do cats breathe faster than humans

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Cats naturally breathe more rapidly than humans do. Cats take 15 to 30 breaths per minute while resting or sleeping, while humans, on average, take 12 to 16. Breaths should be quiet and include small chest movements.

Should I take my cat to the emergency vet?

Breathing too quickly may indicate a dangerous underlying illness. Since your cat’s health depends on the blood’s proper oxygenation, rapid breathing while at rest is a symptom that should never be disregarded.

If your cat is breathing with a whistling sound or gasping, or if its sides are moving in and out suddenly, get in touch with your veterinarian right away or call the closest animal emergency hospital that is open after hours.

What Is A Normal Breathing Rate For Cats?

Cats at rest take anywhere from 16 to 40 breaths per minute. If they’re actively playing or stressed out, they may take up to 30 or 40 breaths per minute, but this rate should drop back down once their excitement fizzles out.

Your cat may breathe even more slowly when they are sleeping or resting (they may also snore). Generally speaking, it’s better if they take fewer breaths per minute. It’s perfectly acceptable for some cats to breathe less frequently than 15 times per minute, or once every four seconds, provided that they are in overall good health.

do cats breathe faster than humans

What other symptoms should I look for?

At rest, rapid breathing is typically indicative of an underlying medical condition and frequently coexists with other symptoms. You may observe one or more of the following symptoms in your cat, depending on the reason for their rapid breathing:

  • Sides, chest and stomach moving in and out rapidly
  • Open mouth breathing or panting
  • Lowered head with extension of neck and body forward
  • Coughing
  • Gagging
  • breathing loudly with each breath, such as whistling, wheezing, or moaning
  • Lack of energy, lethargy
  • Blue color to the gums
  • Reluctance to move, jump or play
  • Extended periods of sleep
  • Loss of appetite

Breathing difficulties are a very serious health concern. If your cat exhibits any of the aforementioned symptoms, take them to the vet right away.

FAQ

Is it normal for a cat to breathe fast?

It’s normal for cats to breathe fast if they are anxious, overheated or exerting themselves playing, but if your cat is breathing rapidly while resting it could be a sign of an underlying health condition. In today’s post our vets share some causes of fast breathing in cats and when you should be concerned.

Is 40 breaths per minute normal for a cat?

Cats at rest take anywhere from 16 to 40 breaths per minute. If they’re actively playing or stressed out, they may take up to 30 or 40 breaths per minute, but this rate should drop back down once their excitement fizzles out. While resting or sleeping, your cat may breathe even more slowly (they may also snore).

Do cats breathe faster when they purr?

When cats purr, the respiratory rate is increased, and this is normal.

Do cats breathe fast in fever?

Another common symptom of fever in cats is rapid breathing. Rapid breathing can be a sign of many different problems in cats.