Why cats snore and snore in their sleep

Cat snoring is not an independent disease, but a symptom of another condition that is quite treatable. Here are the most common causes:

My cat snores when he sleeps. What must I do if it happens? My cat is 1 year and 9 months old.

For the same reason that humans do. Like us, cats have sleep cycles.

During the slow (low-wave, shallow) phase, the cat's muscles tense up, breathing and heart rate slow down. Metabolism, blood pressure and body temperature decrease. This kind of sleep is very sensitive and you can see how the cat reacts to all sounds by moving its ears.

The fast phase (deep phase) comes on average twenty minutes after the slow phase. The heart rate and breathing become irregular and the cat can no longer wake up quickly and easily. Sleep is deeper here. It is in this cycle that you may hear your pet sniffling and snoring.

More often cats sniff or snore when they sleep in a strange position. Shortened nasal passages and an elongated palate also cause sniffing in certain breeds of cats, usually brachiocephalic cats (e.g., Persian, British or Scottish breeds).

Overweight animals often have breathing problems that are accompanied by a snoring or sneezing problem because the weight puts pressure on the nasal passages. If your cat is not overweight, pay attention to his condition. Some symptoms, including sniffling, may indicate an airway infection, heart problems, asthma, laryngeal edema, pneumonia or bronchitis, urolithiasis, allergic reactions and even parasites (some of which may be localized to the respiratory system).

The following signs indicate that it is time to visit a veterinarian:

• Decreased appetite, lethargy, lethargy, and fever;
• Coughing, shortness of breath, frequent sneezing or trying to breathe with the mouth open;
• Eye and/or nose discharge, sores or crusts on the nose;
• Difficulty urinating, blood in the urine, tight abdomen, pain on pressing;

A cold is a type of upper respiratory infection that can be caused by bacteria or viruses. Feline viral diseases are not contagious to humans, but can be transmitted to other cats. So if you have multiple pets living with you, be sure to separate them for the duration of treatment.

Why a cat snores

Snoring, or rhonchopathy, is a sound phenomenon, the source of which is the vibration of the soft tissues of the larynx and nasopharynx. The causes of this breathing pathology in cats can be many, ranging from the anatomical features of some breeds to diseases of internal organs.

Brachycephalic breeds.

British, Persian, Scottish cats, exotics snore because of the peculiarities of the structure of the muzzle. For example, they are characterized by a stenotic nose with small nostrils, a narrowed trachea in some areas, and a sagging, slightly elongated, soft palate. With this nasopharynx structure, air enters the lungs and comes out with difficulty, "bumping" on the dangling folds, which leads to the characteristic sounds.

Age-related features

In older cats, snoring can occur due to the natural wear and sagging of the soft tissues of the larynx. On the other hand, the older the pet, the more chronic diseases it has. If the pet snores and it is accompanied by other unusual symptoms, it is better to show it to a veterinarian.

Dry air.

A cat can snore if the air in the room is very dry. The mucous membrane of the nasal passages and mouth quickly dries out, resulting in the corresponding sounds.

Obesity

Being overweight is not only the deposition of fat on the flanks, but also excess fatty tissue in the neck and muzzle area of the animal. Obesity is one of the most common causes of snoring and sleep apnea. If the cat's body weight is much higher than normal, it should be put on a diet.

Respiratory abnormalities

If the cat snores and snorts, the causes may be problems with the respiratory system:

• bacterial, viral, fungal infections;
• neoplasms of different nature and localization;
• foreign body (grass, crumbs from the food);
• asthma;
• allergic edema of the larynx;
• helminth infections of the respiratory tract;
• traumas;
• Structural abnormalities such as an elongated palate.

Cardiovascular disease.

In this case, the pet is rather wheezing, which resembles snoring. In addition to extraneous sounds, coughing and discoloration of mucous membranes may be observed in heart disease. The pathology often accompanies obesity and is characteristic of older cats. If you suspect CPS disease, you should go to the veterinarian immediately and have your pet examined, as there is a high risk of death in your pet's sleep.

Urinary tract disease.

Here, too, we are not talking about snoring as a vibration of the soft tissues of the larynx, but a wheezing-like sound. In its neglected form, urolithiasis leads to severe intoxication of the body and is often accompanied by wheezing sounds. To identify the cause of "snoring" in this case is not difficult – the disease is indicated by problems with urination and the appearance of blood in the urine.

Why does the cat snore and what to do about it

If cats of these breeds have no other symptoms, in the form of heavy breathing, opening the mouth while awake or lethargy, the owner should not worry.

The physiological cause of cat snoring is also older age. With age, tissues and muscles in the pet's body lose elasticity. Loss of tone of the muscles located in the nasal part of the respiratory tract, nasopharynx and larynx provokes an increase in the intensity of soft tissue vibrations during inhalation or exhalation.

