Why does a cat breathe with its mouth open like a dog in a car?

What causes this?

In order to understand why a cat opens its mouth when breathing, you need to understand the mechanism of this behavior. It is worth considering that opening the mouth while breathing indicates a lack of oxygen in the animal. The reason for this is hypoxia. The condition is quite dangerous because organs and tissues do not receive enough oxygen. This can lead to quite dangerous consequences and even be fatal.

If the respiratory system is functioning normally, the lungs must be surrounded by a vacuum, which ensures their normal functioning. When, in the event of mechanical damage or infectious diseases, oxygen is present in this cavity, the respiratory system cannot function normally. Therefore, the lungs do not receive enough oxygen.

To compensate for the lack of air, cats begin to breathe through their mouths. At this time, the muscles on the abdomen actively move, repeating breathing actions. If abdominal breathing is present, then with a high degree of probability we can say that the cause has been found.

It is also necessary to understand that there are reasons for breathing with an open mouth that are not associated with pathologies related to the health of the cat. She may just be tired or suffering from extreme heat.

If the animal is completely healthy, then after a certain period of time it stops breathing with its mouth open. However, it can be a symptom of pathological conditions and diseases of the cardiovascular system. For this reason, if it is noticed that the animal opens its mouth in order to breathe, it is necessary to seek qualified help. This will make it possible to receive the necessary help in a timely manner, which will prevent serious consequences for the health and life of the animal.

Modern veterinary medicine has documented many reasons that can provoke open-mouth breathing in a cat. These include:

Chronic upper respiratory diseases that prevent the cat from breathing normally. This may be the presence of foreign objects in the respiratory tract, boils in the chin area, ulcers on the mucous membranes of the mouth and nasopharynx.
A protective reaction to stress and significant physical overload, severe overheating or hypothermia, recent birth in female representatives of the feline family.
This may also be a sign of the presence of parasites in the cat’s body, the development cycle of which passes through the lungs.
Genetic disorders associated with abnormal development of the trachea and cardiovascular system, as well as the chest.

Paying close attention to your pet will help you notice the presence of a dangerous symptom in a timely manner and then take appropriate measures. Breathing problems may appear unexpectedly. In this case, you need to pay attention to what happens before the cat begins to breathe with its mouth open, because there can be many reasons for this, and all of them are dangerous.

This may be a symptom of shock, which occurs as a result of poisoning, allergic reactions or injury. Subsequently, this can lead to severe hypoxia. If medical assistance is not provided in a timely manner, the pet may die within a few hours. As a rule, a state of shock is treated in a veterinary clinic in an inpatient setting using intravenous infusion of certain drugs. In some cases, this goes away on its own, however, to eliminate the risk, it is better to seek help from a doctor. The specialist will prescribe therapeutic measures that must be taken for preventive purposes. In addition, any disease is easiest to treat at the initial stage.

A symptom of an extremely dangerous condition and life-threatening diseases may be the presence of discharge and bad breath. This can occur after poisoning, which causes disruption of the pet’s normal breathing.

Why is my cat drooling?

1 Consider the reasons
2 Rabies
3 How to treat?
4 Prevention

Normal salivation goes unnoticed, because saliva takes part in the process of chewing food and contributes to normal digestion.

But it also happens that saliva is produced in excess and begins to flow from the mouth. Of course, this cannot go unnoticed, besides, if the mouth is slightly open and, in addition to this, the tongue is stuck out.

Let's try to figure out why a cat is drooling, and how dangerous it can be.

Let's consider the reasons

Surely you, or your friends, have had situations when the question arose - why does a cat stick out its tongue and at the same time drool flow from its mouth?

Why might a kitten or adult cat stick out its tongue? It turns out that the reason may be that the animal is hungry and licks itself in anticipation of pleasure. But the drooling will not be profuse, most likely it will last only a few minutes, and after a hearty lunch it will immediately stop. In this case, there is no cause for concern; this is normal.

Another thing is if there is a lot of drooling, it appears regardless of food intake, and the animal itself may experience discomfort. This is how gastritis, hepatitis, stomatitis and other diseases can manifest themselves.

Stomatitis is characterized by bleeding gums and bad breath.

Drooling may occur in kittens with congenital liver disease. If the diet is violated, the symptom intensifies.

The animal could have eaten spoiled food on the street, which was also treated with chemicals. A sharp bone, ointment, or a piece of one's own fur could have gotten into the mouth. However, drooling may occur more than usual as a result of changes in the physiological state, but it can also be a sign of a serious illness.

