Why is My Cat Breathing Heavy?

Nearly all animals breathe heavily from time to time, whether to cool down or catch their breath after physical activity. Dogs panting and breathing heavily is normal, but cats usually don’t exhibit this behavior. So, if you notice open-mouthed or labored breathing in your feline friend, you might wonder, “Why is my cat breathing heavily?” The team here at Violet Crown Veterinary Specialists can help you clarify why your cat is breathing heavily and what to do next.

What causes heavy breathing in cats?

Cats sometimes breathe heavily or pant when they feel hot, stressed, or after physical activity. Heavy breathing of this kind is normal and should resolve on its own as your kitty calms down, rests, and cools off.

However, persistent and recurrent heavy breathing could indicate that your pet is sick. Thinking about what your cat was doing before the heavy breathing began may help you determine whether it’s normal.

If you’re not sure why your cat is breathing heavily, fast, or loudly, it’s time to take them to see the vet.

Signs of Breathing Difficulties in Cats

Cats that are having a hard time breathing may seem to be working hard to move air in and out of their lungs. They might also show signs related to breathing difficulties, such as:

Rapid breathing
Noisy panting with an open mouth
Coughing or wheezing
Lowering the head, extending the body forward, and appearing to be gagging or about to vomit

Common Causes of Abnormal Heavy Breathing in Cats

Hearing your pet struggle to breathe comfortably can be stressful. Fortunately, many causes of heavy breathing in cats are treatable.

Asthma & Chronic Bronchitis

Heavy, labored breathing with an open mouth can be a sign of asthma in cats. Other common symptoms include wheezing, coughing, panting, and an increased respiratory rate. Chronic bronchitis may cause similar symptoms.

Heart Failure & Fluid Build-Up

Congestive heart failure, which most frequently affects older cats, causes fluid to build up in the lungs and restricts breathing. It can also lead to the enlargement of the heart, which may cause breathing troubles. Even in the absence of heart failure, conditions like hydrothorax can cause fluid to build up in and around the lungs. Fluid build-up makes it difficult for the lungs to bring in as much air as they need and may also lead to rapid breathing, coughing, and panting.

Heartworm

Heartworm disease is a highly preventable condition that often causes breathing difficulties in cats. It’s a severe, potentially fatal disease that you can avoid by giving your cat heartworm prevention medication each month.

Respiratory Infections

A respiratory infection can also make it difficult for cats to breathe normally. These typically begin as viral infections and then develop into secondary bacterial infections, which may cause more severe symptoms.

Other Conditions Related to Heavy Breathing

Other less common causes of heavy breathing in cats include the following:

Trauma or injury to the chest, lungs, heart, etc.
Anemia
Neurologic disorders
Obstructions caused by foreign objects
Pain and inflammation
In some cases, heavy breathing may be a sign of cancer in cats

How to Treat Heavy Breathing in Cats

Treatment for heavy breathing in cats will depend on its underlying cause. Depending on your feline friend’s symptoms, treatment might include:

Antibiotics
Oxygen therapy
Steroids
Antihistamines
Surgery or procedures to drain fluid or remove tumors

When is heavy breathing in cats a sign of an emergency?

Anytime you’re unsure about your pet’s ability to breathe comfortably, it’s time to call your veterinarian. Heavy breathing that doesn’t resolve after a few minutes of rest is never considered normal and always warrants a visit to a professional.

If you’re concerned that your cat is having a hard time breathing, you should consider it an emergency. Don’t wait until symptoms become severe to ask for help. If your cat shows other symptoms, like coughing or wheezing, be sure to mention those to your veterinarian, too.

Looking for an Emergency Vet in Austin? Call Violet Crown Veterinary Specialists

As a pet owner, there may be a few things that catch your attention, like seeing your cat having trouble breathing. Reaching out to a veterinary professional is always the best way to address the situation.

If your cat is breathing heavily, contact our vet team immediately to learn what steps to take next. Violet Crown Veterinary Specialists is your go-to for Austin emergency vet services and critical care treatment.

