Panting Queen, just stress?

Question

We have just fostered a queen with her five kittens, she's a little on the skinny side but otherwise healthy and her kittens are bright eyed and bushy tailed, they're two weeks old by the way and happily suckling. The mother is eating well, really well! She just scoffed down two packets of cat food. She does keep panting though. Quick, short pants. She has had a bit of a trying day so I'm putting it down to stress, she does seem to be settling down a bit now... she's not panting... in fact she's dreaming! (I'm watching her as I type)

So basically I just need reassurance that she's just a little stressed and I don't need to worry!

Answer 1

she sounds absolutely fine she is probably trying to cool down or she may be tired that is normal for a mother they all do that

Answer 2

If there's no other trouble signs (trouble breathing, wheezing, coughing, etc.) then I wouldn't worry about it... Some cats pant just to pant.  I have a new kitten and she pants whenever we get into the car (nerves/stress) and when she's really into whatever she's playing with.  :-)  Don't worry about it!

Answer 3

Normally, I would tell you you to go to the vet asap.  ANY time I hear of a cat panting I was taught to respond to it in a way of "respiratory distress"  and let the vet decide  before it is to late.  After listening to your whole story, perhaps it is just stress related.  But I would still have her checked out.  She could still have an underlying heart issue that may need some attention.  Of course I hope not, but always better safe than sorry...  

Best of luck  :)