are cats supposed to pant like dogs?

Question

like my cat sometimes pants like a dog (you know how dogs pant, like when they get back from walks and stuff). i don't know if it's because he learned from watching the dog or what.

Answer 1

Cats can only sweat from one area, their paws...so if they are panting normally it means they are overheated and should be put in a cool place, or have access to cold water to drink.

Another reason cats pant is due to stress....

If the panting persists for more than a few minutes, it could be a sign there is something medically wrong and it should be taken to the vet.

Answer 2

My kitten does it after he's been running around like a psycho. I think it may be their way of sweating, like a dog.

I just found this on a website though:
Cats normally do not pant as dogs do unless extremely overheated or stressed. Much of the time what cat owners may perceive as panting is really another type of behavior called the flehman reaction. When a cat smells something it is interested in or something extremely pungent, it may curl back its lips and open its mouth to further investigate the scent. What your cat is doing is tasting the smell it has detected. This is completely natural behavior and no cause for alarm.

Answer 3

According to Dr. Bari Spielman:

Panting is rapid, shallow respirations characterized by open-mouthed breathing, often accompanied by a protrusion of the tongue. It is seen commonly in dogs, but it is uncommon in cats and is not considered normal, though some cats can pant after brisk play or in times of stress, such as a car ride.

Most commonly panting is in response to environmental changes, such as anxiety, fear, excitement, or heat. However, if panting is excessive or your pet is in distress, it is important to identify the underlying cause. Some of these causes are:

Respiratory disorders

Cardiovascular disorders

Hematologic disorders

Neurologic disorders

Miscellaneous disorders

Panting may have little to no impact on the affected individual, especially in association with transient causes such as fear or stress. On the other hand, panting may represent a more severe, even life-threatening illness, therefore, should not be ignored and should be addressed if it persists or worsens.

What to Watch For:

Associated coughing

Difficulty breathing

Cyanosis (blue color to the mucus membranes)

Fatigue

Weight loss

Poor appetite

Excessive drinking

Excessive urinating

Vomiting

Diarrhea

Diagnosis

Before any testing is performed, consider any factors that may be causative such as heat, stress or over exertion and eliminate them from your pet’s environment. If your pet is still panting despite removing the possible cause, and/or signs are long standing or progressive, it is important to seek veterinary care.

PS: My cats have panted after brisk playing. When stressed, one of my cats pants, another drools, and least attractive of all, another farts. There ya go...

Answer 4

What I have always been told is panting is a dog or cat's way of sweating.

Just to make sure I looked it up and found this on a site:

Unlike humans who sweat to cool themselves, dogs and cats cool by panting—breathing in through the nose and out through the mouth. This draws air over the moist membranes of the nose and tongue and cools by evaporation.

The link will take you to the page and it explains more.

Answer 5

My cat has a very long and heavy coat of hair and sometimes finds himself overheated in the summer. He usually lays himself down and and begins panting to cool himself.

Your cat's panting is not a learned behavior, but it could be a sign of a health problem. If it persists, take it to a veterinarian and have it checked...but please don't wait too long, it could be serious. If you can't afford it, find out if the vet willing to work with you financially.

Answer 6

Dogs pants when their body temperature raises and they release the extra heat by panting, as they are involved more energetic physical activities, whereas cats are not involved much physically, but however, when they are, they too need to release their extra heat by panting !!! (See a tigers or lions always pants after a big race to catch its prey)

Answer 7

Mine only does that when he's over heated. Sometimes we forget that cats need a fresh water source just like the dogs.

Answer 8

Cats will pant when they are hot, and panting can be a sign of pain or illness. Perhaps you should let your vet check him out if he continues panting and isn't eating or sleeping normally.

Answer 9

My cats panted when they were young, excited and playing. If this isn't the case with your cat I suggest you take it to the vet.

Answer 10

Hi
My car does the same thing, usually after she has been running or playing hard. My vet says that yes, this is normal because likte dogs, cats do not sweat.

We do not see this much because cats ttend to not "exert" them selves too much.