My kitten breathes fast in sleep & only drinks water with food. Why?

Hello and thank you for reaching out to Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Kittens can breathe quite rapidly, even when they are sleeping, especially if they are dreaming. As long as his breathing rate is able to slow to a more normal rate, like 30-50 breaths per minute, and he is otherwise acting normally (eating/drinking well with a good energy level), he will likely be just fine! If he even seems distressed with his breathing, or he is coughing or sneezing a lot, he should be seen by a veterinarian. I hope this is helpful!

Cats do dream, and the rapid breathing could be in response to a dream Luna was having when you woke her up. The breathing continued after you woke her up because she was still waking up and coming out of the dream. As long as she is fine otherwise, I would not be concerned :-)

rapid breathing is not uncommon in kittens but if he is breathing fast with an open mouth it is definitely not normal, at this age it is usually caused by aspiration pneumonia (milk aspiration to the lungs). in such a case you would need to take them to the vet in order to get it checked and treated ASAP.

Your English is good enough for me to understand what you are saying! I'm wondering if he could have a respiratory infection causing him to breathe faster than normal. Or if it's hot where you are, that could be a cause. Put him in a cool and dark room with plenty of cold water to see if that helps. If his breathing doesn't improve over the next 24 hours or he starts open mouth breathing, take him into a vet right away. I hope this helps!

Tachypnea can be normal after activity as long as it doesn't seem like Benji is having difficulty breathing after exercise. It seems a little unusual to be tachypneic during cuddling, but sometimes purring can change the respiratory rate. If it seems like Benji seems tired after exercise, if he breathes with his mouth open, or if he is tachypneic when he is sleeping I would recommend checking in with your vet.

If your kitten is eating well and is playful and otherwise normal, I would not be too concerned. However, if he is drinking so much that he is vomiting up water or urinating excessively, then I would recommend an examination by your veterinarian.

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!