Rabies

It's not just drool that indicates your pet has rabies. The tongue will be visible from the mouth, foam will appear in the corners, the cat will neither eat nor drink, and will hide from the light, as it causes a burning sensation. An animal may be indifferent to everything that is happening, or on the contrary, it may demonstrate aggression and attack a person.

You need to stay away from a sick animal, reduce contact with it to a minimum and report the incident to the veterinary hospital. You should not touch the animal, as in a state of increased nervous excitability the cat may bite you or scratch you. Then both the animal and its owner will have to be treated.

This is why foamy saliva is a cause for alarm and concern.

How to treat?

Having noticed the signs listed above, you need to try to determine their cause. If everything suggests that the cat is poisoned, give him a sorbent. Every home has activated carbon, in this case it should help. If the oral cavity is injured, take an antiseptic and treat the wound.

A foreign body can be removed from the mouth with sterile tweezers, but before this the oral cavity must be treated with potassium permanganate. If there is no foreign object in the mouth, and the urge to vomit is obvious, the cat should be taken to a veterinary hospital. Only a specialist using instruments can remove a foreign body from the larynx or esophagus.

If there are wounds in the oral cavity, they are lubricated with a preparation called Lugol. You need to do this once a day until they heal.

It happens that it is difficult to independently determine the cause of this condition, then seek help from a veterinary hospital. After examining the patient, the doctor will rule out life-threatening pathologies and, if necessary, recommend treatment and make recommendations. If you do not respond in time to a protruding tongue and excessive salivation, then you can waste time, and the treatment will be longer and more persistent.

Prevention

Your pet should be examined regularly, including its oral cavity. When using sprays to control fleas or ticks, you must first carefully read the instructions and then apply the substance to the cat’s withers.

Rat poisons, mice control products, preparations to control insects, garden pests, household chemicals - all this should be stored out of the reach of cats. After all, everyone knows that poisons should be kept away from children, but the fact that pets are curious, as children, unfortunately, often forget.

Diagnostics

To understand why an animal opens its mouth when breathing, it is necessary to closely monitor it for several days. This will help your veterinarian determine the exact cause. In this case, you should pay attention:

On the general condition of the cat, appetite, activity, trips to the toilet and stool consistency.
Is this condition accompanied by vomiting or coughing?
After which this phenomenon occurs, perhaps it is preceded by active games or other physical activity.
How often does this happen - constantly or at regular intervals?

In any case, with this symptom, contacting a veterinary institution is mandatory. The doctor will conduct an in-person examination and collect anamnesis, and will prescribe appropriate diagnostic measures, which include:

Blood sampling for general and biochemical analysis.
Chest X-ray.
Electrocardiogram of the heart.
Ultrasonography.
Diagnosis of infectious diseases.
Bronchoscopy and rhinoscopy.
Consultations for the presence of tumor formations of the respiratory system.

Language functions

To understand why a cat sticks out its tongue, you first need to understand what functions this muscular organ performs. A cat's tongue performs a number of important functions:

helps in the process of swallowing, nutrition;
allows you to recognize the taste of food;
allows for hygiene procedures.

We suggest you read: At what age do cats lose their baby teeth?

In its normal state, the tongue is located in the mouth. But there are times when the owner complains that the cat constantly sticks his tongue out. But this phenomenon is not always considered pathological. There are also physiological reasons why a cat sticks out the tip of its tongue.

First emergency aid

If the owner witnesses that the animal is suffering from heavy and irregular breathing, especially if it is lethargic and apathetic, refuses to eat, and prefers to rest more, this may indicate that the situation requires emergency measures. First you need to find the reason why this happens. You should carefully examine the cat, check if it has wounds, fractures or other mechanical damage. If this condition is accompanied by vomiting, it is necessary to pay attention to the consistency of the vomit and feces, the presence of mucous or bloody discharge in them.

Be sure to consider what your cat has been eating lately. It happens that a cat ingests certain medications or chemicals that can cause poisoning. The sooner it is determined what exactly caused the animal’s intoxication, the greater the chance of receiving adequate treatment.

In any situation, the animal should not be disturbed too much. It is necessary to take measures to limit his drinking and food intake, and contact a veterinary clinic. Many veterinary institutions provide free consultations over the phone. Such consultation can save a cat's life.

