accompanied by heavy breathing, it may have a respiratory disease. It is recommended to take the kitten to the pet hospital as soon as possible for inspection and treatment.

What if the sound of a cat's breathing is heavy?

Heavy breathing in cats is usually due to respiratory diseases. It usually manifests as pneumonia or bronchitis, and may be accompanied by symptoms such as runny nose. For Persians, it may be due to abnormal nasal structure, and it is recommended to undergo a nasal endoscopy. The heavy breathing could also be caused by heart disease, which leads to shortness of breath and exacerbates the gasping.

Why is a cat breathing with its mouth open?

It could be due to high temperatures, heatstroke, or excessive heat. In this case, immediate cooling is necessary to prevent organ failure caused by heatstroke. It's also possible that the cat's diaphragm or upper palate is damaged, causing difficulty breathing, so the cat opens its mouth to breathe in more oxygen. Stress, anxiety, and fear can also cause a cat to breathe with its mouth open. Provide a quiet environment and clean drinking water for the cat during such times.

What is the normal breathing rate for cats?

A cat's normal breathing rate ranges between 30 and 40 breaths per minute. Abnormal breathing includes rapid breathing. Cats may accelerate their breathing rate when they have respiratory tract narrowing, diseases, or insufficient blood supply. This helps increase oxygen saturation in the blood, alleviate difficulty breathing, and delay organ failure. If the breathing rate is irregular, this situation is more complicated and usually a clinical manifestation of a disease. It is recommended to seek medical attention promptly.