Want to know how to calm a panting cat? You came to the right place. If you’ve ever seen your cat panting, you know how worrisome it can be. It’s natural to wonder what’s wrong and how to calm a panting cat. Rest assured, there are many reasons why cats may pant, and most of them are nothing to worry about.
However, in some cases, it may be a sign that something is wrong, and you’ll need to take steps to calm your panting cat. In this article, we’ll discuss the possible reasons for panting in cats, and how to calm a panting cat safely and effectively.
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Why is My Cat Panting Heavily?
Panting is more a dog’s thing and it is possible that you may have not seen a panting cat before. When a cat pants, it means that they are taking more rapid and deeper breaths than normal. If your cat is panting or breathing heavily, then there could be various reasons behind this.
If your cat is panting due to anxiety or stress, then you’ll need to take steps to reduce their stress levels. This may include providing them with a safe space, such as a quiet room or a cat cave, where they can relax and feel secure. You may also want to try using calming aids, such as pheromone diffusers or catnip toys, to help your cat relax.
In most cases, panting in cats is nothing to worry about and will resolve on its own. However, if your cat is panting heavily and showing other signs of distress, then it’s important to seek veterinary attention. Your vet will be able to determine the cause of the panting and provide treatment as necessary.
How To Calm a Panting Cat
Calming a panting cat can be tricky, as you’ll need to figure out the root cause of the panting before you can treat it. If your cat is panting due to heatstroke, for example, then you’ll need to take immediate steps to cool them down. Let’s take a look at how to calm a panting cat:
Your Cat Might Be Feeling Hot
Cats usually sweat through their paw pads which helps to regulate their body temperature. When the weather is hot, you may see them licking their fur as this also helps to evaporate the sweat and cool them down. Here is a Grey Tabby Cat panting due to heat:
However, sometimes this is not enough, and your cat may start to pant in an attempt to cool down its body temperature. If you think this might be the case, feel your cat’s tummy and nose. If they are hot to touch, then they may be too warm.
In this case, you’ll need to help them cool down by moving them to a cooler spot and giving them fresh water to drink. You can also wet their fur with cool water, but don’t use ice-cold water as this can cause shock. If your cat is panting and you can’t find any other obvious reason, then it’s best to take them to the vet as they may be suffering from a medical condition.
Your Cat is Excited or Tired
Cats can also pant when they are feeling excited or tired. If you’ve just been playing with your cat and they start to pant, then this is probably the reason. In this case, there’s no need to worry as they will soon calm down and stop panting.
However, if your cat is struggling to breathe or their panting is accompanied by other symptoms, then it’s best to take them to the vet as they may be suffering from a medical condition.
Your Cat is Stressed
Panting in cats can also be a sign of stress. Check the surroundings immediately and try to find the source of your cat’s stress. It could be something as simple as a new piece of furniture in the room or a change in routine. Once you’ve identified the source of stress, you can take steps to calm a panting cat. If you’re still not able to calm a panting cat, the vet is the last choice.
Also, See: Can Cats Eat Sesame Seeds
When to See a Vet
If your cat is panting heavily and does not seem to become normal even after trying to calm them, it would be best to take them to the vet. Also, if your cat is showing other symptoms such as lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea, or loss of appetite along with panting, then this could be a sign of a more serious problem and you should seek medical attention immediately. This can lead to heatstroke, which can be fatal.
Conclusion
In most cases, panting in cats is nothing to worry about and is simply a way for them to regulate their body temperature or calm down after being excited. However, if your cat is panting heavily or showing other symptoms, then it’s best to take them to the vet as they may be suffering from a medical condition. We hope you found this article helpful. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to reach out to us at CatsBuz!