Pathological conditions

Does your cat have rapid and heavy breathing, does her tongue stick out, does she gasp for air greedily? The listed symptoms are typical for oxygen starvation. Fleeing from it, the animal instinctively swallows more air. Prolonged hypoxia is detrimental to his health.

There are other pathological conditions accompanied by similar symptoms:

Heart failure

Heart failure is a serious pathology that requires urgent consultation and treatment at a veterinary clinic. The group of cardiac pathologies includes:

A predisposition to heart pathologies exists in representatives of the following breeds:

It is important for their owners not to miss the first symptoms of the disease, among which is a protruding tongue. If this is accompanied by rapid “dog breathing”, lethargy and impotence, there is cause for concern.

Inhalations accompanied by pain, irregular rhythm and cyanosis of the mucous membranes are symptoms that require immediate medical attention.

Poisoning

Intoxication of the body is often accompanied by disruptions in the functioning of the respiratory system and heart. Toxic substances relax the muscles so much that the animal cannot control them. For this reason, the cat's tongue hangs out.

Poisoning can be determined by the accompanying symptoms:

Respiratory failure

Respiratory failure accompanies many serious pathologies. You can diagnose it yourself by wheezing, jerky inhalations and exhalations, and intermittent breathing.

An animal without qualified assistance may suffocate.

How to deliver a pet to a medical facility?

If there is a need to go to a specialized institution, you should follow the rules for transporting the animal. If the pet is unconscious, then during transportation it should be placed on its right side, with its neck and tongue extended.

If the animal is in a conscious state, it has all the signs of vital activity, it must be transported in a special basket or cardboard box, the bottom of which must be lined with something soft. Ideally, he should be accompanied by the owner.

It is worth noting that many modern veterinary clinics are equipped with ambulance services. Therefore, if the pet’s condition is extremely serious, then it is better to use just such a service.

Breathing through the mouth for a cat is not physiological and characteristic. Most often it occurs as a result of certain pathological conditions, which can be quite dangerous and lead to tragic consequences. For this reason, you need to immediately determine why exactly this is happening. Timely, correctly provided assistance will make it possible to maintain health, and sometimes even the life of a pet depends on it. A loving owner must understand that not in all cases it is possible to solve the problem on your own, especially in difficult situations. For this reason, the best option is qualified assistance in a veterinary hospital, where the cat will have to be transported independently in a carrier or in a cardboard box.

If it is not possible to immediately deliver the cat to the clinic for diagnosis, then you can use a telephone consultation. Many modern specialized organizations provide the service of visiting a veterinarian at home. This makes it possible to provide assistance to animals in the most urgent and unforeseen situations that require the use of emergency measures aimed at saving the pet.

Functional brain disorders

Veterinarians identify the causes that lead to disruption of the brain and nervous system:

The above reasons lead to a lack of coordination: the cat cannot independently control movements or control muscles. So he sticks out his tongue.

Veterinarians offer a small test that helps make sure that your cat has no neurological problems. If the animal sticks out its tongue, you need to touch it a little. If there are no neurological problems, the cat will quickly hide its tongue. If the actions do not bring results, we can talk about a pathological signal from the body.

Video: pulmonary edema in a cat - main symptoms and causes

Many dog owners sometimes notice that their dog is breathing rapidly. This can be considered a completely normal phenomenon, but it can also indicate serious illness. To determine what this is connected with, it is necessary to take into account some features. The normal breathing rate for dogs is 10-30 breaths per minute. To determine the number of breaths, you need to place your hand on your pet’s chest and time it for one minute.

Your dog's breathing may change frequently throughout the day. If nothing bothers the pet, then he breathes through his nose and calmly. But if the dog does this with his mouth, then this action is not always a cause for concern.

Causes that are not related to disease

Let's look at the less serious reasons first. Frequent breathing is possible after an active walk. This symptom may also appear after training or playing with other pets. Dogs do not have sweat glands, so to cool down, the dog often breathes with its mouth open. It can also be fear, stress or joy.

Another thing is when the dog breathes frequently for no apparent reason (described above). The most common problems may be those related to the respiratory system: pulmonary edema, bronchitis, pleurisy or pneumonia. If your dog is breathing heavily and frequently, he may have asthma or heart failure.

Breed Features

Some breeds, such as pugs, are inherently prone to respiratory problems. Their nostrils and throat passage are narrowed. They are also much more likely to overheat, which also contributes to increased breathing. Therefore, if a dog breathes frequently with its tongue hanging out, this can be considered normal. A similar phenomenon can be observed when the body temperature rises or the neck is constrained by the collar.

