Cat snoring is something that we have seen often. But is it normal or are there are any health problems associated with it? In this article, you will get to know all your answers to these questions. Cats are very cute and lovely animals. They are highly intelligent and can understand so many things. We all know that cats love to sleep and on average, they sleep for 12-16 hours. Keep reading the article to know more information and facts about cat snoring.
What Is Cat Snoring?
Snoring refers to the sound that is produced while sleeping due to the vibration of the loose tissues in the upper airway. People and animals that have a soft palate and loose tissues in the upper airway are capable of snoring. Cats can produce a sound while sleeping and that is referred to as cat snoring.
Is Cat Snoring Normal?
Cat snoring when sleeping is very normal. If your cat used to snore from the very beginning then it is quite normal and you should not worry about it.
If your cat snoring all of a sudden and making loud noise than usual then it may be a concern. You should also look out for any other symptoms like cat snoring wheezing, cat snoring and sneezing and cat snoring or purring. These all can be signs of some serious or potential deadly health problem.
Why Cat Snores?
There might be any reason as an answer to why is my cat snoring loudly and it can either be normal or it might indicate a health problem. Below I have mentioned few reasons why your cat might be snoring.
- Overweight
Overweight cats tend to snore due to the excessive fat tissues surrounding their upper airways. In the research, it has been found that half of the cats between the ages of 5 to 11 have more weight than the required weight. Obesity may cause other health problems in cats as well.
- Brachycephalic
There are certain breeds of cats like the Persian, Himalayan, and Burmese which have shorter skull bones. This leads to the small pushed face and nose and thus the nasal passages are often short in these cats. This increases the chances of snoring and breathing problems in the cats of these breeds.
- Respiratory Illness
Many respiratory illnesses like bacterial or fungal infection and asthma can lead to snoring in cats. You must see if there are any other symptoms in your cat like sneezing, coughing, discharge from nose or eyes and loss of appetite, etc.
- Foreign Object
Sometimes while playing or roaming outdoors some foreign object like the glass blade may enter the nasal passage of your cat through the mouth or nose. This might trigger snoring and coughing in your cat. If you see something in their nose then you should take them to a vet for its proper removal.
- Sleeping Positions
Cats can sleep in any crazy position due to their flexible body and they may tilt their head in weird directions. This can be one of the causes of your snoring cat. But as soon as your cat changes its position it will go away.
- Other Causes
If your cat is snoring there can be other serious reasons for it as well like nasal polyps, tumors, inflammation, or allergies. You should take your cat to a vet if the snoring of your cat does not seem to stop and you see some other symptoms as well.
How To Stop Your Cat Snoring?
Cat breathing sounds like snoring is quite normal but if you see some other symptoms then you should take it seriously. If you feel that the snoring of your cat is normal then you can do certain things that we have mentioned below to reduce it.
- Regular Exercise
Since obesity is one of the reasons for snoring in cats you must make sure that your cat does get overweight and lazy. To reduce the obesity or the chances of obesity you must indulge your cat in active play and activities that make them move their body more than usual.
- Use Perches And Encourage Climbing
Climbing can help to maintain balance and flexibility in cats. You can provide perches for your cat to feel safe and you can create cat-friendly environments or zones. This will make your cat move from place to place and help in keeping its body active.
- Food Puzzles
Cats that live in the wild have the habit of searching for food but domestic cats usually don’t need to do this. This makes them lazier and more laid back. So, you can create food games or puzzles in which the cat has to find its own food in the house.
- Veterinary Help
Regular visits to a vet ensure that your pet is doing well. You can even go to a vet when you see any type of symptoms in your cat or when your cat is not doing well.
FAQ
Should I Worry That My Cat Snores?
No, you should not worry if your cat snores as it is very normal and when the cat is in a deep sleep they usually snore. This is very normal behavior and there is nothing to be worried about.
Is It Normal For Cats To Snore?
Yes, it is normal for cats to snore until and unless you don’t see any other symptoms with it. Snoring in cats is very common especially when they are in the deep sleep phase.
Why Has My Cat Suddenly Started Snoring?
If your cat has suddenly started snoring and you see other symptoms like wheezing, coughing, sneezing, and nose and eye discharge with it then you need to worry. As it can be an indicator of any underlying serious health issue.
Why Does My Cat Sound Like He’s Snoring?
Stertor is a type of breathing noise that occurs during inhalation in cats and which might sound like snoring. It is caused due to the vibration of the flabby or relaxed tissues in the throat.
What Do Cats Think About All Day?
Cats can’t think consciously, only subconsciously. Still, cats think about previous experiences and use them to guide their future behavior. Only having memories to rely on limits the scope of things cats can contemplate. However, as long as they feel content, they don’t need much more.
Is 40 Breaths Per Minute Bad For A Cat?
A normal sleeping respiratory rates is less than 40 breaths per minute. Sleeping respiratory rates greater than 60 breaths per minute, increased respiratory effort, or open-mouth breathing, may indicate an emergency, and your pet should be evaluated by a veterinarian immediately.
How Do I Know If My Cats Breathing Is OK?
A healthy respiratory (breathing) rate for a cat is usually between 20 and 30 breaths per minute. To determine what your cat’s resting respiration rate is, count the number of breaths they take while they are resting. One breath includes inhaling (when the chest rises) and exhaling (when the chest falls).
Is My Cat Snoring Or Having Trouble Breathing?
Yes, it is normal for cats to snore gently while resting. However, if your cat is making unusually loud sounds, there may be an underlying issue that needs to be investigated. Wheezing and honking noises could be a sign that your cat is having difficulty breathing.
Conclusion
Cat snoring is very common and we often hear the noise of snoring of cats. But there can be many reasons for it that you must know. In the above article, you will get to know about the causes and reasons for snoring in cats. You will also get to know about the ways that you can prevent or stop it. Cats are very loving animals and we all adore them a lot.
They have a complex nature and are not easy to understand and sometimes they hide their problems even. So, you must keep an eye on their behavior and habits and how they are feeling. Read the above article till the end to know why and what might be the reasons for cat snoring.
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