panting from running

I have a quick question.
How common is it for cats to pant after running around? Calvin and Hobbes are 1 yr olda and since I've been back from my 6 week trip, I occasionally see Calvin pant with his mouth open. The thing is, he does not know his limits at times; today he was panting and then chasing Hobbes the same time. I had to intervene and then took him to a bowl of water.

It's comfortable inside the house with the airconditioner running. Calvin is quite a large sized cat and very furry. He weighs a little over 12 lbs and the vet said he did not need to lose weight. I just want to make sure that it is normal for him to pant and I do not need to call the vet.

Panting from running is normal!
Simba Yim will start panting from a laser run sometimes.

If he showed trouble breathing, or wheezing, coughing repeatedly, then I would be worried.

Thanks, aprilyim. Calvin, when younger, used to pant after playing with the laser. We scaled out playing with the laser and move the point rather slowly because of Hobbes and we do not want to stress him out too much until we get his 2nd echocardiogram done in September to rule out any heart issues. Does not seem Calvin is in any other distress - he just plays like a maniac and does not stop to rest

Just think, would a healthy person be out of breath if they did the same activity? If so, no need to worry about panting. Just like in dogs, it can help them lower their temperature while also maximizing air intake following physical exertion just like you'd breath out of your mouth after a run. And while you can take a breather, I also don't see the need to interfere or stop the play as that's like jumping off the treadmill and calling it a day whenever you start breathing heavy. IMO cardio is healthy for cats just like for people, and indoor cats don't exercise as much.

Originally Posted by Ducman69

Just think, would a healthy person be out of breath if they did the same activity? If so, no need to worry about panting. Just like in dogs, it can help them lower their temperature while also maximizing air intake following physical exertion just like you'd breath out of your mouth after a run. And while you can take a breather, I also don't see the need to interfere or stop the play as that's like jumping off the treadmill and calling it a day whenever you start breathing heavy. IMO cardio is healthy for cats just like for people, and indoor cats don't exercise as much.

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Makes perfect sense.
After Hobbes's issues, I think I get a little too worried if I see something unusual with my kitties But I guess it's better to be concerned and come here and seek all of your opinion rather than sit on it.

I find that I get far more upset about anything 'odd' I notice about my kitties, and hit resources like Cornell vet, here, and my vet, way faster than I do about my own health! I guess all parents do that. But, with your little guy's issue, I think it's perfectly normal, and admirable, that you keep such a close eye on them. They're such lucky little guys.

Just last night, my cats were wild during their play session. Presley just would not stop!! I play Da Bird with them and sometimes they get bored with it. Recently, the feathers broke off and it left just the little tiny ball chain. OMG, for some reason, they think it is a new toy now and go NUTS for the stupid little dangling attachment. Presley was panting and running too. I did stop after a bit because I was getting worried. BUT, this is very normal, the panting during play and running around. All my cats will do that when they really get going. I will tell you though, Presley slept so GOOD last night, for once. He didn't bother me too much during the night