Physiological norm

It is normal for a cat to walk with its tongue hanging out in the heat, when under stress, during childbirth, and in some other situations.

The body of domestic animals is covered with thick hair, and they have significantly fewer sweat glands than humans. In hot weather, body temperature rises, especially during periods of activity. It is difficult for the body to maintain it at a comfortable level - thermoregulation is facilitated by the tongue. Moisture from its surface evaporates, body temperature gradually decreases.

Overheating can be determined by indirect symptoms:

Owners should turn on the air conditioner or move their pet to a cool room with fresh air to avoid overheating and heatstroke.

Powerful emotions

Experiences and strong emotions are a common cause of changes in behavior. A stressed animal licks its lips, opens its mouth and breathes rapidly. Cats in this state will stick out their tongues and drool. Increased salivation is typical for males due to physiology.

Pregnant and nursing dog

A pregnant dog breathes frequently if the birth is already close. In this case, her health is not in danger. If after birth breathing does not decrease, and the puppies are stillborn, it is necessary to urgently call a veterinarian, since the animal requires surgical intervention.

If a nursing dog breathes frequently and makes clumsy movements, this indicates that the level of calcium and glucose in its blood is decreasing. In this case, the help of a doctor is also necessary, since otherwise the animal may die.

Transportation to the veterinary clinic and treatment

Whatever the diagnostic methods, they should be carried out in the clinic. Treatment should be prescribed based on the results of clinical and laboratory tests. It may consist of the following:

The owner of the animal can independently, at home, give the cat a tablet, syrup, or administer intramuscular medication prescribed by the doctor.

If the treatment involves surgery, the clinic will provide it, as well as care in the postoperative period.

When transporting to a veterinary clinic, it is necessary to ensure as much fresh air as possible. You need to transport your pet in a carrier (if it does not cause stress). There is no need to hug or cuddle your pet.

If breathing is difficult, the process of inhalation and exhalation is difficult for the animal, and constrained movements will only aggravate the situation.

What to do?

Why does my dog breathe frequently? There can be many reasons. If, in addition to breathing, the dog is lethargic or restless, or whines, then specialist intervention is necessary. If it is not possible to invite a veterinarian to your home, then you should very carefully take her to the hospital.

If a nursing dog is breathing frequently, then the help of a veterinarian is also necessary. The consequences can be very different.

In the absence of extraneous symptoms, a dog’s rapid breathing in unnatural situations requires examination. It will help identify disorders associated with the functioning of the heart.

If the dog often breathes with its mouth open, then the owner needs to take the following actions.

The first step is to measure your pet's body temperature. With hyperthermia, rapid breathing is considered a sign of respiratory diseases. Next, you need to invite a veterinarian for an examination, who should order tests to establish an accurate diagnosis.

If it is hot outside, the cause may be heatstroke. To do this, the owner needs to give the dog cool water and take it to a cold place. You can also wipe your body with water and place a dampened towel on your head. Then call the doctor.

At normal body temperature, rapid breathing may be a sign of asthma. In this case, only drug treatment will help. Therefore, you need to go to the hospital immediately.

If rapid breathing causes fainting and a blue tongue, this means heart failure. After calling the doctor, the owner should apply heating pads or bottles of warm water to the dog’s paws and keep the pet calm.

Nutrition during the postpartum period

In general, childbirth in cats is much easier and faster than in dogs, but sometimes there are exceptions. For example, if a cat often breathes with its mouth open after giving birth, this indicates a number of serious health problems, so you should immediately seek medical help from a veterinarian.

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Important! After childbirth, breathing may be rapid, but not more than 15 minutes. If shortness of breath with an open mouth occurs much longer, then you should start sounding the alarm.

Reasons for frequent shortness of breath may include:

A cat's heavy breathing, which continues for a long time, should alert you. If a delayed release of the placenta has been diagnosed, then after conservative treatment it will come out in the form of lochia for several days, but if not, then surgical intervention is performed.

For your information! The presence of a dead fetus is very dangerous for the animal. In this case, the cat may not survive, so surgery must be performed immediately.

After a cat has given birth on its own, few people know how to properly care for it. For 12 days after giving birth, small blood clots may still ooze from the cat’s vulva, but the animal takes care of its hygiene on its own. Gradually the discharge will become lighter and stop altogether.

