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My 5-month-old kitten breathes 50-60 times a minute. Is it normal?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Female | unspayed | 6 months old | 5 lbs

My 5 month old kitten breathes about 50-60 breaths per minute is this normal? I've had her since she was 10 weeks old and has always breathed that way. No other symptoms.

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on March 18th, 2018

A kitten's normal respiratory rate is between 20 to 40 breaths per minute, but it can be higher if they are awake and playing. The best time to measure Sadie's respiratory rate is while she is sleeping. Any other time, breathing can be confused with her purring or increased breathing from activity and play. Watch her while she is sound asleep, and count her respiratory rate then. If there is no increased effort while breathing, the rate is between 20-40 breaths per minute, her breathing is not noisy, and her eating, drinking, and activity is normal, then there likely is no problem. Good luck, I hope this helps!

32Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Vanessa Yeager DVM MPH
Veterinarian
Published on September 20th, 2017
Hi and thank you for your post on Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

Normal Respiratory rate for cats ranged from 24-48 breaths per min. 55 bpm is not a significant increase that would be cause for alarm.

If your cat was playing or just finished running around or play time, this could cause the slight increase in respiratory rate. Stress can sometimes cause increased respiration.

When to worry should be if Teddy's breathing becomes shallow, very fast, heavy, or labored or if you see him coughing, gagging, or gasping. He will need to see an emergency veterinarian right away.

I hope this has helped and best to you and Teddy!
3Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Ricardo Fernandez, DVM
Veterinarian, Veterinary Oncology Resident
Published on July 28th, 2019
Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! If he is otherwise doing well, he is likely just fine. If he is not doing well in any other way like open mouth breathing, not eating or just not doing well, have him evaluated by a veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. Best of luck!
2Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Vanessa Yeager DVM MPH
Veterinarian
Published on September 15th, 2017
Hi and thank you for your question this morning.

Cats who are younger (11 months and younger) can have a higher heart rate and higher respiratory rate. 60 breaths/min can be considered normal in kittens without any signs of respiratory distress or upper respiratory signs (coughing, sneezing, nasal discharge, etc). If all else is considered normal, this is OK.

Sometimes when they are asleep or have a dream, their respiratory rate can increase. If they are hot, this can also increase respiratory rate.

If you are still concerned though, you can always have Brianna checked out by your local veterinarian just to be certain all is okay.

I hope his helps and best withes to you! Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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