Whether your cat needs emergency care, surgery, or another treatment intervention, our team has the expertise required to help them get back to feeling like themselves.

Contact us today or call us at (512) 284-2877 for 24/7 urgent and emergency care.

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10 Common Dog Eye Injuries to Watch for & When to Visit an Emergency Vet

March 25, 2025

What Causes Eye Injuries in Dogs? A dog eye injury can occur for a number of reasons, including: Fights: If your pet gets into a squabble with another, it may result in an eye injury. Foreign Objects: Dust, dirt, or small debris can easily make their way into your dog’s eyes. Aging: As dogs age, they are more likely to develop cataracts or dry eye. Underlying Health Conditions: Certain health issues can increase the risk of eye injuries. Accidents: Mishaps can happen. Even something as simple as playing rough can cause eye injuries.

A cat is being examined by a veterinarian with a stethoscope for Urinary Obstruction in Cats.

What is Urinary Obstruction in Cats?

By Kerry Chrapliwy • February 25, 2025

Keeping your cat’s litter box clean is essential for maintaining its long-term health. Even after meticulously scooping the urine clumps, replacing the litter once a week, and scrubbing every inch of the litter box every couple of weeks, your cat may still experience urinary issues. Urinary obstruction in cats is one of the more serious ailments affecting the urethra and requires urgent medical attention. What is Urinary Obstruction? Urinary obstruction in cats describes situations involving a partial or full blockage of the urethra, which is the tube that carries urine from the bladder to the cat’s external opening. You might hear your veterinarian call it a urethral blockage or urethral obstruction, and it’s one of the most common reasons for cats to see their vets. A urinary obstruction may be referred to as FLUTD, or feline lower urinary tract disease. You may also hear the term FIC, short for feline interstitial cystitis, which refers to inflammation of the bladder. Urinary obstructions are most common in young castrated male cats, but can occur in older pets and intact males as well. FIC is also much more common in cats younger than 10. Risks of Urinary Obstructions Urinating is a vital function for almost all creatures, as it eliminates waste and maintains appropriate levels of bodily fluids. Retaining urine can result in: Bladder tear (rupture) due to increased pressure Renal (kidney) damage or failure Heart problems due to electrolyte imbalances What Causes Urinary Obstructions in Cats? The inflammation that occurs with FIC is a common cause of urinary obstructions in cats. Two other ailments commonly associated with urinary obstructions are uroliths (bladder stones that can travel to the urethra) and urethral plugs, which consist of bodily crystals and mucus. Cancer is a rare cause of urinary obstructions. Preventing Urinary Obstruction Maintaining your cat’s general health, which involves regular vet check-ups, can reduce the chances of urinary obstructions. Ensuring your felines have access to enough water and food is also essential, as is helping them stay at healthy weights. Male cats are prone to urinary obstructions and other FLUTDs because their urethra is narrower and longer than those of female cats. Some cats who experience frequent urinary obstructions may benefit from a procedure called a perineal urethrostomy (PU), which widens the urethral opening. Treating Urinary Obstruction: When to See an Emergency Vet It’s a good idea to take your cat to a vet as soon as possible if you notice signs of urinary obstruction, as serious health problems can crop up within 12 hours or less. Untreated urinary obstructions can cause death in cats within 24 hours, so time is of the essence. Common symptoms of urinary obstructions in cats include: Frequent urination (more than four times per day) Weak urinary flow Urinating only a few drops at a time (or nothing at all) Bloody or cloudy urine Vocalizing or crying out while urinating Straining while urinating Urinating outside of the litter box Vomiting Diarrhea Lethargy Decreased appetite Excessive licking of their genitals If you suspect your cat is exhibiting these symptoms but aren’t sure, we strongly recommend erring on the side of caution and bringing them to a vet as soon as possible. Depending on the location of the litter box, it may be difficult to tell whether your cat is having trouble peeing or not urinating at all. Your vet may insert a catheter to drain the backed-up urine, and your cat may need to take medications for a few days.