Note! If the animal is sick or has given birth for the first time, then the owner will have to care for her. You need to take a warm, damp towel and wipe the vulva, abdomen and thighs to remove dirt.

From time to time it is necessary to change the dirty litter under the kittens and the cat with clean ones. This should be done when the mustachioed mother has gone to the toilet or gone to eat, so as not to disturb her again. If you are constantly near the offspring, then she may begin to hide the kittens in another place where it is more secluded.

It is important to monitor the condition of the mammary glands so that they are not inflamed or cracked, because as any disease progresses, the offspring will have to be supplemented by hand.

The cat takes care of the kittens, but if it is weakened, then the owner will have to take on some of the worries.

Many owners are interested in the question of what to do with kittens after birth. Since kittens are born blind, it is worth taking care that they are not irritated by bright light. After a cat has chewed the umbilical cord, it should be treated with brilliant green for speedy healing. It is important to monitor the feeding of babies so that their mouth tightly grasps the nipple.

After giving birth, it is necessary to give the animal milk, cottage cheese and sour cream, that is, foods rich in calcium. If the body does not have enough of this element, then the pet’s general health may deteriorate, convulsions and postpartum eclampsia may appear.

A cat should eat a variety of foods: meat, fish, chicken eggs. An important source of vitamins is greens, which should also be finely chopped and added to food. If the animal refuses to eat it, then there is no need to force it in, but it is better to purchase special vitamin complexes at the pharmacy.

Nutrition for a mustachioed mother is especially important during this period

For your information! You should definitely increase the amount of fluid you drink. The cat should drink water and also eat soups, broths, etc. The two meals a day should be increased to six times and given in small portions so that the cat has regular milk production.

Nature allowed 10 days for complete recovery. Features of this condition:

What to do during this period:

Discharge in cats after birth

Heart failure

Listed above are all the main possible reasons when a dog is breathing frequently. But the most common disease is heart failure. We'll tell you about it in more detail. All heart diseases can be divided into three groups:

congenital;
acquired;
age.

Congenital defects are more common in young pets. Very often in this case, animals die, since the body is still quite weak. Acquired defects, as a rule, occur in middle-aged animals, and age-related defects occur in animals older than eight years. In addition to rapid breathing, heart disease may cause other symptoms in pets.

Small dogs stop playing, sleep longer, and do not gain weight at all due to the fact that they do not eat well.

Adults may experience shortness of breath even at rest. The dog is very lethargic and may faint during a quiet walk. There is a possibility of rapid weight gain due to high water consumption.

All of these symptoms are causes of heart problems in your pet. This can also include unsteady gait, weakness, and refusal to eat.

If rapid breathing is a sign of heart disease, you should switch your pet to feeding in small portions, and also reduce the amount of physical activity and walks. The doctor must prescribe special medications. They should be taken exactly as directed.

Heat

The main physiological reason why a cat sticks out its tongue is temperature regulation. The animal protrudes the organ to reduce discomfort, for example, during heat. This prevents the development of heat stroke. In this case, the owner should take the cat to a cool place and pour water on it.

But a cat's tongue sticking out can also be a signal of high body temperature. To understand whether your pet is suffering from heat or is sick, you need to figure out what temperature is considered normal in cats.

The normal temperature for a cat is 38-39 degrees. But don’t panic right away if the indicator deviates slightly from the norm. Here are the common reasons for the thermometer to shift:

If the temperature rises due to illness, you should not self-medicate - the animal should be taken to the veterinarian.

Mechanism of mouth breathing

Cats, like people, unlike dogs, do not breathe with their mouths open. They must draw in air and release it through their nose. If otherwise, the animal is most likely experiencing hypoxia - a lack of oxygen, which can be expressed to varying degrees. The body suffers greatly from such a deficiency. The functioning of systems and organs is disrupted, and the cat’s condition worsens.

In normal condition, the animal's lungs are surrounded by a vacuum, which allows them to fully open. If any malfunctions occur and air gets in, the organ cannot function as before.

An acute lack of oxygen occurs, and to compensate, the animal breathes deeply, trying to capture more air. That's why he opens his mouth. This type of breathing is called abdominal breathing. It involves the abdominal muscles, which is easy to notice with the naked eye.

