Why Is My Cat Panting
Catching a pet cat panting is an unusual occurrence for most cat owners, who have probably never seen it.
Cats do pant, but not all the time, and nowhere near as often as your pet dog is likely to.
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It is perfectly normal for your cat to be panting with mouths open due to things like being hot, or anxious.
If you have any concern that your cat is not acting like itself contact your vet right away.
Recovery Of Panting In Cats
Proper care for recovery will depend on the treatment that the cat has had. If surgery has been performed, all at-home care guidelines should be closely followed. Monitor the incision site to ensure an infection does not develop. Administer all medications and antibiotics as prescribed by your veterinarian. Your cat may require follow-up appointments with the vet every one to three months to reassess its condition.
Keep your cat properly hydrated by providing fresh water more than once a day. Ensure that your cat has a sheltered and cool area to be in if it goes outside. Do not leave a cat in the car, especially if it is warm outside. Keep all possible poisonous materials shut away beyond the cats reach. Eliminate all stress-inducing factors in your cats environment. Supplements may be helpful in managing certain health issues. If your cat has been panting for a normal reason, but you are concerned due to the duration of the panting, remove all stimulants causing fear or anxiety to your cat.
Diagnosing Dyspnea In Cats
Diagnosing dyspnea in cats will depend mainly on any other symptoms veterinarians discover upon a physical examination. Veterinarians typically check for abdominal discomfort, anemia, normal reflexes, and elevated body temperature, and they will also listen to the heart and lungs. These findings will aid in the diagnostic process. Bloodwork, heart and abdominal ultrasounds, and chest x-rays may also be needed.
In some cases, veterinarians may take emergency steps to stabilize the cat, like providing oxygen, fluids, and medications. If your veterinarian is concerned about fluid in your cats chest cavity , he or she may also use a needle and syringe to try to remove some of this fluid . Once the cat is stabilized, the veterinarian will continue assessing the cat for the underlying cause.
Diagnosing dyspnea in cats is based first on a clinical presentation of panting. Veterinarians then perform a series of diagnostic tests to determine the underlying cause of the symptoms. These tests will vary by case but can include blood work and diagnostic imaging.
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Feline Odontoclastic Resorptive Lesions
In cats, the odontoclast, a type of cell, can cause the tooth structures to disintegrate. Initially, the odontoclast cells attach to natural cavities in oral tissue, with the purpose of reabsorbing the non-permanent, or deciduous teeth. As resorption continues, complications may develop, as bone-like tissue covers the problem area. Over time, ligaments and bones that hold teeth in are affected as well.
Feline odontoclastic tooth destruction is extremely common. Roughly half of all cats over five years of age have at least one instance of it, and those numbers increase with age. Certain breeds seem to have a tendency towards the condition, including Abyssinians, Asian shorthairs, Persians, and Siamese.
SYMPTOMS AND TYPES
The most obvious indications of the condition are drooling, difficulty chewing, and bleeding from the mouth. Behavioral changes may accompany the condition as well cats may become aggressive or may avoid others. While feline odontoclastic tooth resorption can occur in any tooth, it is most often seen in the back teeth.
CAUSES
No specific cause of feline odontoclastic tooth resorption is known. There are likely several factors that contribute to the problem. A mineral imbalance is one possibility. Other causes being investigated include increased reactivity to dental issues, such as plaque.
DIAGNOSIS
TREATMENT
PREVENTION
Why Is My Cat Traumatized After Going Outside
Your cat might be traumatized because something scared it while it was outside. Your cat probably met a strange animal or a predator like a snake, dog, or raccoon.
Conflicts and confrontations with bigger, stronger cats in the neighborhood might scare and traumatize your cat. The good news is that your cat wont be traumatized for long.
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Cat Panting Can Be Caused By Respiratory Diseases
Cats can also develop respiratory diseases in the upper respiratory tract where the nasal cavity is the issue. Common causes of this are viral infections , and nasal polyps and tumors .
If a cats nose is congested or has a blockage, they may need to breathe out of their mouth. This is not a natural thing for cats, so it can be distressing to them.
Cats also can suffer from asthma. Asthma in cats can be caused by heartworm disease or by inflammation and allergies. If their airways are constricted and they are not getting enough oxygen, they may need to do open-mouth breathing to try to get enough air into their lungs.
Cats can also develop infection in the lung or fluid in the lung. This can restrict their ability to breathe, and they may have to open their mouth to suck air in. Its not comfortable for a cat to be in this position its considered respiratory distress.
If you think that your cat could be in respiratory distress, contact your vet immediately.
Panting Or Heavy Breathing In Cats
While some panting in cats is normal, in other cases it can be a sign of a serious problem that needs immediate veterinary care. If you notice your cat breathing heavily, assess the situation based on the criteria we describe below. If the heavy breathing is out of the ordinary or goes on for a long period of time, bring your cat to the vet.
