Fast breathing

Hi all,

I'm concerned about my little 14 week old kittens breathing. He's a bengal cross and I've noticed his breathing is constantly above average.

He's the picture of health - thriving, great weight, appetite and normal toilet habits. It was only recently I found out how often they should breathe per minute and that's when I realised he was quick. He's roughly 50-60bpm active and 40bpm when resting.

His gums are normal pink and he doesn't seem to be in pain. He doesn't seem to struggle for breath and doesn't Pant. Sometimes after long play sessions he open mouth breathea but only once or twice before back to normal.

We have the vet on Monday but was wondering if anyone has any insight until then? I'm starting to freak out a bit!

I noticed the same thing in my 9 week old kitten but my vet said kittens breathing rates are usually higher then adult cats and a resting resp rate can run anywhere from 20-40 bpms for a normal kitten. She said as long as there's no other symptoms there's nothing to worry about. Of course it's always best to check with a vet though if your concerned. My kitten Gadget also occasionally pants after a very rigorous play session.

Thanks for your reply - it's put my mind at ease! He really is the picture of health which is why I never noticed the elevated rate before. I'll have him checked over Monday anyway so hopefully all will be ok!

Keep an eye out on him and see if he is making a coughing noise (almost sounds like coughing up a hairball). It could be some asthma or allergies, but 40 at rest is really not that bad. An adult cat resting rate is around 30.

Thanks for replying! No, no coughing noises only the occasional sneeze!

I think I'm probably being an overly paranoid kitten mum but the vet should be able to give him a good check over this afternoon!

The most accurate way to check a kittens respiratory rate is when they are sleeping and not purring.

Purring seems to accelerate breathing.    Did you test your kitten while sleeping?

Yes - once whilst deeply sleeping, once whilst resting and once whilst active although I discarded the active one as in consistent!

Deep sleep was 37bpm, resting was 40bpm. I also took a couple of videos for the vet.

37 and 40 sounds like it would fall within the normal range... Keep us posted on what your vet says, OK?

Just a wee update - the vet said he was very healthy and growing well. His whole abdominal area and throat was examined and listened to, and the vet concluded this was just his rate of breathing so good news!

What a relief! Thanks for the update