My cat is a sound sleeper. She would win hands down if there were an award for sleeping through anything and everything. But the other day, I noticed that her breathing was a bit difficult, and it sounded like she was snoring.
Intrigued, I did some research to see if cats can snore when they’re awake. As it turns out, my cat isn’t the only one who does this – many cats snore when they’re awake! So why do they do it? It turns out there are a few different reasons. In this article, I’ll discuss why does my cat snore when awake. Keep reading.
Many cats snore when they’re awake because they have brachycephalic syndrome. This condition affects short-nosed breeds of cats, and it’s caused by the way their skulls are shaped. Because their skulls are shorter and wider than normal, their breathing passages are narrower, leading to difficulty breathing and snoring.
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A Detailed Guide on Why Does My Cat Snore When Awake
There are a few reasons why cats may snore when awake.
Reason 1: Allergies
Allergies are the body’s overreaction to otherwise harmless substances, such as pollen or dust. In response to an allergen, the immune system produces antibodies to neutralize the allergen. However, the immune system can produce too many antibodies in some cases, leading to allergic reactions.
Allergic reactions can cause a variety of symptoms in cats, including snoring. When the airways become inflamed, they swell and narrow, making it difficult for air to flow through. In severe cases, this can lead to obstruction and snoring.
If you suspect that your cat’s snoring is due to allergies, talk to your vet about testing and treatment options.
Treatment:
If your cat is snoring due to allergies, the first step is identifying and removing the allergen. This may be easier said than done, as cats can be allergic to many things, including pollen, dust, dander, mold, and even certain foods. However, once you’ve identified the allergen, you can take steps to remove it from your cat’s environment and provide them with medication to relieve their symptoms.
If your cat is snoring due to congestion, you can try using a humidifier in their room or giving them steam treatments. You can also use a saline spray or drops to help clear their nose. If these home remedies don’t work, your vet may prescribe a medication to help clear your cat’s nasal passages.
In some cases, snoring may be a sign of an underlying health condition, such as obesity, heart disease, or respiratory disease. If your vet suspects that this is the case, they may recommend further testing and treatment.
Reason 2: Obesity
Just like in humans, obesity in cats occurs when they consume more calories than they burn. This excess energy is stored as fat. While a small amount of body fat is necessary for insulation and energy storage, too much can lead to health problems.
Cats that are obese are more likely to have difficulty breathing, leading to snoring. Obesity can also cause or worsen other respiratory conditions, such as asthma.
When a cat is obese, the excess fat tissue in its throat can cause the airway to narrow. This makes it difficult for air to move through the throat and can lead to snoring. In some cases, obesity can also cause the soft palate (the fleshy part at the back of the roof of the mouth) to vibrate when breathing, which can also lead to snoring.
Treatment:
If your cat is obese, you can do a few things to help them slim down. First, start by feeding them a healthier diet. Look for foods that are high in protein and low in fat. You may also want to consider switching to a portion of grain-free food.
Second, make sure your cat is getting enough exercise. Take them for walks or play with them regularly. This will help them burn off excess calories and maintain a healthy weight.
Finally, talk to your veterinarian about any potential health concerns contributing to your cat’s obesity. They can recommend specific dietary or lifestyle changes to help your cat slim down and live a healthier life.
Reason 3: Respiratory Infection
A respiratory infection is an infection of the lungs, airways, or sinuses. It can be caused by viruses, bacteria, fungi, or parasites. Symptoms include coughing, sneezing, runny nose, difficulty breathing, and wheezing. Respiratory infections are highly contagious and can be passed from person to person through coughing and sneezing. They can also be spread by contact with contaminated surfaces, such as doorknobs, door handles, or countertops.
The most common cause of snoring in cats is “upper respiratory infection”. This is an infection of the nose, throat, or sinuses. Viruses, bacteria, or fungi can cause the infection. Symptoms include sneezing, runny nose, watery eyes, and fever. In some cases, the infection can lead to difficulty breathing.
