Why is my cat panting?

Updated 22/04/2024

Ever heard of cat panting? Unless you’re a seasoned cat carer, you may not know that cats can in fact pant like a doggo. However, as strange as it may be to witness, panting in cats is often a sign of distress or illness. Labored breathing in cats or panting should never be ignored, always contact their vet immediately if you notice this behavior. Why? Well, here are several causes of cat panting and other symptoms to look out for.

Why is my cat panting like a dog?

There’s a reason you don’t see cats panting regularly like dogs do - it’s only in extreme cases of high stress or illness that your feline friend may suddenly start panting. We’ll explain more…

Common causes of cat panting

They’re having difficulties breathing or an asthma attack

Sounds obvious, right? If a cat is panting or showing signs of rapid breathing, they are having difficulties breathing. This could be caused by allergies or dust (look out for signs of regular sneezing too), a possible asthma attack caused by dust or air particulates, or they have a foreign object trapped in their windpipe or lungs. Go to the vet, and get it checked.

A symptom of a respiratory infection

Panting cats can be an indication of a problem with their heart and lungs. Take note if you can also hear rattly, labored breathing too. Other signs of illness include loss of appetite, lethargy, and reduced movement. Panting can be a symptom that your cat is in extreme pain.

A sign of medical issues with their heart

This can include heart disease, congestive heart failure, or heartworm disease. Check to see if they have other symptoms such as pale gums, wheezing, and coughing and whether your cat is panting regularly or consistently. These illnesses are mostly commonly found in senior cats or specific breeds like Maine Coons and Ragdolls but can affect any breed of cat. If you suspect your cat is having heart issues, take them straight to the vet.

Related article: Can cats snore? A guide for curious and concerned pet parents

Cats can pant to regulate their body temperature

Cats don’t have pores to sweat through like us humans. Instead, they primarily regulate their body temperature through their paws. They also lick themselves more which results in a cooling effect from the evaporating saliva. Cats do not pant to cool themselves down in the way that dogs do, unless they are dangerously overheating. If a kitty is very overheated and dehydrated, they will begin to pant as a desperate measure to cool their body temperature. If you notice this, and it happens to be a hot day, keep them out of the sun, put them in a cool and quiet room with access to cold water, and call the vet for further advice.

Panting due to stress or overstimulation

Every kitty has a threshold for stimulation, which refers to being riled up, overplayed with, or chased. When this happens, their adrenaline kicks in, resulting in stress. Significant overstimulation can lead to panting in cats. Similarly, other forms of stress can be a clear hint your cat is scared or very unhappy. Cats can have all sorts of different reactions to stress. Some of these include yowling, hissing, and peeing outside the litter box. If you think your cat is panting due to stress or overstimulation, stop interacting with them, provide access to somewhere quiet to allow them to calm down, and contact their vet for further advice.

Why is my cat panting while playing?

As with a lot of cat behaviors, cat playtime can be a mystery to us humans. There are times that their rough and tumble games look rather violent, only to then watch cats affectionately groom each other in a matter of seconds. However, if you notice your cat panting during playtime or while you’re playing with them, it’s time to chill. Cat panting during play can be a sign your kitty is way too overstimulated which is very stressful for them. Stop playing with your cat or separate them from their play buddy and leave them alone to calm down. Panting while playing could also be a sign of illness. Contact their vet to get them checked over.

Why is my cat panting in the car?

Cats and cars don’t mix. They’re stressful environments for kitties - loud noises, strange smells, and hypnotic windscreen wipers, it can all be too much for your feline. Similarly, many cats associate car trips with vet visits, another stress-inducing scenario. If your cat is panting in their carrier, this is a clear sign they are very anxious. Try your best to soothe them by talking gently to them, don’t turn on the radio, and make sure they’re surrounded by familiar smells. Talk to their vet for further advice about how to minimize stress from traveling.

Another reason for cats panting in cars can be that they’re too hot. Check what the car temperature is before placing them inside. Remember, if you’re too hot, they’re too hot.

Finally, never let your cat roam around your car, especially whilst you’re driving. This is a really scary thing for them to experience and it’s also very dangerous.

Meet our veterinary expert, Gemma

This article has been checked by veterinarian Gemma Cliffin BSc BVSc MRCVS. Gemma is an experienced small animal vet who combines her love of writing alongside working in practice. Since her graduation from the University of Liverpool in 2014 she has worked in a wide variety of roles including first opinion practice, as a night vet, and as a locum vet. She has also spent time working at a charity clinic in the Cook Islands which was a challenge but also immensely rewarding. She loves all aspects of veterinary work, but she especially enjoys medicine cases and diagnostic imaging. She is passionate about pain management, particularly in her more senior patients. She currently works in a first opinion small animal practice in North Yorkshire where she deals with both routine and emergency cases.

Cat carers and cat sitters: Always contact a vet if you’re ever worried about your kitty’s health or behavior. Standard and Premium TrustedHousesitters members have free access to our 24/7 vet advice line if they have any concerns. And whilst panting in cats is concerning, other behaviors are just plain goofy - chat about them with other feline fanatics on our Community Forum to share the love and learn from other pet people.