Dogs pant routinely to cool themselves. Cats usually do not. A cat breathing through an open mouth may be hot or frightened, but the same appearance can be a sign of respiratory distress. Because breathing problems can deteriorate quickly, do not assume the explanation is stress or exercise.
When panting is an emergency
If a cat is panting at rest, struggling to breathe, extending its neck to breathe, using the belly strongly with each breath, collapsing, or showing blue, gray, or very pale gums, seek emergency veterinary care now. A cat with persistent open-mouth breathing after play, heat exposure, or a car ride also needs prompt assessment. Call the emergency clinic while traveling if possible.
Keep the cat as quiet as possible and transport in a carrier without pressure on the chest. Do not force food, water, medicine, or a breathing treatment into a distressed cat. Taking a video or counting breaths should never delay care.
Why might a cat pant?
Short-lived exertion or severe stress can sometimes lead to rapid breathing, but diseases involving the lungs, heart, airways, or chest cavity may look similar from across the room. Asthma attacks, fluid in or around the lungs, infections, overheating, and painful conditions are among the possibilities. A chat or photo cannot confirm which one is present or determine the oxygen level.
What to notice without handling your cat
Look at the overall effort of breathing: are the sides or abdomen working harder than usual? Is the mouth open? Can the cat lie comfortably, or is it sitting upright with the neck stretched? Note when the change began and whether there has been coughing, recent injury, heat exposure, or known heart or respiratory disease. Do not restrain a cat to check the gums if doing so adds stress.
What a veterinary team may do
Breathing is assessed first. The clinical team may provide oxygen and stabilize the cat before attempting potentially stressful tests. Once safe, examination and imaging may help identify airway disease, heart problems, or fluid in the chest. The treatment depends on the diagnosis.
Can a video veterinarian help?
Telehealth may help review a past episode when your cat is now breathing comfortably, but it is not the right destination for a cat currently in respiratory distress. If you are unsure whether breathing looks normal, contact an in-person veterinary service promptly.
Read Cornell Feline Health Center’s guidance on breathing difficulty and our cat coughing checklist. Neither resource replaces emergency care when breathing is labored.
This article is for general education and is not a substitute for care from your own veterinarian. Learn about The Pet Vet and our editorial policy.