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Cat Breathing Through Mouth? Causes, Symptoms & Vet Advice 2025 💨🐱

  • 842 days ago
  • 6 min read
Cat Breathing Through Mouth? Causes, Symptoms & Vet Advice 2025 💨🐱

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Cat Breathing Through Mouth? Causes, Symptoms & Vet Advice 2025 💨🐱 

By Dr. Duncan Houston BVSc

Cats are generally nose breathers, so if you notice your cat suddenly breathing through its mouth, it can be a sign that something is affecting their respiratory system or overall health. Mouth breathing in cats can range from mild issues to life-threatening emergencies, so it’s essential to understand the potential causes and act promptly.


Potential Causes of Mouth Breathing in Cats

1. Respiratory Infections

  • Cats can develop upper respiratory infections (URIs) caused by viruses like feline herpesvirus or feline calicivirus, as well as bacterial infections.

  • Symptoms may include sneezing, nasal discharge, coughing, eye discharge, and lethargy.

  • Infections can make breathing through the nose difficult, causing the cat to resort to mouth breathing.

2. Heart Disease

  • Heart problems can lead to fluid buildup around the lungs (pulmonary edema) or in the chest (pleural effusion).

  • Signs may include coughing, fatigue, rapid breathing, and mouth breathing.

  • Early detection is key, as untreated heart disease can progress to congestive heart failure.🐱

3. Heatstroke

  • Cats are susceptible to overheating, especially in hot environments, because they cannot cool themselves efficiently.

  • Symptoms of heatstroke include panting, drooling, lethargy, and mouth breathing.

  • Immediate cooling and veterinary care are critical to prevent serious complications.

4. Asthma

  • Feline asthma causes inflammation of the airways, making breathing difficult.

  • Triggers can include smoke, dust, strong odors, or certain types of litter.

  • Signs include coughing, wheezing, open-mouth breathing, and rapid respiration during an asthma attack.

5. Lung Disease

  • Chronic bronchitis, pneumonia, lungworms, or even lung tumors can lead to difficulty breathing.

  • Cats may exhibit mouth breathing, coughing, lethargy, or weight loss.

  • Diagnosis often requires X-rays, blood tests, or imaging studies.

6. Trauma or Injury

  • Accidents or injuries may cause shock, pain, or respiratory compromise, leading to mouth breathing.

  • This is an emergency, and immediate veterinary attention is necessary.

7. Foreign Objects

  • Objects stuck in the throat, mouth, or nasal passages can obstruct airflow.

  • This may cause gagging, coughing, pawing at the mouth, and mouth breathing.

  • Prompt veterinary care is required to remove the obstruction safely.

8. Allergies

  • Severe allergic reactions can cause swelling in the throat or upper airway, resulting in open-mouth breathing.

  • Other signs may include itching, sneezing, and vomiting.

  • Allergic reactions can escalate quickly, making immediate vet intervention critical.

9. Dental Disease

  • Oral pain from gingivitis, tooth abscesses, or stomatitis can cause cats to breathe through their mouths.

  • Look for signs like drooling, bad breath, pawing at the mouth, and difficulty eating.

10. Neurological Disorders

  • Certain neurological conditions can impair a cat’s ability to regulate breathing.

  • Symptoms may include abnormal breathing patterns, open-mouth breathing, or unusual postures while resting.


What You Should Do 🐱

  • Monitor for distress signs: Rapid breathing, open-mouth breathing, blue gums, lethargy, and refusal to eat or drink.

  • Act quickly: Many causes of mouth breathing are serious or life-threatening.

  • Seek veterinary care immediately: Only a vet can diagnose the underlying cause and provide proper treatment.

  • Do not attempt home remedies for serious cases like choking, heart issues, or heatstroke without professional guidance.


Key Takeaways

  • Mouth breathing is not normal in cats and often signals an underlying problem.

  • Causes range from mild respiratory infections to severe conditions like heart disease or trauma.

  • Early detection and prompt veterinary attention can significantly improve outcomes.

  • Always monitor your cat’s behavior, appetite, and breathing patterns for subtle warning signs.

Cats hide illness well, so even occasional open-mouth breathing warrants attention. Acting quickly could save your cat’s life.

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Premium Quality
Trusted by Vets
Cat-Tested
Vet-Designed & Tested
Cat-Centric & Cozy
Quality Tested & Trusted
1000’s of Cat Testers