Pathological causes

It happens that owners observe breathing problems in their cat for quite a long time. However, the factors from the above list are absent. Why, in this case, can the cat breathe heavily, often, sticking out its tongue? Here are the most common dysfunctions in which this symptom appears :

Cats stick out their tongues like dogs and breathe heavily, frequently, trying to take in more air when the body is starved of oxygen. The animal instinctively tries to escape from hypoxia, which is destructive for it. If this condition continues for a long time, the pet may even die.

Therefore, if you notice that your cat is breathing abnormally—opening its mouth wide and sticking out its tongue—you need to show it to the doctor as soon as possible. He will prescribe an examination and then select adequate treatment methods. Amateur action in this case is unacceptable - the risk of losing a pet is too high.

Factors that cause open-mouth breathing in cats

All reasons that a cat breathes with its mouth open are divided into physiological and pathological. Each group has its own characteristics.

Physiological factors

The reasons, called physiological, are not associated with any diseases of the cat. These include :

the cat breathes through its mouth due to the high air temperature (especially affects cats of long-haired breeds);
the animal breathes abnormally after significant physical exertion (fast running, active games);
severe stress experienced by a cat can lead to breathing problems;
the female breathes through her mouth during or immediately after childbirth.

If one of these occurs, soon after it is eliminated, the cat will breathe normally again. In such cases, you don’t have to worry, but just watch your pet. However, physiology much more often has nothing to do with it.

Pathological factors

There are many diseases that cause cats to breathe through their mouth. Among them :

pathologies of the oral cavity (this can be various injuries, dental problems, ulcerative processes on the mucous membrane, fistulas, cleft palate, etc.);
entry of a foreign body into the respiratory tract;
infection with parasites that penetrate into the lungs and interfere with breathing;
cardiovascular diseases (myocarditis, defects, tumors in the heart);
dysfunction of the respiratory system (tracheitis, bronchitis, pneumonia, edema or tumor in the lungs, laryngeal edema, pulmonary thromboembolism);
fractures of the ribs, due to which the lungs are compressed, and the animal cannot breathe normally;
traumatic brain injuries, as a result of which the respiratory center is affected;
damage to the spinal cord or pathologies developing in it;
pronounced expansion of the stomach;
diaphragm rupture;
myopathy;
poisoning;
allergy.

Some of these diseases can cause severe dysfunction such as acute respiratory failure. It poses a serious threat to life, and time can literally pass by minutes. Therefore, if you notice that the cat is breathing heavily and opens its mouth, you need to urgently take it to the clinic. Especially if there are other alarming symptoms.

Owners of cat breeds such as Maine Coon, Briton and Sphynx should be especially vigilant. They often have a genetic predisposition to heart disease, which can lead to pulmonary edema and cause the cat to pant through its mouth.

Diseases in which the tip of the tongue protrudes

Respiratory diseases

Breathing through an open mouth, protruding the tip in combination with shortness of breath and wheezing are signs of illness or pulmonary edema.

You should also be wary if a cat breathes like a dog, since this type of breathing is not typical for it.

This condition requires emergency veterinary attention.

Cardiovascular failure

If the cat is breathing heavily with its mouth open after physical activity, and the tip may stick out and acquire a bluish tint, this signals the development of heart failure. The animal requires examination by a veterinarian, who will help identify pathologies at an early stage of development.

If the tip of your cat's tongue sticks out, there can be many reasons for this.

Poisoning

When an animal is poisoned, vomiting occurs, which leads to a condition where the vomiting center is irritated. The cat begins to breathe frequently, cough and stick out its tongue.

Stress

In a stressful situation, the animal licks, protrudes and breathes like a dog. This is natural animal behavior.

Infectious diseases

Serious infectious diseases, such as rhinotracheitis, calcivirosis, are accompanied by fever, sneezing and runny nose, which causes protrusion. Calicievirosis is distinguished by ulcers on the animal's tongue and discharge from the nose. Ulcers in the mouth, salivation, and nasal discharge accompany the disease rhinotracheitis. Flat-faced cat breeds – Persians – are especially susceptible to it.

Inflammation in the mouth

Inflammatory processes in the mouth, its mucous membrane, can push the purr to stick out its tongue to relieve pain. Such symptoms occur with stomatitis.

Abyssinian cats are susceptible to gingivitis.

The main cause of gingivitis is poor diet and lack of oral hygiene.

To avoid oral problems, cats need to have their teeth brushed every one to two weeks. The kitten must be accustomed to this procedure after three to four months.