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Signs Of Severe Pain Or Obvious Distress
Bring your kitty to an emergency vet immediately if you notice this one. Pain itself always warrants treatment, but it also can be a sign of more serious problems such as urinary obstruction or aortic thromboembolism . Symptoms of pain and distress include vocalizing , panting, hiding and overreacting to contact with a painful area.
My Cat Is Acting Strange And Scared
If the cat starts acting strange suddenly it is recommended to observe the recent changes that took place in the life of the cat. It can be anything like a change of place, the arrival of a new pet, introduction to a new food, after coming back from a certain walk, recent medication going on for the cat. All these factors can help in understanding why the cat started acting strange.
Another way is to observe cats for long hours, it can be done by being physically present or by looking at the cameras. Some other factors can also contribute towards the change of behavior of the cat that also including even change in furniture. Sometimes if a cat meets a new person that it doesnt like, it may also contribute towards the changing nature of the cat.
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Signs Of Fast Breathing In Cats
If your cat is breathing rapidly, you may notice several signs, including:
- Difficulty breathing
- Belly and chest are both moving with each breath
- Panting or breathing with open mouth
- Nostrils flaring
- Rapidly rising and falling stomach or chest
- Blue-colored gums
If your cat seems to be breathing faster than normal, look for any factors that may be contributing to the condition and remove them. For example, if your cat has been outside in the hot sun, or if emotional distress or anxiety are factors, move him to a cooler, quieter spot immediately. Ensure he has lots of water to drink.
Breathing rate is an indicator of overall health – if your cat is suddenly breathing fast while sleeping , this could be an early clinical sign of heart-failure. Lower rates may be no cause for concern providing your pet is otherwise behaving normally.
Also note that for some cats, your vet may consider rates lower than 30 breaths per minute as increased and abnormal – the right breathing rate for your cat should be assessed on an individual basis.
Your vigilant observations can help limit how ill your pet gets, reduce his or her chance of needing overnight hospital stays and help reduce costs related to the treatment of heart failure.
Not Interested In Favorite Things
As your cats health deteriorates, she will lose interest in things she once enjoyed. She may no longer want to play with her toys, may turn her nose up at favorite treats, and may even stop purring when petted. Disinterest in the world around her and a lack of joy for things she once loved are signs that your cat is ready to pass on.
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Is There Something Wrong With Their Litter Box
If youve noticed an unpleasant smell or strange coloration, theres a good chance that your cats litter box needs some attention. Cats arent elegant creatures, so its up to us to keep things tidy as pet owners. Most of us will happily clean out our kittys food and water dishes, but most people dont give their cat box as much attention. But if youre noticing odors or changes in color or texture, its time for a change.
Behavioral Changes In Non
Male kittens usually reach sexual maturity between 5 to 8 months of age. When those male hormones kick in, the kitten’s behavior is likely to change.
The kitten will generally become more territorial and may display the following:
- Increased aggression levels toward other cats and people
- A tendency to roam
- Urine spraying around the home
Not all males become aggressive or spray urine, but most do. The only way to stop these unwanted behaviors is by neutering the male to lower the levels of testosterone. Once these behaviors turn into habits, even neutering doesn’t always help.
The solution?
An ounce of prevention is definitely a pound of cure in this case. Has your male kitten been neutered before the age of five months to make sure he doesn’t develop these behavior problems?
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Learn To Read Your Cat
When it comes to cats, meows and tail waves can mean a number of different things, depending on the situation. With each purr, yowl, or even blink, your feline is actually trying to communicate with you. The problem is figuring out what it’s saying.
Experts say theres something to gain from these attempts at communication. For instance, learning to read your cat’s body language can strengthen your bond with it and allow you to become more effective at responding appropriately to its needs.
Every cat is different, so the best thing you can do to start is to simply observe your cat. Take mental notes of the environment and conditions present when the “crazy” behavior occurs. Pay attention to body language, vocalizations, time of day, and what your cat just did. Did your kitty just eat, groom, or scratch its back? Was there a playful meow before your cat dashed into the other room?
With time and careful observation, you’ll likely begin to piece together the triggers of your cat’s craziness in various situations. This will help you to understand what’s normal for your cat and when any unusual behavior could be a symptom of a medical issue worth investigating with your vet.
My Cat Is Acting Weird And Doesnt Want To Play
After reviewing the most common reasons why our cat is acting weird, one other thing we need to take into account is their stage of life. As with humans, cats will change their habits during their lifetime. For example, after kittens open their eyes and begin to walk, they will start to play energetically. However, after some time, this behavior will reduce.
Reduction of play activity is particularly noticeable in senior cats. This is in part due to the consequences of aging. The cats joints and bones will become weakened, they will have less energy and they are more susceptible to degenerative diseases. For this reason, regular checkups every 6 to 12 months is recommended for all cats over the age of 6 years. To help you know what else to look out for, you can look at our article on the main 5 signs of old age in cats.
