Kitty's Breathing Rate

[rbianchi]

Hello and happy holidays. I've had my baby for about 2 and a half years. She's always been a pretty fast breather but sometimes I wonder if she breathes too fast. Idk if she is just sniffing and it appears that she is breathing fast or what. I haven't monitored it when she is sleeping but it's probably about 40 breaths per minute then she is calm and awake which is a little high. Other than that she doesn't exhibit any other symptoms of distress. She eats 1/2 a cup of dry food and 1/4 can of wet food everyday and poops once a day and is playful. Nose is cold and wet. Like I said nothing else abnormal. That's just how she has always breathed. I'm just wondering if I have something to worry about.

 

[sabian]

If it's something she's always done I don't know if it's anything to worry about. My cat got a respiratory infection once and was breathing real fast but it was an obvious change. I timed his breathing with mine once while he was relaxed but not asleep. Basically just lying down and relaxed. It seemed he took about 2 breathes to my 1. Maybe just slightly faster. So when I inhaled he inhaled and exhaled. When I exhaled he inhaled and exhaled. I sure breathing varies from person to person and cat to cat but you could try that and see if it's any where close. Cats do breath faster when they purr.

 

[verna davies]

A cat should inhale and exhale between 25 and 30 times a minute and 20 to 25 when asleep. One of my cats breaths 34 to 40 times and 28 to 30 when asleep. Like you I used to worry but she has no symptoms of illness and appears comfortable so I dont worry now. As sabian wrote, breathing rates can vary. If you are still concerned, phone or take her to your vet to have her checked out.

 

[rbianchi]

Thank you so much for your replies. I took my baby to the vet today for a check up. She got a clean bill of health! Well she could stand to lose a pound or two but can't we all. I'll continue to monitor her breathing but I am definitely more at ease.

 

[sabian]

Your welcome! Glad to hear she checked out ok. I think we all tend to fatten up our fur babies even if just a little bit.