If Your Pet Is Breathing Rapidly While Sleeping, Is He/She Okay?

 If Your Pet Is Breathing Rapidly While Sleeping, Is He/She Okay?

Your cute fluffy pet is asleep by your side as you relax on your sofa while holding a warm cup of tea. This is the moment you've always dreamed of. When you first see your kitten breathing quickly while napping, everything seems to be perfect. You naturally start to worry.

Is your pet all right? You find it difficult to picture anything horrible happening to her since she appears so helpless and frail. Is this normal? You want to shield her from danger at all costs, yet your mind starts to wonder. Do I need to worry? Is she unwell?

My dear friend, take a big breath. You may be concerned about your fluff, but panicking won't help. Don't be concerned; this occurrence is rather typical in the world of kittens.

Do you realize that our feline buddies also dream? She can be experiencing a vigorous one when she's dozing next to you if her respiration is rapid. Who knows, maybe she's so giddy in her fantasy that her little frame can't conceal it as she runs around with you!

Of course, there could be a variety of causes for this type of behavior, so let's explore the specifics of why your kitty is breathing rapidly when dozing off. You'll feel more at ease and be able to watch your fluffy little one slumber without having to scrutinize every breath she takes.

Contents:

1 Why is my kitten breathing fast while sleeping?

2 Normal breathing rate for a kitten

3 How do you test your kitten’s breathing rate?

4 When should I worry about my kitten breathing fast?

4.1 1. Heart issues

4.2 2. Anemia

4.3 3. Lung issues

Why does my kitty breathe quickly when she sleeps?

Although a kitten breathing rapidly while sleeping may seem alarming, this is frequently not the case.

 I'm sure you examine every change in your fluff's behavior as a new cat parent. Your love and care are ultimately what make you your kitten's favorite human.

However, there are situations when it's better to do some research or speak with your veterinarian before you start to truly panic.

 Let's start by talking about dreams. Yes, your kitten has the ability to dream. Like ours, her dream world is filled with thrilling adventures.

They probably fantasize of bugs that hunt and laser pointers. Your cat can try to run as she sleeps or even start breathing quickly.

Additionally, much like with us, cats often experience rapid breathing when they reach the REM stage of sleep. It can result in movement, hissing, twitching, and even rapid breathing.

Of course, this might also be a symptom of a more serious medical issue. As your fluff is still a young animal, it is critical to have a veterinarian examine her.

whenever her behavior changes. Naturally, a kitten's respiratory rate will differ from an older cat's, so keep that in mind as well.

Normal breathing rate for a kitten

You know how cats in their adulthood are the picture of calmness? They breathe similarly as well, I suppose.

 You can feel the tummies of adult kittens moving up and down on your chest as they take beautiful, unhurried breaths that can soothe the most nervous hearts. On the other hand, kittens are very different from cats.

Our lovely baby fluffs can breathe like they're running a marathon even while they're wide awake! 

Adult cats often breathe 10 to 30 times per minute when they are unwinding. However, the resting breathing rate of our adorable kittens ranges from 18 to 34 breaths per minute.

After a particularly intense play session or when they are experiencing a nasty dream, their heart rate may even rise. Furthermore, cats can pant just like dogs.

witty fact They can actually pant up to ten times more quickly than they normally do. Because of this, it's not always a cause for alarm if you notice your kitten breathing quickly when it's resting.

You shouldn't be concerned as long as their breathing averages less than 34 breaths per minute on a regular basis. She will be OK. 

That is within her regular range, so you can return to lounging by your furry friend without fearing that you will need to take urgent care of her.

How can the respiratory rate of your kitten be checked?

Don't worry, you won't have to spend hours debating if your fluffy's respiration is abnormally rapid. At-home testing is possible! 

You'll have to do something that every cat parent drools over: observe your pet as they sleep.

Wait till she is fully asleep and free from any strange escapades that might cause her toss and turn. Keep your attention on her sweet little chest and belly as it gently rises and falls.

Take out your phone, set a 30-second timer, and start observing! Count how many breaths your little purrer takes throughout this brief period. Remember, there are two breaths per cycle: in and out!

To calculate your breathing rate per minute, multiply the number you receive once your timer turns off by two. It's quite simple! 

Of course, you may set your timer to 60 seconds and count her breaths again if you'd want a complete minute without multiplying.

This should be done several times over a few days if you are concerned that your kitten may be ill. Record the result in your notes. 

You may then see more clearly what your pet's typical breathing rate is. It's best to talk to your veterinarian if there is anything unusual.

When should I be concerned if my kitten is breathing quickly?

Although rapid breathing in kittens isn't generally a problem, there are few situations where it might be. I know that learning that your fluffy might be ill was the last thing you wanted to hear. 

You probably feared it the most, but it's better to rule out certain possibilities than to ignore them entirely until it's too late.

If your cat's respiration rate changes while you're watching, it can indicate something more serious than just a bad dream. 

It's necessary to call the vet right away if you discover your cat isn't breathing regularly. Here are a few possible reasons.

Heart issues:

Regrettably, rapid breathing might occasionally indicate that your fluffy's heart may not be in the best of health. But please, don't freak out just yet. 

The good news is that young cats rarely experience this, especially if they don't have a cardiac problem or a parent who does.

You shouldn't discount this option, though, because it's always best to be cautious than sorry. 

It's crucial to arrange a medical check-up if your pet is having trouble breathing and you think her heart may be to blame.

After all, heart problems can be severe, especially if ignored. 

It's best to rule out a cardiac issue by having your kitten undergo a complete examination even though it's doubtful that her rapid breathing is due to one. You'll at least feel more at ease.

 Lung issues:

Fast breathing may occasionally indicate that she has a problem with her tiny lungs. Don't be alarmed, though; this is relatively uncommon. 

Even if it does, it usually doesn't cause too much trouble and is simple to fix. The most crucial thing is to take action as soon as you start to notice the signs, such rapid breathing.

Kittens may develop even more serious conditions if not promptly addressed. In the worst-case scenarios

It might result in pulmonary hemorrhage, which would be a considerably bigger issue. But let's focus on the present instead of planning too far ahead.

Watch out for symptoms other than rapid breathing. You should act if you experience any of the following symptoms:coughing, exhaustion, or difficulty breathing when playing or sleeping. Don't put off visiting the veterinarian for too long. Ideally, as soon as possible!

Anemia:

There is some good news, though. Even though anemia can be rather dangerous, it can be effectively treated if caught early enough.

 Your fluff's anemia may be addressed or even cured with the appropriate course of action and medication!

Because of this, it's essential to take her to the veterinarian as soon as you become concerned that this might be the case. 

Even though your pet has been sleeping for an hour, if you observe that she is breathing heavily, it may be an indication that her blood cells are not in the best of health.

Not to worry. Take your beloved kitten to the doctor, explain all you've observed, and allow them to provide the proper care so that she can enjoy the long and healthy life she deserves.