Increased body temperature

Cats, like dogs, regulate their body temperature by sticking out their tongue. But, if for canines this behavior is natural thermoregulation, then for cats, a protruding tongue in the heat indicates overheating and dehydration. The animal is close to suffering from heatstroke and needs help. It is worth moving it to a cool place, ventilating the room and giving it water. Long-haired cats need to be trimmed during the summer.

It happens that a cat sticks out the tip of its tongue and freezes for a while in this position.

Functional brain disorders

Cats are prone to nervous disorders. Alarming symptoms include: convulsions, strabismus, protruding, urinary and fecal incontinence. A fallen tip is also one of the signs of a pet's imminent death.

Associated symptoms

If the pet is healthy and breathes through its mouth after play, stress or during extreme heat, no other alarming symptoms will appear. Dilated pupils, tousled fur, a pipe tail and a protruding tongue do not count. This only confirms that the cat is agitated, tired, etc. Soon she will be breathing normally again.

In cases where pathology is involved, there are usually accompanying symptoms. For example, cardiovascular diseases, as well as dysfunction of the respiratory system, usually begin :

decreased motor activity of the cat;
loss of appetite;
apathy.

The owner may notice that the pet refuses its usual games and lies down more and more. The oral mucosa often takes on a bluish tint, which indicates hypoxia. You can hear wheezing in the chest. Tachycardia is observed. If at the same time the cat is breathing heavily with its mouth open, you cannot hesitate. Most likely, the pet is seriously ill and may fall into a coma, which can lead to death.

Having noticed that the animal is breathing abnormally, you need to examine its oral cavity. Perhaps this is the reason. Any ulcers, redness, rashes, swelling of the mucous membrane should not be ignored.

If the cat begins to keep its mouth open, breathes frequently, and is vomiting, it may be poisoning or other problems with the gastrointestinal tract. When an abnormality is accompanied by a cough, infectious lesions of the respiratory organs or other pathological processes in them should be suspected. A cat may breathe with its mouth open and cough if it has allergies.

Before starting treatment, you need to urgently go to the doctor. You cannot postpone the visit or completely give up on breathing problems; you should carefully analyze the situation. Could it be provoked by active games, what is the temperature in the room where the animal is, are there any accompanying symptoms and what exactly? All this plays a huge role when the animal breathes through its mouth.

How to give artificial respiration to a cat

1. Place the animal on the floor. The neck and spine should form a straight line.

2. Clean the cat’s mouth from secretions with a napkin and close his mouth.

3. Place your palm in a tube, apply it to the animal’s nose, and exhale air there (you can inhale directly into the nose, covering the mouth with a handkerchief).

Frequency – approximately 20 times per minute for medium-sized cats (the smaller the pet, the more often). Monitor the intensity of exhalation so as not to damage the cat’s lungs (this is especially true for kittens). To do this, hold your hand on the cat's chest - with a suitable volume of air, it will only expand slightly.

4. Feel your pulse every 20 seconds. If it suddenly stops, you need to try to restore the heartbeat with indirect massage. With one hand, take the cat's chest, pinching it between your thumb and the other four fingers, and quickly squeeze and release 5 times. After this, exhale 1 air into the cat’s nose, then squeeze again.

The respiratory system of cats is naturally very vulnerable, so the only right thing to do if a cat is breathing heavily is to immediately take him to a veterinary clinic, where he will receive qualified assistance. Among the many diseases whose symptoms include shortness of breath, there are none that you can cure on your own.

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How to provide first aid to an animal?

In most cases, the best treatment for a cat with breathing problems is to take her to the hospital immediately. By trying to do something on their own, owners are only delaying time, which aggravates the situation. At the slightest suspicion of pathology of the heart, lungs or other organs, you need to call a veterinarian or take the cat to him. However, there are exceptions to the rules :

For example, if a pet breathes through its mouth and a foreign body gets into the throat. In such cases, even a person without medical education is able to provide first aid. You need to open the cat's mouth wide, pull on the tongue and try to pull out the foreign body with your fingers or tweezers. If it is not stuck deeply, this will most likely be possible.
In cases where a foreign object has entered the trachea, you can try to turn the cat upside down, lift it by the hind legs and squeeze the stomach in the diaphragm area. As a rule, a foreign body pops out as a result of such manipulations. If this does not happen, the animal must be urgently taken to the doctor.

It happens that the cause of rapid mouth breathing is poisoning. If you have reason to suspect this factor, you should call a doctor and immediately begin providing first aid.

