Cats generally do not breathe out of their mouths. Unlike dogs, who routinely pant to regulate their body temperature, open-mouth breathing in a cat is typically a sign of significant physical or emotional distress. While brief, temporary open-mouth breathing can occur in specific non-emergency situations, persistent or unexplained panting is a serious warning sign. The cat’s respiratory system is optimized for nasal breathing, so resorting to mouth breathing indicates a compromised ability to move air effectively through its primary pathway.
Why Cats Prefer Nasal Breathing
The feline respiratory system functions most efficiently by drawing air through the nose. Cats are considered obligate nasal breathers, meaning their anatomy favors this method of respiration. Air entering the nose travels through a complex network of bony structures called turbinates within the nasal passages, which plays a crucial role in preparing the air for the lungs.
This nasal pathway warms and humidifies the incoming air, preventing lung tissues from drying out. The nasal lining is also coated with mucus and microscopic hairs that filter out airborne particles, dust, and pathogens. This protective conditioning process is largely bypassed when a cat breathes through its mouth, making nasal respiration the preferred method for normal breathing.
Non-Emergency Reasons for Open-Mouth Breathing
Although open-mouth breathing is typically a serious indicator, brief periods of panting can occur in response to specific, non-pathological triggers. Intense physical exertion, such as vigorous play, may cause a cat to pant to catch its breath. This panting is usually shallow, temporary, and resolves quickly once the cat rests.
Cats may also pant in situations of extreme environmental heat as a mechanism for thermoregulation, though this is less efficient than in dogs. This allows for the evaporation of moisture from the tongue and mouth, helping to cool the body. Acute stress or anxiety, such as during a car ride or veterinary visit, can also cause temporary panting. If the panting is caused by exertion, heat, or stress, it should stop within a few minutes after the stimulus is removed.
A cat may also hold its mouth slightly open and curl its upper lip in what is called the Flehmen response. This action is not a form of breathing or panting, but a method of scent investigation. The cat draws air over the vomeronasal organ located on the roof of its mouth to analyze complex scents, particularly pheromones. This is a normal behavior often confused with open-mouth breathing.
Recognizing Feline Respiratory Distress
Persistent or unexplained open-mouth breathing is a serious sign and must be treated as a veterinary emergency. If a cat struggles to get enough oxygen through its nose, it will resort to panting, which indicates a compromise in respiratory function. This may be caused by underlying medical conditions such as feline asthma, congestive heart failure, or a severe upper respiratory infection that has obstructed the nasal passages.
Visual cues help identify genuine respiratory distress accompanying open-mouth breathing. These signs include labored breathing, where the chest or abdomen moves with exaggerated effort, or a rapid, shallow breathing pattern. The cat may also adopt an abnormal posture, such as crouching low with its neck extended and elbows pointed outward, in an attempt to open its airways further.
Other indicators of a severe crisis require immediate veterinary attention. These include a blue or purple tint to the gums or tongue, known as cyanosis, which signifies a lack of oxygen. Audible sounds like wheezing, crackling, or a harsh, raspy noise called stridor, when combined with open-mouth breathing, are also concerning. Never ignore these signals, as rapid intervention is often required to save the cat’s life.