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My cat breathes heavily after playtime. Is this a health concern?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

When I play with my cat, he starts breathing heavy and he's pushing air out pretty hard. It's not hard to spot. Even when he breathes like that, he still wants to keep going with his play session. His mouth isn't open and I don't see any other signs showing that he is having a hard time breathing in. He has A LOT of energy so I can understand why he doesn't want to stop. His regular breathing is fine but after playing with him, should I be concerned?

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Jeffrey Milner

Veterinarian

Published on May 20th, 2017

I would definitely be concerned about this. Without actually seeing the incident or knowing a little bit more about your kitty, it's difficult for me to tell you what this might be. That being said, what you are describing definitely sounds like episodes of feline asthma or some other inflammatory / obstructive pulmonary condition. If your kitty is an older individual, the chance that this is something more harmful like a respiratory cancer or infectious process would be higher. In very young kittens, I would always suspect upper respiratory infection over any thing else until proven otherwise. An x-ray is usually good enough to diagnose feline asthma though in some cases it can prove challenging. Hope you and your vet can figure things out. In the meantime, I would tune down the playtime.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Dr. Strydom, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on November 18th, 2019
Asthma is probably the most likely cause of his symptoms. There should have been some changes in the lungs noted on the x-rays however, that is not always the case. Some cats will have normal x-rays. I think the treatment plan is reasonable. If there is no change on the medications then you will need to look for other underlying issues but I bet he will respond.

Here is a link to a good article about feline asthma for you to review. If you have any other questions please feel free to post again. Take care!

( https://veterinarypartner.vin.com/default.aspx?pid=19239&id=4951536 )
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Linda G, MS, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on July 3rd, 2020
Hello. Feline asthma is a real condition, so it might be a good idea to investigate this soon. Asthma can be progressive, but we also see a condition is cats known as chronic bronchitis. Both these conditions generally manifest in slightly older cats, generally 4-5 years & older. We do see some infectious causes of coughing & gagging in cats, something similar to kennel cough in dogs, & cats can become infected with parasitic lung worms. If this continues into next week, I would definitely have your veterinarian evaluate Finn. A chest x-ray may be suggested, or your vet may just see how he responds to medication. In the meantime, do not smoke or use essential oil diffusers, sprays or perfumes in the house. As long as his breathing is calm & normal, there is no need to rush him into the veterinarian, but try not to let the gagging go on too long. Thanks for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Destini R. Holloway, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on November 30th, 2016
Poor cat. It is possible that kitty has asthma. A chest x-ray is useful in diagnosing this condition or any condition that is affecting the lungs, which is highly probable in Shadow's case.
Yes you can share a video through a private consultation. Just send the request through and we will be more than happy to help!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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