First, give the cat plenty of water with a weak solution of potassium permanganate. The more liquid you can add, the better. In case of poisoning, it is important to rinse the stomach as quickly as possible before toxic substances enter the intestines and blood.

Possible diseases

In some cases, a tongue falling out of the mouth is a reason to worry.

How an animal behaves in case of illness Sometimes cats stick out their tongues and breathe like dogs due to diseases such as rhinitis, ARVI, tracheitis, pneumonia and bronchitis.
The main signs of the disease are difficulty breathing, coughing, wheezing when inhaling and exhaling, wheezing, lack of appetite, and nasal discharge. Temperature may also rise and apathy may appear. We suggest you read: Why does a cat eat cabbage?

Poisoning

Cats may sit with their tongue hanging out if their body is intoxicated. Animals may experience symptoms such as disturbances in the functioning of the respiratory tract and coordination, excessive salivation, vomiting, diarrhea, tremors, dilated pupils, and convulsive muscle contractions. Usually in this state the cat feels increased anxiety or complete apathy.

Infections

A protruding tongue can be observed in cats in the case of infectious diseases such as rhinotracheitis, chlamydia and calcivirosis. In this case, animals may exhibit the same symptoms as in the case of respiratory disease. In addition, pets may have bowel movements and purulent discharge from the nose and eyes. The infection can also cause swelling in the mouth, causing the tongue to fall out of the mouth.

Important! If the cat begins to show aggression, it has profuse salivation, an open mouth and bulging eyes, then this may indicate the presence of rabies.

In the case of an infectious disease, the animal also behaves strangely

Tumors

Oncology of the oral cavity is one of the most dangerous causes of a protruding tongue. If there is plaque, bleeding, bad breath, a hoarse voice, problems chewing or swallowing, or painful mouth ulcers, your pet needs immediate medical attention.

Note! A cat can stick out its tongue not only due to a malignant tumor, but also in the case of polyps located in the oral cavity.

Such a serious illness as heart failure is often accompanied by pulmonary edema. This causes the cat to try to breathe from its belly rather than from its chest, with its tongue usually sticking out. Signs of this disease are a weak appetite or its complete absence, the tongue and gums acquire a blue tint, a distinct hoarseness appears when breathing, the heartbeat quickens, coordination of movements is impaired, the work of the hind legs is not always synchronous, some of the receptors may be paralyzed. Cats may also stick out their tongue due to conditions such as ischemia, angina, and hypertension.

Sometimes you can observe that a cat sticks out its tongue and at the same time breathes very heavily. This usually happens when there is a problem with the kidneys. Signs of kidney failure are the following symptoms: unpleasant odor from the mouth (with an ammonia taste), vomiting and diarrhea, mucous membranes acquire a yellow tint, deterioration in the condition of the coat and skin, weight loss. The cat may also experience extreme thirst, frequent urination, blurred vision, and severe swelling in the abdomen.

An animal that gets too playful may swallow a small toy.

A sticking out tongue is a common reaction to such a problem. If a foreign object is in the respiratory tract, the cat usually begins to actively sneeze, cough (in some cases with blood), her eyes water and her breathing is impaired (heavy, frequent and noisy inhalations and exhalations).

Sometimes a similar reaction of an animal can be observed in case of allergies. The most common allergens are medications or food consumed. As a result, swelling of the larynx may occur. Symptoms include enlarged palate and tonsils, respiratory problems (infrequent, deep and slow breaths may be accompanied by coughing), slow heartbeat, problems swallowing, hoarse voice and restlessness.

Jaw injury

If there is no appetite, excessive salivation and prolapse of the tongue, the cat should be checked for a dislocated jaw. In case of bilateral dislocation, the pet is deprived of the ability to close its mouth. If a unilateral dislocation occurs, then the animal’s mouth, as a rule, is slightly open, with the jaw noticeably protruding to the side.

Sometimes cats have problems with breathing and oral control in cases of stomatitis and gingivitis. The animal's tongue, being behind the teeth, can touch painful ulcers (stomatitis) or inflamed gums (gingivitis). The only thing a cat can do to alleviate the discomfort is stick out its tongue.

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Note! In the case of gingivitis, the symptoms are almost completely the same as dental ones (with the exception of ulcers).

Inflammation in the oral cavity can greatly bother a cat.

In cases of disturbances in the activity of parts of the brain responsible for respiratory and other processes, cats may experience problems with tongue control, which are caused by difficulty in inhaling and exhaling.