Another reason your cat may stop being interested in interaction is due to depression. If they are unhappy, they may lose their motivation. The reasons your cat is depressed are varied and can be difficult to determine. They may also be similar to the reasons your cat is stressed as not all cats will respond to the same stimuli in the same way. Discussing treatment options with your veterinarian is the best course of action.
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Why Is My Cat Sneezing After Being Outside
If your cat is sneezing after being outside, its usually due to an allergic reaction. Cats are allergic to dust, pollen, and strong scents, so theyll sneeze to clear their nasal cavities.
If the sneezing continues for several days, it may be a respiratory issue. Sneezing is a symptom of upper respiratory infection in cats that usually develops when cats go out in the cold.
When Should I Be Worried About My Cat Panting
If your cat is panting excessively, it is important to take them to the vet as soon as possible. While panting is a normal way for cats to regulate their body temperature, it can also be a sign of a more serious problem, such as heat stroke or heart disease. If your cat is panting heavily and seems to be in distress, please contact your veterinarian immediately.
Cats pant naturally, but if your cat begins panting excessively for no apparent reason, you should consult your veterinarian. It may appear that your cat is simply trying to keep their appearance, but in reality, cats lick their coats to cool them down. It is also possible to use feline saliva to cool down. Cats pant when they are overheated, go for a shady spot, groom their fur, stretch out, or drink water. You may notice your cat panting while going on a wellness visit or traveling to a new location. If your cats panting is accompanied by other signs of pain, it is critical that you consult with your veterinarian.
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What To Do When Your Cat Is Acting Weird
Has your cat started acting weird? Even if youre an experienced cat owner, it can be tough to know what to do when your cat starts acting in unusual ways.
However, you can do simple things to identify the problem quickly and effectively find the solution. First, look at our list of some common reasons why cats act weird, then see what steps you can take from there!
Discoloration Of The Teeth In Cats
Any variation from normal tooth color is considered discoloration. However, the normal color of teeth varies, dependent on the shade, thickness, and translucency of the enamel covering the tooth.
SYMPTOMS AND TYPES
Intrinsic discoloration is characterized by secondary factors that are happening inside the tooth, discoloring the underlying dentin. Extrinsic discoloration, meanwhile, occurs when exogenous pigment accumulates on the surface of teeth. That is, the cause of the discoloration is from an external source, rather than from a physical condition. Common symptoms associated with both discoloration types include:
- Abnormal coloration of one or more teeth
- Fractured tooth
- Pitted enamel with staining
- Rings or lines of discoloration around one or more teeth
CAUSES
DIAGNOSIS
A complete blood profile will be conducted, including a chemical blood profile, a complete blood count, and a urinalysis. You will need to give a thorough history of your cats health, onset of symptoms, and possible conditions that might have caused this condition, such as diet, injury, recent illnesses, etc. The history you provide may give your veterinarian clues to the origin of the dental condition.
TREATMENT
Intrinsic stain removal may be done to improve the function of the teeth and relieve pain for your dog. This often involves using endodontic treatment . Crowns and veneers may be used to protect the teeth and the pulp in the teeth.
LIVING AND MANAGEMENT
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What Changes Should I Look For In The Litterbox
Both diarrhea and constipation are indicators of disease in cats. Diarrhea is usually easy to recognize in the litterbox, but constipation can be more problematic to notice. Small, hard, dry stools are never normal and are often an early indication of kidney disease.
Increased amounts of urine in the box indicate an of inability to properly conserve water and may mean that your cat is developing kidney or liver problems, or diabetes mellitus.
Actinomycosis Infection In Cats
This infectious disease is caused by a gram-positive, pleomorphic , rod-shaped bacteria of the genusActinomyces, most commonly the A. viscous species. Able to survive with little or no oxygen , Actinomyces is rarely found as the single bacterial agent in a lesion. It is more often a component of a polymicrobial infection with several bacteria present. In fact, there may even be synergism betweenActinomyces and other organisms.
SYMPTOMS AND TYPES
- Infections on the face or neck area usually localized but may be spread out
- Skin swellings or abscesses with draining tracts sometimes yellow granules
- Inflammation of the cellular tissue behind the peritoneum, the smooth membrane which lines the abdomen
- Inflammation of the bone or vertebrae , especially long bones such as those found in the limbs is secondary to the skin infection
- When associated with spinal cord compression, motor and sensory deficits
CAUSES
Actinomycosis is thought to occur as an opportunistic infection i.e., Actinomycesspp. is a normal inhabitant of the cats mouths, but cuts, scrapes, or bite wounds in the mucosa or skin can cause an imbalance in the bacterial microenvironment. Other risk factors include periodontal disease and immunosuppressive disorders.
DIAGNOSIS
For a more definitive diagnosis, your veterinarian will submit a specimen of pus or osteolytic bone fragments for culturing. Gram staining, cytology, and acid-fast staining may also be employed.
TREATMENT
LIVING AND MANAGEMENT
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