The cause of the specific sound in the cat's sleep can be low air humidity. Increased dryness of mucous membranes in the airways and oral cavity, leads to snoring.

Pathological causes of snoring

There can be pathological reasons for snoring in addition to physiological ones.

It is recommended to seek help from a veterinarian if the cat not only snores during sleep, but also other symptoms.

Requires referral to a specialist if the pet has shortness of breath, open-mouth breathing, apnea (temporary stop breathing during sleep), appetite disorders, rapid fatigue and apathy.

To diagnose the factors that provoke the appearance of snoring in the cat's sleep, a specialist prescribes:

Specific investigations such as endoscopy, CT or MRI may be necessary to visualize the abnormal state of the airways of the respiratory tract. Snoring can be caused by foreign objects, neoplasms, and polyps.

Among the pathological causes of snoring in a cat, are:

• Obesity. Animals with excess weight snore more often at night than their slender counterparts. The reason – obesity affects the condition of all body tissues. Additional pressure is created by the tissues surrounding the upper airways, blocking the normal passage of air through the respiratory tract.
• Respiratory tract infections. The cause of snoring can be viral, bacterial or fungal infections. The disease is often accompanied by tissue swelling, inflammation, increased accumulation of mucous secretion in the respiratory tract. All these factors combine to narrow the nasal passages and affect the passage of air.
• Foreign objects. Curious by nature, cats can inhale foreign particles that clog the nasal passages. The cause of snoring can be debris, grasses, and food pellets.
• New growths. The cause of partial or complete blockage of the airways in the pet, can be benign and malignant neoplasms localized in the nasal cavity or larynx.
• Allergic reactions. A specific reaction of the body occurs as a result of penetration of foreign proteins. The cause of snoring can be a chronic lung disease in a cat – bronchial asthma. The pathology also has an allergic nature. Complication occurs with the development of infectious diseases caused by viruses, fungi or bacteria.
• Periodontal disease. Pathological changes provoke the development of complications, in the form of oronasal fistula. The process is characterized by the formation of an opening between the nasal and oral cavities. The purulent or bloody exudate that is released causes sniffling when the cat is awake and snoring when the cat is asleep.

When should I take my cat to the vet in case of snoring?

Don't hesitate to show your cat to the vet for a checkup if he or she shows any signs of illness as well as snoring. This includes nasal discharge, coughing, lethargic behavior and lack of appetite. The earlier you bring them in, the less likely they are to suffer any long-term adverse health effects.

Conclusion

• Snoring is a normal behavior that many cats exhibit, but it can also be a sign of a serious problem.
• Cats that are significantly overweight often begin snoring in their sleep because of the added stress on their respiratory system.
• If your cat snores because she is overweight, you should keep her on a nutritious low-carbohydrate diet.
• It is also important that you limit the amount of treats you give your cat each day when you regulate her weight.
• If your cat has an upper respiratory infection, she may start snoring due to blocked nasal passages.
• Some of the most common symptoms of UTIs in cats include nasal discharge, coughing and fever.
• Your pet may be snoring because she fell asleep in a strange position.
• If you notice any signs of illness along with your cat's snoring, you should see a specialist immediately.

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When is urgent veterinary intervention necessary?

Signs judging by which you need to see a doctor immediately:

• The pet is panting while sleeping.
• Dry and hot nose, apathy, cat not eating well, apathetic, diarrhea, vomiting.
• The cat sneezes and coughs all the time.
• Mucus or fluid comes out of the cat's nose.
• Her voice became hoarse, low or too high.
• Swelling of the muzzle, especially around the nose.
• The cat is trying to breathe through its mouth, stretching its neck out, as if something is bothering it.

What treatment can the veterinarian prescribe?

First, the veterinarian should perform a complete examination of the cat, including the throat and nasopharynx. If the cause is not so obvious or if the extent of the lesion needs to be clarified in more detail, an X-ray will be prescribed. In some cases, blood tests will be required. In complicated cases, when a special examination is required, the animal may be put under anesthesia.

Once the reason why the cat snores in its sleep has been found out, then treatment will be prescribed. This is – pills and injections, IVs, diet. Sometimes it is necessary to use special tampons for the ears. They are applied at the moment when the cat begins to fall asleep. In some cases, surgery will be required. Treatment and procedures should be under the supervision of a veterinarian.

Do not delay in going to a specialist if the cat starts snoring in his sleep. The cat's health is the owner's peace of mind, his good mood and joy for all family members, especially the little ones. Therefore, you need to take care of the well-being of your family above all else.

Brachycephalic syndrome

Severe snoring (snoring) and a number of associated pathological features that seriously impede breathing are called brachycephalic syndrome. This syndrome is characteristic of cats with small noses and round heads: Persians, Exots, British and Scots.

