Cat snoring, is it normal for cats to snore? Snoring is a common problem for humans, but it can also be an issue for cats.
Cats are well known for sleeping for long periods, so chances are, you’ve heard your cat snoring at some point.
If your cat is snoring loudly you might worry that this means they have a serious respiratory or cardiac condition and need to see the vet.
But before you grab your phone for a vet appointment, there are some things about cats snoring that might surprise you.
There are many reasons why cats may be snoring – and it doesn’t always mean something is seriously wrong!
This blog post discusses cat snoring, is it normal for cats to snore, and how to prevent cat snoring.
Is It Normal For Cats To Snore?
As cats sleep in cycles just like humans, cat snoring is perfectly normal. This means that they experience both R.E.M. sleep and deep sleep.
It’s in this deeper, more relaxed sleep when cats will generally snore. If you notice your cat twitching, drooling, or making unusual noises during their sleep this usually means they are in R.E.M. sleep.
You shouldn’t be concerned over a cat who as always snored. Just like humans, some cats naturally snore more than others.
Reasons Why Your Cat Is Snoring
1. Overweight / Obesity
A cat carrying extra weight is more likely to experience difficulties breathing as it puts pressure on their nasal passage.
This will cause your cat to snore a lot more. If you are concerned about your cats weight, it’s best to seek the advice of a veterinarian about your cats diet.
2. Brachycephalic
cat breeds, such as Persians, Burmese and Himalayan cats tend to snore more than other cat breeds.
A brachycephalic cat has a shorter muzzle and smaller nasal cavities than other breeds of cats which makes them at higher risk for breathing difficulties.
3. Respiratory Illnesses
Snoring is frequently caused by respiratory tract illnesses including a bacterial or fungal infection, as well as asthma.
Sneezing, coughing, and diminished activity and appetite are other signs of a respiratory illness. Discharge from the eyes and nose, sneezing, and wheezing are all symptoms.
4. Awkward Sleep Position
An awkward sleeping position could also be the cause of your cats snoring. A cat may have found themselves in an uncomfortable position, meaning they are unable to breath properly which makes them snore.
One example would be a long haired cat who has got their hairs wrapped around their face or neck while sleeping, this can restrict breathing and so results in loud snoring sounds.
5. Obstruction
When a foreign body gets stuck in the airways of your cat, this can cause snoring sounds. This foreign body could be food or another object that has been caught up inside their mouth and throat.
The obstructing item prevents airflow through to respiratory system which means they aren’t getting enough oxygen into their lungs- leading to loud snoring sounds as a symptom.
6. Dry Air
As with humans, dry air can cause a cat to snore.
7. Other
Nasal polyps or tumors, as well as trauma, inflammation, and allergies, are all possible causes of snoring in cats.
When Is Snoring In Cats Not Normal?
The time to be concerned is when your cat is experiencing other symptoms alongside the snoring. These symptoms include:
- breathing heavily through the nose, mouth open or gasping
- Eye and/or nose discharge
- Lethargy
- Changes in eating and drinking habits
- panting and wheezing
- blue tongue due to lack of oxygen intake into lungs.
If you notice these other signs then it is important that your cat sees a veterinarian as soon as possible for further diagnosis.
Ways To Prevent Your Cat From Snoring
1. Exercise
One of the main things that causes cat snoring is obesity or excess weight. Exercise is a great way to help your cat lose weight and stop snoring.
One of the ways of giving your cat more is exercise is to have a number of daily play sessions. For around 10 minutes at a time.
For this you will need a selection of various different cat toys.
Interactive cat toys are also essential because they allow your cat to play on their own without you even being there.
2. Encourage Climbing
Cats naturally love climbing and being at a high vantage point.
Climbing not only provides mental stimulation, but it is also great exercise that does a great job of preventing obesity and weight gain.
You should provide a number of cat trees, cat towers, cat perches and other forms of cat furniture, in different locations around the home.
3. Food Puzzles
Food puzzles bring out your cats instinctive behavior, as well as helping to slow down eating.
This is because they have to work for their food.
Your cat will be getting exercise, having fun and solving problems all at the same time!
4. Annual Veterinary Visits
Regular visits to the vets is extremely important.
This is because your cat will be vaccinated, wormed and checked for any other problems.
Cats are masters of hiding illness or any type of pain, so visits to the vets allows them to spot any issues.
An annual visit also gives you the opportunity to discuss things like grooming or weight management with a vet.
Please make sure that you keep up-to-date records of when these visits happen so that no important information is missed out by accident!
5. A humidifier
If the air is dry in your home, simply placing a humidifier in the room could help prevent cat snoring.
Cat Snoring Conclusion
Cat snoring, is it normal for cats to snore?
Remember that cat snoring, just like humans is perfectly normal in most cases.
If your cat is snoring and experience other symptoms, it may be a sign of something more serious.
Contact the vet for an appointment to rule out any potential health problems that could cause them to start breathing heavily while asleep.
Does your cat snore? Let us know in the comments section below.
