Cat Snoring: When to Relax, When to Be Concerned
Subtle breathing noises could reveal hidden health issues in your furry companion.
It can be both adorable and surprising to hear your cat snore. But is it just another quirky catism, or could it be a clue about your cat’s health? While the gentle rumble of snoring during a deep nap is common in many felines, sometimes it may signal underlying issues. This article dives deep into why cats snore, when itâs perfectly normal, and the scenarios where you should take notice and consult your veterinarian.
Is It Normal for Cats to Snore?
Snoring in cats isnât always a cause for concern. In many cases, itâs harmless and simply a result of the way air moves through the upper respiratory tract while your cat sleeps. However, ongoing, loud, or suddenly occurring snoringâespecially if accompanied by other symptomsâcan indicate health problems.
- Normal snoring is usually soft, occurs during deep sleep, and isnât linked with distress.
- Abnormal snoring may be loud, constant, or present while awake, and may be accompanied by symptoms like discharge, sneezing, or breathing difficulties.
Why Does My Cat Snore? Common Causes
Cats snore for various reasons. Sometimes itâs benign, while in other cases, it can indicate a medical issue. Understanding these causes can help you determine whatâs normal and what needs attention.
Anatomical Factors
Breed and physical structure play a large role in predisposing some cats to snoring.
- Brachycephalic breeds such as Persians, Himalayans, and Exotic Shorthairs have shortened facial bones. This results in smaller nasal passages and sometimes elongated soft palates, narrowing the airway and making snoring more likely.
- Narrow nostrils or unusually shaped nasal passages in these breeds restrict airflow, causing vibrations that lead to snoring.
- Other physical featuresâlike an elongated soft palate or large tonsilsâcan partially block the windpipe and create noisy breathing during sleep.
Sleeping Position
Snoring often changes with body position. If a cat curls or tilts its neck in a way that narrows the airway, it may snore more loudly or frequently.
- Cats may snore only in particular sleeping positions, especially those that press the chin to the chest or kink the neck.
- Snoring that shifts, appears, or disappears depending on the nap posture is generally not worrisome.
Medical Conditions
Snoring can be a byproduct or warning sign of health issues, particularly involving the upper respiratory tract.
- Upper Respiratory Infections (URIs): Viral or bacterial infections can inflame nasal tissues and produce mucus, leading to noisy breathing or snoring.
- Chronic Rhinitis or Sinusitis: Persistent inflammation of the nasal passages or sinuses can cause snoring and nasal congestion.
- Tumors or Polyps: Growths like benign polyps or, rarely, tumors can obstruct airflow, causing continual or sudden snoring.
- Foreign Bodies: Objects like grass blades getting lodged in the nasal cavity may provoke snoring and other breathing issues.
- Obesity: Excess fat around the throat narrows the airway, especially when the cat relaxes in sleep, predisposing to louder or more frequent snoring.
- Allergies: Allergic rhinitis may result in nasal swelling causing intermittent snoring.
Recognizing Normal vs Problematic Cat Snoring
It can be challenging to distinguish harmless snoring from noises that suggest a health problem. Use the table below for guidance:
| Type | When Occurs | Features | What To Do |
|---|---|---|---|
| Benign Snoring | Deep sleep | Soft, infrequent, position-dependent | Usually nothingâmonitor for any changes |
| Loud or Persistent Snoring | Sleep and/or awake | Continuous, worsens, or starts suddenly | Observe for additional symptoms, consult a veterinarian |
| Snoring with Other Symptoms | Any time | Accompanied by discharge, coughing, open-mouth breathing, lack of appetite, or distress | Seek veterinary care promptly |
What others are reading
Specific Health Issues Linked to Cat Snoring
Upper Respiratory Infections
Infections of the nasal passages, sinuses, or throat area are a frequent culprit for sudden onset snoring. Signs include sneezing, nasal or eye discharge, and sometimes labored breathing. Chronic infections may cause lasting changes to nasal tissue, leading to recurrent or permanent snoring.
Chronic Rhinitis and Sinusitis
These conditions involve inflammation of the nasal passages or sinuses. Chronic inflammation can narrow airways and increase secretions:
- Persistent sneezing
- Thick or colored nasal discharge
- Reduced appetite due to loss of smell
- General lethargy
- Snoring, often worsening in certain positions
Nasal Polyps, Tumors, and Foreign Bodies
- Polyps: Benign, stalk-like growths can develop in the ear canal, nasopharynx, or nasal passages, especially in young cats. They often cause noisy breathing even while awake.
- Tumors: While rare, tumors in the nasal cavity or sinuses can obstruct breathing and change a catâs normal breathing sounds.
- Foreign objects: Blades of grass and similar objects may cause sudden snoring, nasal pawing, sneezing, and sometimes nasal discharge.
Obesity and Airway Narrowing
Overweight cats are at increased risk for snoring because excess fat collects around the airway and throat. This narrows the passages and increases tissue vibration during inhalation, especially when relaxed or sleeping on their backs.
