In the past few days, both of my cats have started panting - mouth open, tongue out, heavy breathing. I've heard it has to do with body temperature, but they aren't playing much more than they have before and they've never done this. They have also started to very frequently open their mouths and stand completely still. One is 15 months and the other 8 months, and both are neutered males. Any idea what's causing these changes in behavior?
2006-10-24 08:00:34 · 12 answers · asked by mdmor 1 in Pets ➔ Cats
If the tongue is not really out but visible, mouth half open, and sniffing they might be flehming. Cats have a mouth scent sensor where if something is really interesting, they take their tongues and press it to the area to get the best scent.
However, if it is true panting, they might be dehydrated for a medical reason. Take them to the Vet right away.
2006-10-24 16:41:37 · answer #1 · answered by geocache22 2 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Have they been around other cats at all? Do they have any discharge coming from their nose or eyes? Upper respitory infections can be common in institutionalized cats - in shelters or catteries - and those would be symptoms of it. Sometimes they'll be exposed to it and not break for a few days - until they get home or get their shots (which hit the immume system).
URI's can get very serious very quickly and can require antibiotics to clear up. I would call your vet and make an appointment to have it looked into.
Are they outdoor cats? I hate to bring this up but a neighbor might have poisoned them or they might have gone into a garage and eaten something they shouldn't of. Really do call your vet.
2006-10-24 15:23:50 · answer #2 · answered by houlihanoriley 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
thats not a pant...smiling,theyre scenting...chekkin out the smell of a new guy in the area... like a lio n when he holds his mouth open uses theyre tongue to scent... even if ur cats are NOT outdoor cats the new guys scent has been appied to the haus somewhere outside...like the bushes under potted plants near the doors n windows .... just a thot. watch a lion program,all cats and bigger cats act the exact same way....
2006-10-24 15:49:29 · answer #3 · answered by fire fly 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
it tetermans on the age of the cat now dogs do cause its the way they cool themselves off after rough play or just hot. cats should not not do that there may be may not be any concern it maybe the same to for them the best may be take the cat to the vet to make double sure...
2006-10-24 15:30:40 · answer #4 · answered by clear morning 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Definitely have a vet look into this right away. Cats don't "pant" except in rare instances.
2006-10-24 15:09:13 · answer #5 · answered by old cat lady 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
sounds to me you need to take the cats to the vet there is something bothering them in the house how are you?
that doesn't sound right to me at all
thank you
2006-10-24 15:24:34 · answer #6 · answered by cooks delight 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
any kind of panting is not good means they are stressed or not feeling well i would get them to the vet...our cat was panting took her in and it was an infection
2006-10-24 20:43:11 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Make sure they are getting fresh water daily. This could be due to dehydration, stress or they may have a cold.
2006-10-24 15:08:51 · answer #8 · answered by littleblondemohawk 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Perhaps they caught a virus and have fevers? Get them to a vet soon!
Purrrrrrrrrrrrr
2006-10-24 15:08:34 · answer #9 · answered by Harvie Ruth 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
it sounds like heart stroke or dehydration. Get them to the vet, this doesn't sound normal.
2006-10-24 15:03:10 · answer #10 · answered by megz61184 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