Brachycephalic syndrome can be treated by surgery, which, however, is not always considered justified. However, it can sometimes occur that this syndrome causes the cat's mucous membranes to become blue, the airways to swell, the strain on the heart to increase, and the slightest heat or physical activity can cause seizures or the cat to lose consciousness. This condition significantly impairs the quality of life and can be fatal, and therefore requires treatment. Read more about brachycephalic syndrome.

Surgery is indicated for brachycephalic syndrome. The point of surgery is to remove the barriers to air. Most often, the nostrils are dilated and, if necessary, part of the soft palate is removed. Medicines can only temporarily and partially help the patient, for example, to relieve mucosal edema. But as soon as the medication runs out, everything will return, because the cause itself (narrow nostrils, elongated soft palate) pills will not remove.

When snoring is not the norm

In some cases, the sounds in your sleep may be a sign of pathology. Warn if:

• the snoring or snapping is too loud or distorted (for example, it may sound like a cat grunting);
• The cat has difficulty breathing and opens its mouth;
• The snoring has not been there before (or has not been that bad) and it has started recently;
• in addition to snoring there are other respiratory manifestations (runny nose, sneezing);
• Whistles and abnormal sounds are heard during snoring (here the answer to the question why a lop-eared cat snores or a Scottish cat snores will be no longer a breed peculiarity) – snoring should not be confused with wheezing.

In such cases, the cause of snoring, sniffling and wheezing may be the following pathologies.

Cold

One of the most common causes of snoring and cat's breathing is a common cold with a runny nose. Nose mucus is profusely secreted, which clogs the passages, making the air hard and uneven, causing a characteristic sound.

Low indoor humidity contributes to respiratory diseases in cats and humans. Moistened mucous membranes are less susceptible to infection by viruses and bacteria because they can give an adequate immune response. Therefore, as a preventive measure, the air in the room should be humidified with special devices.

If the animal caught a cold under the air conditioning or picked up a weak virus, the immune system is likely to cope with it itself. But if the condition worsens or does not go away for several days, as well as if other symptoms of the disease are noticeable, you need to contact the veterinarian.

Problem with the lungs

A wet wheezing sound when breathing in and out, or a crackling sound when breathing in, might indicate a lung problem. In the first case the wheezing is caused by sputum, in the second by alveolar abnormalities. Put your ear to the cat's chest: Is the sound coming from there? If so, you need to go to the vet.

Swelling

Swelling of the throat or bronchial mucosa causes dry wheezing on inhalation. If this is followed by a wheezing sound on inhalation and exhalation, it is not an indication of severe laryngeal edema. It usually occurs due to allergies and a foreign object in the throat.

What is snoring in terms of physiology

In some cases, the cat snores because of obvious physiological factors, while other cases may indicate health problems. Domestic whiskers are less prone to reproducing sounds in their sleep than dogs or people, so the owner should definitely listen to his pet.

Peculiarities of cat snoring

Snoring and snoring in furry cats, first of all, is related to physiology. Relaxation of the whole body of the pet during rest leads to a slight displacement of its chest. This change causes difficulty breathing and wheezing sounds that stop after a change in body position.

Also, a kitten or adult cat snores because of breed peculiarities. This phenomenon is sometimes found in individuals with modified muzzles. Whiskers with an elongated or flattened head are more prone to snoring than fluffers with a normal head shape.

Similar situations.

Whistling and grunting tunes cats of any age can produce during the active resting phase, which lasts several minutes. Sometimes the sniffing is accompanied by a chuckling, rumbling and even a meow – if the animal is dreaming of a rough dream. However, this is uncommon and usually brings a smile to the owner and his family. A peaceful sniffing is considered a good sign – so the little furball feels calm and peaceful.

A bad sign is if a pet makes whistling and grunting sounds even when awake. Most likely, this is how his health problems manifest themselves.

Types of cat snoring

The sounds made while a cat is resting come in many forms. They depend on the type of physiological abnormality or breed peculiarities. An experienced veterinarian will be able to diagnose the problem by the nature of snoring, but it will be much more difficult for the owner.

1. DryA dry, wheezing sound that resembles a sniffling sound. It can only be picked up when air is expelled, or by listening with a special tool. It indicates a narrowing of the trachea or problems with the bronchi.
2. Wet type is also called bubbly – all because inside the sleeping fluffy as if bubbles are rolling over and bursting. Symptoms are noticeable with inhalation and exhalation, even at a great distance.
3. Crackling The type that experts call crepitus. It is heard on exhalation and resembles a crackling sound. This type provokes the relaxation of clumped alveoli (lung bubbles).
4. Inspiratory type, or stridor, similar to a characteristic hissing, whistling, or just noise. This type can be heard clearly when exhaling and breathing in. The stridor is caused by constriction of the upper airways.

