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We all love our cats and therefore take good care of them. But have you ever wondered, why do cats pant in the car? Should you be worried or is it really nothing.
Panting is normally not associated with cats, seeing one do so could raise a lot of eyebrows and a lot of unanswered questions.
In this article, we will dive deep into this matter and look at some of the reasons why cats actually pant and why they also tend to pant when in the car.
Continue reading to learn more on:
- Reasons why cats pant
- Why they pant in the car when travelling with them
- Whether this behaviour is normal or if it should worry you
- And so many more.
Let’s get into it.
Why Do Cats Pant?
Cats will mostly pant as a sign that something isn’t 100% right. Your cat will pant when they are extremely stressed, hot, or are facing some medical condition. Some of the medical conditions that could lead to your cat panting include asthma, heart failure, cancer, or pneumonia.
If your cat keeps panting it could be a sign that you need to get him checked.
No matter the cause, getting a panting cat checked by your local vet will help you better understand how to help them in case they are in trouble.
Cats will also pant as a way to help cool their body temperature. When they pant they open their mouth wide open and stick out their tongue allowing for cooler air to go in as hot air leaves their body.
This will eventually help with cooling your cat’s body temperature.
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Why Do Cats Pant in the Car?
Cats will pant in cars to signal some discomfort. This could be in the form of an increase in their body temperature forcing them to try and cool their body by opening their mouth and panting. Allowing cooler air into their body as the hot air leaves their body.
Opening your car windows or turning on the air conditioning will go a long way in ensuring that you have a much smoother ride with your beloved four-legged pet.
Cats just like dogs don’t necessarily have an efficient sweating mechanism. It’s due to this that they rely on panting to relax and lower their body temperatures.
If they are placed in a hot car and there isn’t enough circulation of air they are more likely to start panting as a way to cool their body temperature.
They may also find themselves congested with all the other members in the car. When they are out, they are able to find the perfect spot.
However, when in the car they may not necessarily find a cool spot so may end up utilizing panting as a mechanism to cool themselves down.
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Cat Panting in Car
Cat panting in cars is a very common occurrence to see. They tend to do this as an indication that they are not comfortable in the car. It’s perfectly normal for them to pant as car rides can be stressful.
If you observe your cat panting excessively, starts drooling, or starts experiencing convulsions while in the car; you should seek immediate assistance from your vet.
But what are some of the real reasons why cats pant?
What Causes Panting in Cats?
There are a number of causes leading to your cat panting. Most of the causes are mostly environmental but some could be medical related.
Below are some of the common causes of panting in cats:
- Anxiety and Stress: When your cat is stressed or anxious they have been known to start panting. Find pet carries such as these ones may help your anxious cat, allowing them to have better car rides.
- Asthma: Asthmatic cats may face some breathing challenges leading them to rely on panting as a way to supplement their breathing patterns. You should consider regular visits to the vet to ensure that your feline friend gets the best service out there.
- Fever: A cat suffering from fever might experience an increase in their body temperature. As a means to cool off their bodies, such sick cats will start panting. Seek medical attention from your vet as soon as possible to better protect your feline friend.
- Heartworm: Heartworm disease can cause your cat to pant. Although heartworms are mostly common in dogs and is mostly transmitted through mosquito bites, they may also infect your cat.
- Heat stroke/Overheating: This is by far the most common reason why most healthy cats pant. If they are unable to find a cool spot to hide from the high temperatures they’ll proceed with startign to pant to better manage the already unbearable high temperatures. Granting them frozen treats may also help them during such a time.
- Heart Disorders: Certain heart disorders may also lead to your pet friend panting. Its important that they are checked as soon as possible by your local vet.
- Shock: When cats are in shock they tend to be anxious. This will trigger most cats to start panting as they try to come into tabs with the happenings in their surroundings.
- Respiratory infections: When your cat suffers from any sort of respiratory infection, they may end up panting as a means to take up more air especially if the respiratory infection is causing some sort of difficulties in breathing. Getting them checked by your local vet will help you get a better diagnosis as well as best way to treat the condition.
- Strenous Physical Activities: Keeping your cat busy with some physical excerise is great for your cat. However, when you push their limit, they may end up struggling to keep up. Such an action can lead to your cat starting to pant as they try to cool off their body from the increase body temperature.
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Is it Bad When a Cat is Panting?
Not necessarily. Not every panting action is caused by some serious condition. There are serious conditions such as those caused by Asthma and heart disorders.
Most of the others could be harmless and purely environmental. They could be communicating that they may not be comfortable in their current settings may be due to extreme temperatures. Leading to the panting.
Pant could also be a result of some strenuous activities. There is nothing wrong with them trying to catch a breath before continuing to play with you.
You should monitor your cat closely and if you experience panting much more frequently; you should get him checked by your local vet as soon as possible.
How Do you Stop a Cat From Panting?
Most cats pant due to the change in their body temperature. To help in such a situation, the best option would be to find ways to cool them down.
Below are some other ways to help your cat stop panting:
- Cool your car by opening windows and turn on the air conditioning
- Having shorter trips with your cat
- Remove them from their carrier bag
- Hydrate your cat by giving him some water to cool him down
- Might be time to go home and allow him to rest
- Moving to shade or a much cooler location
- Grooming them, during hot seasons a simple hair cut will go a long way.
- Loosen or remove their harness if they have one on.
- Cool them with some wet clothing
Conclusion
Cats will pant in the car mostly as a mechanism to cool their body temperature. Another reason for their panting could be due to their heart rate elevated due to stress from car rides. Cats are known to be anxious travelers.
The causes of cats panting will vary from cat to cat but are mostly driven either due to a medical condition, physical activities, or environmental conditions.
If the panting continues for a while, make sure to get your feline friend checked by your local vet as soon as possible.
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Why Do Cats Pant Like a Dog?
Cats will mostly pant as a means to cool their body, especially during hot seasons. They also do this due to some strenuous activities as well as due to some medical conditions such as heartworm disease, asthma, or respiratory infection.
Why Is My Cat Panting When it’s Not Hot?
Other than panting as a means to cool their body temperature, cats will also pant due to some medical condition or from strenuous physical activities such as playing for a very long time without resting. You should get him checked to ensure they are not suffering anything fatal.
Is it Normal For Cats to Pant After Playing?
Yes, it’s perfectly normal for cats to pant after playing. They are catching their breath by panting, allowing cooler air to flow into their body as the hot air leaves their body. If you notice them panting, it may be a good idea to let them rest or at least give them some water before proceeding with playing with them.
Why Do Cats Pant With Tongue Out?
Cats will pant with their tongue out as a way to cool their body temperature. They may also be panting due to some other conditions such as a medical condition (heartworm disease, respiratory infections, or heart disorders) or due to environmental factors such as areas experiencing an increase in temperature for instance during summer.
Why Is My Cat Panting With her Mouth Open?
Panting as an activity involves opening your cat’s mouth. They’ll do this as a means to cool their body temperature by allowing cooler air to flow into their body as hotter air from their body leaves their body. Cat’s can’t pant with their mouth shut otherwise you won’t notice any difference in your cat’s behavior.