Is Cat Mouth Breathing Normal? - A Quick Guide
It's quite common for cats to exhibit a brief period of openmouth breathing following vigorous exercise. Rest assured, this is usually nothing to worry about for pet owners. However, if a cat starts to breathe through its mouth, appears listless, or shows these signs without any exertion or after only a minimal amount of activity, it's time to take notice. These symptoms might be indicative of one of three potential health issues.
1. Oral Health Issues in Cats
For those who often feed their cats liquid diets, take heed. Cats are natural carnivores, and foods like softened kibble, homemade meals, soups, and canned food can easily linger in their mouths, leading to bacterial growth and causing issues like tartar, calculus, mouth ulcers, and gum inflammation.
When cats suffer from severe oral health problems, they may exhibit excessive drooling, bad breath, decreased appetite, and mouth breathing. This is no trivial matter, as severe stomatitis in cats may require fullmouth extraction to be cured. Such treatment not only affects the cat's ability to eat normally but can also significantly impact its lifespan!
2. Respiratory Infections in Cats
Cats with respiratory infections, such as those with symptoms like coughing, runny nose, and sneezing, are prone to experiencing difficulty breathing, leading to mouth breathing. This is often due to nasal congestion, much like in humans with a cold, and is usually easy to identify.
It's also important to be aware that conditions like bronchitis, pulmonary edema, and tracheitis can cause similar symptoms but are much more challenging to treat. If a cat is showing signs of mouth breathing and severe respiratory distress, it's crucial to seek veterinary care promptly.
3. Heart Disease in Cats
Most cats with heart conditions are either senior pets or those who are overweight. Heart diseases in cats can manifest in various forms, including hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and dilated cardiomyopathy, all of which can lead to breathing difficulties and fatigue.
Therefore, it's essential for pet owners to adopt a scientific approach to cat care, avoiding the temptation to overfeed for the sake of aesthetic appeal. A healthy, longlived cat is the true measure of responsible pet ownership. If possible, it's advisable to have cats over 10 years old undergo regular health checkups to detect any issues early and address them effectively.
These are some of the common reasons why cats might breathe through their mouths. If you have any further questions or concerns, feel free to consult with an online veterinary expert. If your cat's symptoms are severe, it's best to take it directly to a veterinary hospital for treatment.
