is it okay for a cat to pant while playing? When we are playing with Geoffrey he pants quite often and I am just making sure that this isn't a bad thing. We is so playful he just keeps going even when he's really tired. We have to make him take a break, and relax.
Thanks!!
Posted 2 years ago by sarahandsteve54 #
Me again! MCW for short by the way, the full name takes too long to type!
Pickle does that too, she doesn't know when to stop. She usually gets her breath back after a few minutes, and then is raring to go again. As long as he doens't start panting almost immediately, I don't think there's anything to worry about.
Posted 2 years ago by MadcatwomanintheUK #
Okay good, I figured it was okay because it is only after playing 'hard' but I just wanted to make sure!
Thanks MCW and Kotek!
Posted 2 years ago by sarahandsteve54 #
Just a what if question...what if he does start panting almost immediately, is there a problem??
Posted 2 years ago by sarahandsteve54 #
Panting without having played a lot -can- be problematic, but if it's hot where the kitty is, panting sometimes will happen without a play session. Just so happens I've been asking about "feline panting" in the morning cafe, I have an older kitty with medical issues (kidney failure, hyperthyroidism, high blood pressure) and panting can be indicative of heart problems. We know she's in her twilight years, she's 15 1/2, but in a younger kitty, panting without it being hot, or without a lot of exertion, may not be normal. She has been panting quite a bit yesterday and again today, but it's also been HOTHOTHOT here, in the upper 90's. Her nose is warm and wet, her pads and ears are warm, but not overly hot, and her tongue is regular pink. Her gums are not blue, which can signal a heart problem.
I don't want to scare you either, but try a web search on "feline panting" (include the quotes). You might want to check with your vet if it continues.
Vets will always tell you that a completely healthy cat or kitten should not pant. Miso started to pant at the age of 5 months, after exercise and when she got over-heated laying in the sun (she's all black and absorbs a lot of heat). She was clearly in distress trying to breathe, and I figured her heart was working overtime so I brought her for tests. She also had a regular soft little cough. The upshot of it all was that she has moderate asthma. She's now on an inhaler twice a day (and she's only 9 months old) but her symptoms have improved a lot. I am not convinced it's asthma she has - I think it's bronchitis, caused by an allergic reaction to her litter ('world's best cat litter' - terrible dusty maize product with an awful stink), but I think the inhaled steroid treatment would be the same for both. I would check out any cat that pants.
I can only say that heat is the only thing I've ever seen a cat pant from. We're having 108-110 degree temps. right now (how could mother nature be so cruel), & I'm even seeing the birds pant & scrammble to share the kitty water outside. They're lucky the kits are all hiding in the shadey spots.
Does Geoffrey make any wheezing sounds when he pants? If so...I would be alittle concerned.
Panting without an obvious trigger is a sign of trouble. I think Geoffrey is OK since it only happens when he is very exerted. It can be a sign of heart trouble or asthma. Eleniki, I am curious on how you get a cat to use an inhaler! I had a Persian with asthma--unfortunately her previous owner did nothing about it so she had severe lung damage and only lived a year after I got her. She was on high doses of Prednisone, which damaged her liver. NEVER use that powder for odors on your carpet---it's a big trigger.
Posted 2 years ago by Sheba's Mom in Phoenix, AZ 10/8 #
Ms. Kitty, little Hadley and of course sweet Ripley have all been panting. As Feral says we are having 108-110 here in Texas. I no longer have a huge tree in my back yard (power company killed it!) so no shade. I have been putting out refrigerant packs 3 times a day for them and making sure there is some shade. We get vaccine shipped with these really wonderful industrial freezer packs. They are about 10X5x3 and even in this heat they last for hours. The kitties love them. I was a little ashamed yesterday because I never thought of a patio umbrella. Once the idea struck me I went to Target and bought one with a base. I put it up in between my rockers and the kitties were there immediately. I also hose down the patio 3x a day and have some cotton rugs that I soak and put under the chairs. They seem to be doing better. I am always worried about Ripley because all of his organs are on one side due to his spinal curve and his breathing gets very labored in the heat. As soon as I started wetting down the patio and providing dense shade with lots of cool water to drink he snapped right back. I will warn all those who live in hot climates that wetting down your patios and soaking a rug for them to lie on and providing shade helps so much. Did not mean to ramble on but I have been so concerned about the outside kitties. Just thought I would pass along my methods. Hugs and purrs to all. Hope you are cooler than we are!
Sheba's mom, I have a contraption called Aerokat - it's like the kind of inhaler used for tiny children/babies. It's a fairly new development for veterinary use. You can see it in action on a website called Felix the Brave, all about a cat called Felix whose people set up this site to help those with asthmatic kitties. It took me 2 weeks to train miso in on it - first I used an empty cardboard toilet roll centre, so she'd get used to the idea of breathing through a mask. Basically it's a nose/mouth mask which leads into a spacer, and you attach the med puffer on the far end, then puff it in - she breathes it out from the spacer. There's a little gauge thing that shows you each breath she takes, because cats often hold their breath when they're stressed. She has to breathe at least 7 times. Then she gets her face wiped with a damp tissue, to prevent contact dermatitis, then she gets a treat! She's ok with it now, but still has her anxious moments, when I know she doesn't get the correct dose into her. And you're right - any sprays or chemical powders are a no-no, but I never use them anyway. I've removed all suspect triggers, like mohair rugs, or dyed rugs, or other dust-gatherers. Your poor persian girl, that's so sad for her.
Puddytat - I think you're wonderful to think of all those measures to make your kitties lives more bearable in that heat. We never have to worry about that level of temperature over here in cool Ireland. We moan about the weather here of course, but it has its definite advantages!
By accident...I found that the rubber bathtub mats stay extra cool outside,as long as it's in the shade. It works along the same line as concrete or rock. When I need my temp. cooled down some,I step outside & stand on the mat w/bare feet & It instantly cools my body down. lol. It sounds silly,but, like I said, I discovered this by accident & the cats love it. lol
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