Ever ponder, “Can cats breathe through their mouths?” when seeing a cat panting? You’re not the only one! Lots of pet owners are curious about this ancient query. Yes, cats can breathe through their mouths. But, they’re mainly nasal breathers. So, mouth breathing is not usual for cats.
In this article, we’ll tell you why cats can breathe through their mouths and when they need to.
Cats have amazing respiration anatomy! Unlike humans, cats can take in oxygen and expel carbon dioxide with both their noses and mouth. This phenomenon is called “dual breathing” or “para breathing”.
Cats usually breathe through their noses but can also use their mouths when necessary. We’ll look at why cats can para breathe, how they do it, and the pros and cons of this special ability.
Anatomy of a Cat’s Respiratory System
Cats have an amazing respiratory system! It’s adapted to the needs of a small predator, and it produces their iconic meow. Cats take in air through their nose and exhale through their mouth.
Their short nasal passages help them sniff around and detect potential prey. But cats can’t breathe through their mouths like humans can. To get enough oxygen while sniffing, cats open their mouths slightly and take shallow breaths through both nostrils and their mouth at once.
This can look like cats are mostly breathing through their mouths, but it’s only when they feel shocked or annoyed. Usually, cats get their oxygen through their noses. They only use their mouths for vocalization or when in distress.
Why Do Cats Primarily Breathe Through Their Noses?
Cats are obligatory nose breathers. They must breathe with their noses. Sometimes they pant or breathe through their mouths, but this usually means they’re stressed and not getting enough air. This is very uncomfortable for cats and worrying for pet owners.
Cats’ nasal passageways are unique. It’s hard for them to take in the same amount of oxygen when using their mouths as opposed to their noses. The nose forces air to move in a spiral fashion. This increases the surface area of the lungs and humidifies the air before it enters the body. Cats also have small lungs, so they rely heavily on this superior air exchange.
Cats have special muscles at the base of their mouth. These help control pressure while exhaling. This stops excess saliva from entering the windpipe, causing difficulty breathing. These facial muscles only work when cats breathe through their noses. They won’t activate if cats only use their mouth. Cats also have scent glands in their mouths. They need droplets to be shared when grooming, which wouldn’t happen if cats breathed through their mouths.
Possible Reasons Why a Cat Might Need to Mouth Breathe
Cats generally breathe through their noses. But, certain situations require cats to breathe through their mouths. This can be due to several reasons, and it’s essential to assist your cat if they are facing any issues, to make sure they get enough oxygen.
- Nasal Obstruction: Cats can suffer from nasal blockage just like humans. If the blockage is major, it can prevent normal breathing. Reasons for this may include allergies, viral infections (e.g. FHV-1 or Bordetella bronchiseptica), foreign objects in their nasal passageways, or even tumors.
- Sinus Infection: If your cat has an infection in their sinuses, they may be unable to breathe through its nose due to blockages and mucus buildup. Viruses or bacteria often cause these infections, so your vet may prescribe antibiotics if a bacterial cause is identified.
- Mouth Deformity/Trauma: Severe mouth deformities or trauma can lead to a “mouth-only” breathing pattern since the cat can’t breathe properly through their nose. This must be treated quickly by a vet to avoid further difficulties.
Cats usually don’t breathe through their mouths unless something is wrong. Pet owners must look after their cats with proper medical care to ensure they have long and healthy lives!
Health Risks Associated with Mouth Breathing in Cats
Cats can breathe through their mouths, but there are risks. As cats only have one passage for air, it can lead to upper respiratory infections, fluid buildup in the sinuses, drooling, and straining of the throat muscles.
Panting is common when cats are stressed or anxious. Allergies can also cause shallow breathing or drawing air through the mouth. Stressful situations, like a vet stay, can also cause this. Pet owners should be aware of potential triggers.
Unless tests show otherwise, cats should not be classified as habitual mouth breathers. If your cat seems uncomfortable when taking deep breaths, it’s time to see the vet for treatment.
How to Help a Cat Who is Mouth Breathing
Mouth breathing in cats, also called open-mouth breathing or panting, can be a sign of distress. If your cat is doing this, take them to the vet right away. You can also help provide temporary relief.
- Ensure the environment is clean and comfortable. Ventilate the space and avoid contact with other animals. Clean debris from fur. Keep humidity low to reduce nose irritation.
- Give small meals low in carbs. This keeps body temperature down. Provide fresh water, but avoid ice cubes. Make the bedding comfy, not too warm. Avoid air conditioning or fans which can make panting worse. Speak to the vet about medications that could help.
Conclusion
In conclusion, cats may sometimes breathe through their mouths – but it’s not recommended. Cats are obligate nose-breathers, meaning they mostly breathe through their noses. If a cat is seen breathing through its mouth, it should be taken to see a vet. This can cause damage to the lungs and other respiratory system parts if done too often and for long periods.
Allergies, dental problems, and other conditions can limit the amount of air that can enter their lungs via the nose. Such conditions require specific treatment for effective treatment:
- Allergies
- Dental problems
- Other conditions
Resources
Comprehending how cats inhale and how they utilize their mouths to do so is indispensable for pet owners. Fortunately, there’s an abundance of resources available to further your comprehension.
First, converse with a professional, like a veterinarian or animal expert, for special info about the respiratory system of cats. They can explain science in a simple way. The local vet office can also be used to answer questions about your cat’s well-being, like if you must take extra care when cleaning their mouth or if any medical conditions are blocking their breathing. Moreover, there are loads of online resources for pet owners to access from home. The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) has particulars on cats’ capability to breathe through both their nose and mouth. It also delves into how this differs between species, breeds, and even individuals. PetMD has blog posts that give more information on why cats sometimes gasp due to certain psychological or physiological causes. Feline Living created an e-book on cat health with advice pertinent to cat owners on recognizing any type of breathing difficulties or other signs of respiratory issues in cats to get suitable care quickly if needed.
