My cat is panting?!?!!?

Question

im on a road trip with my two cats, and my younger one has occasionally been panting, mouth open, like a dog. i dont think its because she is overheating, because she doesn't stop when i put the a/c on. she doesn;t seem to want any water either. shes very fat if it makes a difference.

i was wondering why this is happening and what would make her stop.

Answer 1

If you notice excessive panting in your cat, look for signs of immediate distress like coughing, difficulty breathing (dyspnea), or blue color to the mucus membranes (cyanosis). Be on the alert, too, for other problems, such as fatigue, weight loss, poor appetite, excessive drinking, vomiting, or diarrhea.

If it appears that your pet is panting in response to normal events such as exercise, excitement, heat or fear, remove the stimulation and continue to observe your pet. If panting continues, consult your veterinarian.

i hope your cat is ok :)

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Answer 2

She's more than likely stressed. My cat starts panting when he's in the car going to or from the vets. He just doesn't like being in the car, and isn't used to it.  

Answer 3

it is not because it is hot- cats almost always pant from stress or heart problems. a road trip with an obese cat could be both.. you need to get her calmed down and soon or she may have a heart attack. don't mean to scare you just telling you the truth.. have had it happen before

Answer 4

Oh wow, maybe she's hungry?

I suggest take a 10 minute stop near a mcdonalds or something and just sit on the benches with your cat that's panting. She could feel car-sick, dehydrated, hungry, stressed, clausterphobic, or just hate the motion of the cat. Let her rest for a bit. Also for those 10 minutes keep some water and food near her.

Best of luck!

And make sure she doesn't wander off... she could get lost.

Answer 5

she might be pregnant... check and see if her nipples are swollen and pink.  Also, does she have any discharge coming out of her lady parts?

Answer 6

Well the best person to ask would be your vet, but...

My cat is thin and she pants if she's stressed out. Last time I had to take her to the vet, she was panting in the car on the way home, but she stopped when we got inside my house. She also did it when I moved, but she stopped after a minute or so.

I think that it's normal for some cats to pant once in a while. If she's doing it frequently, there's probably something wrong with her though.

My vet said when she's panting to check and see if she seems dizzy or disoriented, or if the bottoms of her feet get wet or clammy, or if her gums get dark red and if so, to bring her in.

Answer 7

my cat did that at the vet when they took his blood and i thought he was just thirsty but the vet said he was doing that cause he was stressed out. so i guess cats pant when they are stressed out. maybe your cat doesnt like the car and it stresses her out. or maybe shes stressed out that shes not home cause cats get stressed out for those kinds of things easily.  

Answer 8

I think it could just be anxiety because of traveling.  I believe animals can be nervous while traveling and removed from their regular habitat.  I know my little Pomeranian is a little nervous while traveling and he pants and I know it is not because he is too warm.  

Answer 9

She might be dehydrated, keep trying water, maybe take a cold wet cloth and place it over her, and try to cool her down, if this isnt it, try and contact a vetranarian and ask about this problem your kitty is having, Hope you kitty is O.K