Tongue out of mouth like a dog

Hi there,
When Kurshad is in a car he sometimes opens his mouth, sticks hi tongue out and breath deeply like dogs do. He did the same thing when we tried to take him out with a collar today. He was quite scared outside, especially by cars. I also recognise his heart was pumping fast. Why does he do that? Because he is scared?
Thanks

He is panting, in this case, sounds like it was due to stress.
Cats will also pant when they are too hot, but since they can tolerate higher temps than dogs, if a cat is panting, it is not good.

If taking him outside or in the car causes him to stress to the point of panting, it is also not good and something you need to avoid when possible.

Thanks for your help. He is a himalayan, full of fur, and its so hot here. Maybe its the reason why he is panting. Do they do it because they cant sweat? He doesnt do it at home though. Our house it hotter then its in the car.

When it is too hot, yes, they pant to cool off, but if he doesn't pant in your home, he is stress panting, not good.

I to think he was afraid (stressed). When I take my cats to the vets, George will do that. After the vet he is fine

Thanks. He has to make two one hour plane trips every year and several one hour car trips between our house and summer house every summer. I hope he will get used to being mobile.