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
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Cats can develop upper respiratory infections (URIs) caused by viruses like feline herpesvirus or feline calicivirus, as well as bacterial infections.
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Symptoms may include sneezing, nasal discharge, coughing, eye discharge, and lethargy.
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Infections can make breathing through the nose difficult, causing the cat to resort to mouth breathing.
2. Heart Disease
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Heart problems can lead to fluid buildup around the lungs (pulmonary edema) or in the chest (pleural effusion).
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Signs may include coughing, fatigue, rapid breathing, and mouth breathing.
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Early detection is key, as untreated heart disease can progress to congestive heart failure.🐱
3. Heatstroke
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Cats are susceptible to overheating, especially in hot environments, because they cannot cool themselves efficiently.
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Symptoms of heatstroke include panting, drooling, lethargy, and mouth breathing.
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Immediate cooling and veterinary care are critical to prevent serious complications.
4. Asthma
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Feline asthma causes inflammation of the airways, making breathing difficult.
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Triggers can include smoke, dust, strong odors, or certain types of litter.
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Signs include coughing, wheezing, open-mouth breathing, and rapid respiration during an asthma attack.
5. Lung Disease
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Chronic bronchitis, pneumonia, lungworms, or even lung tumors can lead to difficulty breathing.
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Cats may exhibit mouth breathing, coughing, lethargy, or weight loss.
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Diagnosis often requires X-rays, blood tests, or imaging studies.
6. Trauma or Injury
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Accidents or injuries may cause shock, pain, or respiratory compromise, leading to mouth breathing.
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This is an emergency, and immediate veterinary attention is necessary.
7. Foreign Objects
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Objects stuck in the throat, mouth, or nasal passages can obstruct airflow.
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This may cause gagging, coughing, pawing at the mouth, and mouth breathing.
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Prompt veterinary care is required to remove the obstruction safely.
8. Allergies
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Severe allergic reactions can cause swelling in the throat or upper airway, resulting in open-mouth breathing.
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Other signs may include itching, sneezing, and vomiting.
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Allergic reactions can escalate quickly, making immediate vet intervention critical.
9. Dental Disease
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Oral pain from gingivitis, tooth abscesses, or stomatitis can cause cats to breathe through their mouths.
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Look for signs like drooling, bad breath, pawing at the mouth, and difficulty eating.
10. Neurological Disorders
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Certain neurological conditions can impair a cat’s ability to regulate breathing.
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Symptoms may include abnormal breathing patterns, open-mouth breathing, or unusual postures while resting.
What You Should Do 🐱
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Monitor for distress signs: Rapid breathing, open-mouth breathing, blue gums, lethargy, and refusal to eat or drink.
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Act quickly: Many causes of mouth breathing are serious or life-threatening.
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Seek veterinary care immediately: Only a vet can diagnose the underlying cause and provide proper treatment.
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Do not attempt home remedies for serious cases like choking, heart issues, or heatstroke without professional guidance.
Key Takeaways
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Mouth breathing is not normal in cats and often signals an underlying problem.
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Causes range from mild respiratory infections to severe conditions like heart disease or trauma.
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Early detection and prompt veterinary attention can significantly improve outcomes.
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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.