Breed-Specific Snoring (Brachycephalic Syndrome)
Cats with flat facesâlike Persians and Himalayansâexperience a group of anatomical issues known as brachycephalic airway syndrome:
- Narrowed nostrils (stenotic nares)
- Elongated soft palate
- Hypoplastic (underdeveloped) trachea
This syndrome causes airflow restriction and frequent snoring, even during normal breathing or while awake. These breeds often require more monitoring for respiratory complications.
Medical Evaluation: When Should You Worry?
Occasional, soft snoring isnât typically a cause for worry. However, see your veterinarian under the following conditions:
- Snoring is loud, harsh, persistent, or sudden in onset
- Snoring accompanies nasal/eye discharge, sneezing, coughing, or changes in voice
- Your cat displays open-mouthed breathing, wheezing, or difficulty eating
- Your cat is lethargic, loses appetite, or acts withdrawn
- Any sign of distress, collapse, or pale gums/emergency symptoms
Diagnostic Process for Cat Snoring
Your veterinarian will carefully evaluate your cat to determine the cause of snoring:
- Physical examination with focus on oral, nasal, and upper airway structures
- Medical history including duration, frequency, and associated symptoms
- Imaging: X-rays, CT scans, or rhinoscopy to visualize the airways and sinuses
- Biopsies or sampling if masses, polyps, or persistent inflammation is suspected
- Bloodwork and allergy testing for underlying systemic or immune-related causes
Treatment: How Vets Address Snoring in Cats
Treatment depends on the root cause:
- Infections: Antibiotics, antiviral or antifungal medications as appropriate
- Chronic Inflammation: Anti-inflammatories, antihistamines, decongestants, or immune modulators
- Polyps/Tumors: Surgical removal, sometimes using minimally invasive techniques
- Foreign Bodies: Removal via nasal flushing or forceps
- Obesity: Weight management program with diet, exercise, and veterinary guidance
- Brachycephalic Syndrome: Surgical interventions to widen nostrils or shorten elongated soft palate in severe cases
Managing and Preventing Cat Snoring at Home
There are steps you can take to reduce the likelihood or severity of snoring and monitor your catâs respiratory health:
- Maintain a healthy weight for your cat to prevent airway narrowing.
- Monitor changes in snoring patterns and seek veterinary evaluation for new, sudden, or worsening symptoms.
- Minimize exposure to allergens (dust, pollen, smoke) that can inflame airways.
- Keep up with regular vet checkups, especially for flat-faced breeds and older cats.
- Provide good environmental humidity during dry seasons to help keep airways moist and clear.
Cat Snoring vs. Purring vs. Heavy Breathing
| Sound | Main Mechanism | Associated Behavior/Activity | Significance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snoring | Vibration of soft tissue in nasal cavity or throat during inhalation | Deep sleep, position-dependent | Usually normal; concern if persistent or with symptoms |
| Purring | Laryngeal muscle vibration (voice box) | Relaxation, contentment, sometimes stress | Normal feline vocalization |
| Heavy Breathing | Labored movement of respiratory muscles; may involve panting, open-mouth breathing | After exertion or in distress; awake or asleep | Can indicate illness, pain, or heat stress; may need prompt attention |
Frequently Asked Questions About Cat Snoring
Is it normal for my cat to snore every night?
Occasional soft snoring in sleep, especially in certain breeds or sleeping positions, is generally normal. However, nightly loud snoringâparticularly with other symptomsâshould be checked by a vet.
Why do flat-faced cats snore more?
Flat-faced cats (brachycephalic breeds like Persians) have shorter nasal passages and often narrowed nostrils or elongated soft palates, making them more likely to snore.
Should I worry if my cat suddenly starts snoring?
Sudden onset snoring, especially if accompanied by nasal/eye discharge, coughing, or signs of difficulty breathing, warrants a veterinary visit. Such changes can be due to infections, blockages, or inflammation.
Can obesity cause my cat to snore?
Yes. Overweight cats accumulate extra tissue around the throat and neck, which can narrow airways and make snoring more frequent or severe.
What home remedies can I try for mild cat snoring?
Focus on weight management and environmental factors (allergen reduction, maintaining humidity). Avoid home medicationsâalways consult a veterinarian if the snoring is frequent, loud, or new.
When do I need to call the vet?
- Snoring becomes louder, more persistent, or starts suddenly
- Your cat shows signs of distress or trouble breathing
- Accompanied by discharge, coughing, sneezing, changes in appetite, or withdrawal
Takeaway
While an occasional snore is usually no cause for alarm, itâs vital to monitor any changes and notice accompanying symptoms. Cats are expert at hiding illness, and what seems like a simple snore could sometimes reveal something more. For peace of mind and your catâs wellbeing, always consult your veterinarian with any concerns about breathing, snoring, or behavioral changes.
References
- https://www.petmd.com/cat/general-health/cat-snoring-it-normal
- https://www.amcny.org/blog/2023/07/05/should-i-be-concerned-about-snoring-in-my-dog-or-cat/
- https://vetster.com/en/symptoms/cat/snoring-and-noisy-breathing
- https://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/respiratory/sinus-infections-cats
- https://www.rover.com/blog/cat-snoring/
Similar Articles
Read full bio of Sneha Tete