Upper respiratory infections are contagious and can be passed from one cat to another through contact with contaminated surfaces or by sharing food and water bowls.
Treatment:
If your cat is snoring due to a respiratory infection, the first line of treatment will be antibiotics. Your veterinarian will likely also recommend symptomatic relief measures such as increasing the humidity in your home and using a humidifier or vaporizer. Your cat may need to be hospitalized for supportive care in severe cases.
Reason 4: Nasal Congestion
Nasal congestion it’s when the airways in your cat’s nose become blocked, making it difficult for her to breathe. This can be caused by allergies, colds, sinus infections, or polyps (non-cancerous growths).
Nasal congestion can make your cat snore because she’s trying to breathe through her mouth instead of her nose. She may also have a runny nose, sneeze more often, or have watery eyes. If your cat is having trouble breathing, see your vet right away.
Treatment:
If your cat is snoring and you’re wondering why it’s likely due to nasal congestion. Here are a few things you can do to help clear your cat’s airway and stop the snoring:
- Take your cat to the vet for a checkup. This will help rule out any other potential causes of the snoring, such as polyps or an obstruction in the airway.
- Try a humidifier in your home. This will help keep the air moist and may help to clear your cat’s congestion.
- Give your regular cat baths. This will help to loosen any mucus that may be causing the congestion.
- Try using a saline spray. This can help clear the congestion and make it easier for your cat to breathe.
- Give your cat some steam. You can do this by taking them into the bathroom with you while you shower or using a humidifier in the room where they sleep.
If your cat’s snoring is due to nasal congestion, these tips should help to clear it up and stop the snoring. However, if the snoring persists, or if you’re concerned about your cat’s health, please consult your veterinarian.
Reason 5: Anatomical Issues
Anatomical issues are any physical problem that your cat may have that causes them to snore. This could be anything from a blockage in their airway to a deformity in their throat or nose. If your cat has any anatomical issue, they will likely snore when they sleep (or even when awake).
One of the most common anatomical issues that can cause cats to snore is a condition called a brachycephalic syndrome. This is when your cat has a short head and muzzle, leading to all sorts of problems, including difficulties breathing. If your cat has this condition, you’ll probably notice that they snore more often than cats who don’t have the condition.
Treatment:
If your cat’s snoring is due to an anatomical issue, such as a deviated septum, surgical options are available to correct the problem. However, these procedures are typically only recommended if your cat is also suffering from other health issues exacerbated by snoring.
A simple lifestyle change can help reduce or eliminate your cat’s snoring in some cases. For example, if your cat is overweight, helping them lose weight can take pressure off their respiratory system and alleviate the snoring. Similarly, if allergies are causing congestion leading to snoring, addressing the allergies can often help. Finally, if your cat sleeps in an awkward position that contributes to the snoring, providing them with a more comfortable bed or sleeping area may help. This information will help in why does my cat snore when awake.
Should I Be Worried if My Cat Snores?
Though most cat owners are familiar with their pets’ soft purring sound when content, some may be less familiar with the snoring sound some cats make when asleep; cat snoring can be caused by several factors, including allergies, obesity, and anatomic abnormalities. While some causes of snoring are benign, others can indicate a more severe condition, such as feline asthma or chronic bronchitis.
If your cat is frequently snoring, it is essential to consult with your veterinarian to rule out any underlying medical conditions. Treatment may be as simple as adjusting your cat’s diet or providing allergy relief in some cases. However, more severe infections may require ongoing medical management. Therefore, if your cat is snoring, don’t hesitate to have him evaluated by a veterinarian to ensure health and happiness.
Conclusion
Snoring is often associated with sleep apnea, which interrupts breathing and can be dangerous. However, in cats, snoring is generally harmless and may result from an elongated soft palate. If your cat’s snoring becomes more frequent or disruptive, it’s best to have her checked by a veterinarian to be sure. Otherwise, your kitty is probably just enjoying a good nap. We hope you have learned why does my cat snore when awake.
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