The owner should listen to the sleeping pet and tell the veterinarian in detail about all the symptoms. According to the characteristic features, the specialist will determine why the cat or cat snores while resting.

Diagnostic methods

Treatment is prescribed only after identifying the underlying disease that caused the appearance of these symptoms. To determine the root cause, the veterinarian prescribes a number of diagnostic procedures for the four-legged patient.

In order to make a preliminary diagnosis and choose the methods of diagnosis, the doctor resorts to the following methods:

• Examination of the animal's upper airways, mucous membranes, eyes;
• auscultation (listening) of the trachea, bronchi and lungs;
• Analysis of data on the conditions of maintenance and nutrition of the four-legged patient, information about his previous diseases, peculiarities of the onset of the present pathological process;
• comparison of the weight of the animal with the norm for a given breed and age.

After the initial diagnostic manipulations the veterinarian prescribes a four-legged patient the following types of laboratory and instrumental examinations:

Consultation with subspecialists may also be necessary. If necessary, the animal is assigned a dental, oncological and surgical examination. The above diagnostic manipulations are standard. Such procedures are prescribed depending on the clinical picture.

How to help a pet depending on the cause of sniffling and grunting?

After identifying the cause of these symptoms and making an accurate diagnosis, the veterinarian develops a treatment scheme. It involves a comprehensive approach. Therapy is aimed at improving the condition of the animal and relieving signs of the underlying disease. If the four-legged patient has a cough, anti-cough medications (Sinecod, Broncholitin) are used to eliminate it.

With a dry cough, remedies with expectorant effect (ammonium chloride, Salbutamol) are indicated. For nasal congestion, the nasal passages are flushed with saline. To relieve inflammation resort to washing with chamomile decoction. When these remedies are powerless, it is recommended to drop any baby drops (Nasivin, Otrivin, Vibrocil).

• For worm infestations, a course of anthelmintics (Milbemax, Stronghold) is indicated.
• When allergies are diagnosed, its symptoms are stopped by antiallergic drugs (Suprastin, Tavegil). It is important to identify and eliminate the source of the allergic reaction, otherwise the treatment will be useless, and the attacks of this disease will appear again and again.
• For infectious diseases, antibiotics or antiviral agents are prescribed.
• Symptoms of heart failure are treated with glycosides and potassium-containing medications.
• When injuries of the chest organs, spine, ribs are shown immobilization, antibiotic therapy, taking pain relievers.

• If obesity is prescribed a diet.
• Inflammatory diseases are treated with anti-inflammatory drugs and broad-spectrum antibiotics (Streptomycin, Erythromycin).
• When asthma is diagnosed, glucocorticosteroids and bronchodilators are indicated.

Does the cat snore in his sleep? This is normal!

In a quiet environment, when the pet's body and muscles are completely relaxed in their sleep, the cat may make snoring-like sounds. He will be flattening his ears, twitching his paws slightly, grunting and sniffling, which is a sure sign that he is dreaming. This phenomenon is perfectly normal, as long as the sounds produced do not turn into a hissing sound.

Infectious diseases of the respiratory organs

Why does the cat snore in his sleep? This can also be caused by pathological reasons. Often snoring can be caused by infectious diseases of the respiratory organs: bronchitis, pneumonia, pneumonia. A cat can overcool itself if it has been in the cold for a long time, slept under a powerful air conditioner, sat in a draft, and become ill.

Dry air, especially in winter, during the heating season, dries out the mucous membrane of a cat's nasopharynx. Viruses and bacteria easily penetrate the body, because the local immune system cannot cope with them. The runny nose begins – mucus forms in the nose, clogging the nasal passages, so the air passes with difficulty and with a characteristic sound. Other symptoms of respiratory infection: coughing, sneezing, blue gums. Wheezing when you breathe in, crackling when you breathe out is a sign of pneumonia. The animal should be seen by a veterinarian.

Respiratory diseases of non-infectious nature

The cause of snoring can be non-infectious pathologies. Most often it is nasopharyngeal mucosal edema and asthmatic bronchospasm. Laryngeal edema is a consequence of an allergic reaction, not noticed in time by the owner. Allergies in a cat can occur to new food, cleaning products, plants. With swelling there is a hoarse sound on inhalation, similar to snoring. Later this may be joined by wheezing. Observed not only in sleep, but also while awake. This condition is dangerous and can be life-threatening for the cat.

What to do with a snoring pet?

Representatives of brachycephalic breeds that have been snoring since childhood should not cause any alarm to the owner. Suddenly appeared snoring should alert. A person should analyze all possible causes of snoring, assess the general well-being of the pet.

If the cat is feeling well, eating well and staying active, but noisily snoring at night, veterinary care is not necessary. Situations where any breathing problems (choking, coughing, mucus production) occur along with snoring require consultation and emergency vet care.