My newborn kitten stops breathing & twitches in sleep. Is this normal?

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!

Nino is adorable! Nino's movement, breathing changes and eye movements while sleeping sound quite normal. Kittens' respiratory rates vary widely while sleeping, just as ours can. Eyes will commonly appear to "roll back" while animals are sleeping, but this is normal. The most common cause of abdominal distension in young kittens is due to intestinal parasites. By 6 weeks of age, Nino will be old enough to start his vaccine series and his vet will be able to dispense an appropriate dewormer based upon the results of his stool sample. Enjoy that cute little kitten!

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!

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! It sounds as though he might be congested. An upper respiratory tract infection (URI) due to a viral or bacterial infection is the most common reason for congestion in kittens. Common signs of a URI are: congestion, raspy throat breathing, nasal or eye discharge, sneezing and coughing. Herpes virus is the most common cause and usually runs it's course but it can lead to a secondary bacterial infection. If the nasal discharge is yellow or green, he is lethargic and not eating well that indicates a need to be seen by your Vet. If he is eating and drinking then you can watch him since it has only been 2 days since you adopted him. If his symptoms persist for a week or more then he should be seen. Have a good day!

Hi there and what a sweet kitten you have. If Freya is eating, drinking, and very playful as you describe this might be a problem that can wait until her first check up. Please look closely at her eyes and nose to see if she has any discharge from them. Sometimes kitten can have upper respiratory viruses that can make their breathing more audible. If she seems do be doing well otherwise, I would monitor for now. If she stops eating, seems lethargic, or you have any further major concern please take her to your veterinarian. Freya's first kitten check up should be at 8 weeks, so I would recommend to schedule a general health check up for her soon. She will get her first vaccine and you can mention this problem to the doctor at that time as well.

Hello and thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Fast respiration is a common finding in nursing cats, particularly with the first litter. If Lily is nursing the kittens well, is eating and drinking and acting as normal, you should just monitor her at home. However, if she goes off food and becomes lethargic you should take her to your local vets for an appointment. In that case, she should be checked for fever, mastitis, uterine infection, which could cause increase in respiratory rate in feeding cats.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This is considered very abnormal in a cat. Abnormal breathing in a cat can occur from conditions such as pneumonia, heart failure, asthma, bronchitis, among other possibilities. If her pulse (not respiratory rate) really is 70 bpm as you pointed out that is very abnormal for a cat and at the same time even if it was her respiratory rate it would also be abnormal. For that reason, I highly recommend that you have Marciella evaluated by your local emergency clinic or your veterinarian if open as soon as possible for further assessment and treatment. Likely diagnostics include chest radiographs. Treatment would be dependent on findings. Good luck!