Cats Snoring While Sleeping: Possible Causes Explained

Snoring while sleeping in cats can be influenced by a unique facial structure that they are born with, or it might be due to deep sleep, incorrect sleeping posture, obesity, or respiratory system disorders. Pet owners should assess the specific cause of their cat's snoring based on the situation and provide appropriate assistance. This article aims to introduce the common reasons why cats snore while sleeping.

Common Causes of Cats Snoring While Sleeping

1. Unique Facial Structure: Cats with a short nose, such as Persians and Himalayans, may naturally snore while sleeping. There's no need to worry, as this is a normal occurrence. The shorter nose and curved nasal passages in these cats can lead to obstructed breathing during sleep, resulting in snoring. These breeds often snore while dozing off.

2. Deep Sleep: Cats may snore more when they are in a deep sleep state. It's also common for them to twitch their paws or even their whole bodies occasionally during this time. These behaviors are perfectly normal.

3. Incorrect Sleeping Posture: Cats tend to be more alert in unfamiliar environments, so they often sleep with a tense posture. However, if they feel particularly relaxed and comfortable in their surroundings, they might adopt a variety of sleeping positions. If a cat twists its body and neck too much while sleeping, it could experience breathing difficulties, leading to snoring. While this is relatively rare, cats can usually adjust their positions to ensure smooth breathing if they feel short of breath.

4. Overweight: Excess weight is another common cause of snoring in cats. When cats are overweight, the excess fat can thicken their throat walls, narrow their throat and trachea, and cause an enlarged soft palate, which can negatively impact their growth. While obesity may not affect a cat's breathing much when they are awake, during sleep, when muscles are relaxed, the throat can become even more constricted by fat, potentially causing tongue prolapse and obstructed breathing. In addition to snoring, obesity can lead to health issues like fatty liver and diabetes. Therefore, if a cat is overweight, it's best for owners to help them lose weight and maintain a healthy weight range.

5. Respiratory System Disorders: If a cat that is not overweight suddenly starts snoring and exhibits other unusual symptoms, it could be suffering from a respiratory condition, such as rhinitis, pharyngitis, or tracheitis. These conditions can cause breathing difficulties and lead to snoring. If a cat shows signs of snoring along with symptoms like loss of appetite, listlessness, sneezing, and runny nose, it's advisable for owners to take their pet to a veterinarian for a checkup and treatment.

The common causes of cats snoring while sleeping can vary, and the methods to address them differ. If a shortnosed cat is snoring, it is usually nothing to worry about. However, if a cat suddenly starts snoring and shows other abnormal signs, it's best to have it examined by a veterinarian promptly.