My cat breathes fast in the evening after naps. Should I be worried?

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! The best way to measure respiratory rates in animals is when they are asleep. In cats and young animals it is very hard when they are awake as they are sniffing and in cats they purr. I would count his breathing the next time he is in a deep sleep and not purring. I think he is likely fine. He is a young cat and as long as he isn't coughing (sounds like a hair ball) or open mouth panting I think things are fine. if you are still concerned then I would have your Vet examine him. I wish you the best!

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Rapid breathing can be a sign of many conditions such as pneumonia, bronchitis, heart disease, among many other possibilities. I recommend that you have him evaluated by your veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. Likely diagnostics to be performed include thoracic radiographs and bloodwork. Treatment would be dependent on findings. Good luck and have a good day!

I recommend to check with the rescue organization if Milo has been checked by the veterinarian. Generally a physical exam and radiographs can give you an idea of lung health. I don't think stress will change his sounds. Things to look for include a worsening of the sounds, open mouth breathing, increased respiratory rate, change in respiratory character, shortness of breath or discharge from the eyes or nose. I hope this helps.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Heavy breathing is certainly abnormal in cats. It can be seen with conditions like asthma, heart disease, bronchitis, pneumonia, among other possibilities. This is usually concerning in cats and warrants a visit to a veterinarian as soon as possible for further assessment and possible treatment. They will likely going to perform thoracic radiographs, among other diagnostics dependent on the results obtained. Treatment would be dependent on the findings. Good luck and have a good night!

I would make sure she is not purring while she is breathing fast since sometimes purring can make it seem like they are breathing fast when they are in reality not. If you are concerned with how Rosebud is breathing I would start with X-rays to rule out lung disease. If the X-rays are clear and it is not lung related the next step is an ultrasound of her heart. Cats can have heart problems without having a heart murmur. If everything is clear then I wouldn't worry to much but without diagnostics it is hard to say if it is something to be concerned about or not. Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! While panting and open mouth breathing can be due to nervousness to some extent, this most likely signals a respiratory condition such as asthma, heart disease, among many other possibilities. I highly recommend you consider taking Fluffy to your veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. They will likely recommend starting with an exam and chest radiographs. Hoping for the best! Good luck and have a great day!

Thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach with your question about Scimmietta. Yes, this is concerning. Her breathing should have stabilized by now, and this can be an indication of a problem. She is a young cat, but it could be she has a problem with her heart causing this breathing problem. Before you get upset, keep in mind that it's summer in Italy where you live, and she may be breathing really fast due to the heat. Keep her in a cool, dark room. Have her seen by a vet to get a health check. Best of luck.