What it is
In a flat face the bones of the skull are shorter, but the soft tissues inside the nose and throat are hardly smaller. They end up crowded: the nostrils are pinched, the soft palate hangs into the airway, and the passages behind the nose are tight. Air has to squeeze past all of them.
The constant effort of breathing can make the tissues of the throat swell, which narrows the way even further. Heat, excitement and stress raise a cat's need for air, so these are the moments when trouble shows.
Day to day, a cat breathes easier in a cool, calm home and with play kept to short bursts. Listen to your cat's breathing while it sleeps: you will learn what is normal for it, and you will notice sooner when something changes.
Signs you may notice
- Snores or snuffles
- Breathes noisily
- Breathes with an open mouth
- Tires quickly during play
- Struggles more in the heat
A cat snores, snuffles or breathes noisily, sometimes with its mouth open after play. It may tire quickly and struggle more in warm weather.
When to see a vet
If your cat breathes with an open mouth at rest, struggles for air or its gums turn bluish, a vet is needed immediately. For snoring or noisy breathing that is new or getting worse, book a check-up.
This is general information, not veterinary advice. For your own cat's health, tests and treatment, see a vet.