How Do Cats Breathe? In 9 Different Ways

Cats are mysterious and fascinating creatures, animals we still know very little about. One of the classic questions we often hear is: how do cats breathe? An apparently trivial question but which requires some in-depth analysis. In fact, biology indicates that there are at least 9 different and main ways in which domestic cats breathe.

The 9 ways cats breathe

What is surprising, besides the number, are the evident differences between these 9 ways of breathing of the cat. In some cases, as we will see, the singular way of breathing indicates a certain state of mind or even the presence of certain pathologies. So let’s start our curious journey to discover how cats breathe.

Rapid breathing

This type of breathing action is an indicator that something abnormal is happening. If your cat is breathing particularly quickly, this can be symptomatic of the presence of a disorder. Stress, fever, widespread pain, heat stroke or a mood of excessive excitement.

If this behavior persists, it is a good idea to contact your veterinarian. Your doctor can help you rule out serious hypotheses, such as in the case of lung or heart disease, up to diabetes. Knowing and detecting the cause of rapid breathing is critical to making an effective solution.

Slow Breathing

In this case the probabilities are reduced to a well-documented case history. If your cat is breathing slowly, this could be caused by poisoning or encephalitis. Often these are also consequences related to a strong shock. Be very attentive to sudden changes in the rhythm of breathing: rapid intervention is of vital importance for the animal’s health.

Gasps

This type of breathing is normal if it occurs immediately after a course of physical activity. When running, jumping or playing, a slight change in breathing is quite normal. It is an automatic system that cats use to lower their body temperature. Sweat, understood as water vapor, is exhaled from the animal’s mouth, making an exchange with the fresh outside air.

Noisy breathing

Be very careful if you perceive a distinct noise produced in the respiratory tract. It could be a disease or even a dangerous occlusion. Immediately take the cat to the vet in order to carry out the appropriate investigations and resolve the incidence.

Rough Breathing

This sensation occurs when the air passes through a narrower duct than expected. If your cat suddenly begins to have rough breathing, it is possible that it is a narrowing of the vocal cords. The cause? Probably the presence of an object obstructing that area.

Hissing Breathing

With this term we refer to a noise, similar to that emitted by asthmatics, produced during inhalation or exhalation. The causes are to be found in a  narrowing of the trachea or bronchial vessels.

This apparently harmless noise is evidence of asthma, bacterial diseases, heart problems, or hair buildup. Again, it is better not to delay and go to the vet right away.

Superficial Breathing

Whether it’s humans or animals in general, mammals breathe deeply. If your cat, on the other hand, is unable to perform the breathing action completely, you must look for the causes in a possible fracture or injury to the ribs. In short, the animal is unable to fully exploit all the lung capacity.

In less severe cases, it could simply be excess mucus in the chest. Try to understand if the cat feels pain in lying down, moving and if he prefers to maintain a certain immobility.

Meow

What does meowing have to do with breathing? Well, if your cat meows excessively and continuously, this can be a symptom of a serious illness. In fact, through this unique type of breathing, the cat tries to communicate pain.

As soon as you experience this type of behavior, contacting the vet is certainly the best choice.

Purr

This sound, or rumbling, typical of felines is the result of a respiratory effort. To communicate pleasure or contentment, the cat is able to manage the flow of air in and out, causing the typical noise of the purr.

But be careful: this attitude does not always have positive connotations. In some cases, if the cat purrs, perhaps in an excessively pronounced way or in inappropriate moments, it may want to communicate a discomfort. If you notice anything strange, ask your vet for advice who will tell you what to do.