Cat and Snoring: Possible Causes and Risks
It's not uncommon for a cat to snore. On the one hand this can indicate a very relaxed cat and on the other hand it can be a sign of a health problem.
A satisfied cat snores
If your cat snores, this does not necessarily indicate a disease. Your pet may simply be very relaxed and sleep so deeply that they snore a little occasionally. The snoring only shows that your cat feels very comfortable around you.
A sick cat snores
Unfortunately the causes of snoring are not always harmless. Because it is quite possible that your cat is ill and therefore snores. Respiratory diseases are quite often responsible for this.
These can be both a simple cold and cat sniffles. The latter can be very dangerous, especially for kittens and old cats.
If you notice other abnormalities in your cat besides snoring, such as discharge from the nose and eyes, loss of appetite and fatigue, a visit to the vet is advisable.
We also recommend that you strengthen the immune system of your cat with I love my cat Immun.
A cat with sleep apnoea snores
Cats can suffer from sleep apnea. If your cat is affected, they will suffer from breathing difficulties while sleeping. The slightest problem is that your cat snores.
In the long run, breaks in breathing can damage the body’s cardiovascular system because the body is not supplied with sufficient oxygen. Sleep apnoea is therefore a serious matter which should never be ignored.
A cat with polyps snores
Polyps are benign growths that can form on the mucous membranes. If they grow in your cat's throat or nose, this can sometimes cause your cat to snore.
If your pet has difficulty breathing due to adenoids, it may be advisable to remove the growths surgically. The operation is carried out under general anaesthetic and is usually uncomplicated.
Once the polyps have been removed, your cat should normally soon stop snoring.
Tumours as a cause of snoring in cats
In addition to polyps, cats can occasionally develop tumours in the respiratory tract. These can also become noticeable by snoring.
A timely visit to the vet is of course essential in this case. However, it is not possible to say in general terms which treatment measures are necessary and what the prognosis for your cat will be.
An overweight cat snores
Many cat owners mean too well with their house cat and are especially generous when feeding. As a result, more and more cats are suffering from overweight and the associated consequences for their health.
An obese cat snores very often because the fat pads can press on the respiratory tract. In addition, the risk of diseases such as osteoarthritis and diabetes increases dramatically in overweight cats.
If you have a cat that is too fat, it is therefore advisable to reduce body weight as soon as possible. This will not only prevent your cat from snoring in the future, but also from becoming seriously ill due to your cat being overweight.
Anatomical causes of snoring in cats
In addition to the above-mentioned causes, snoring in your cat may also be anatomically related. In cat breeds, which like Persian cats have a shortened cranium, snoring is often a lifelong problem.
Apart from that, anatomical peculiarities such as a too small lower jaw, too large tonsils or a flaccid soft palate can also cause your cat to snore.
Usually these things are completely harmless and you just have to accept that your cat is a bit louder when he sleeps.
When snoring in cats is a case for the vet
Basically, it is not a big deal when your cat snores. Especially if this only happens when the four-legged friend has made himself comfortable on your lap, snoring is most likely just a sign of relaxation.
However, if you notice that your cat stops breathing, a visit to the vet as soon as possible is essential. Of course, this also applies if there are other possible symptoms of a disease besides snoring.
The veterinarian can examine your four-legged friend and, if necessary, initiate necessary treatment measures, such as the surgical removal of polyps.
Depending on the exact cause, your cat should then, with a bit of luck, be able to get over the whole thing quickly and thus snoring will soon be a thing of the past.
Cat snores - our conclusion
There can be several reasons for snoring. Whether this is a cause for concern cannot be said in general terms, so keep a close eye on your pet and consult a vet if your cat has obvious breathing problems.
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