What to Do if Your Cat Is Snoring
Cat snoring can sound cute, but it might also indicate a health concern. Cats can sleep between 12 to 16 hours a day on average, and you might hear your cat snoring while they catnap. But is snoring normal in cats? Here's what you need to know about snoring in cats.
What Is Snoring?
Snoring is a sound produced during sleep due to the vibration of loose tissue in the upper airway. It occurs when passages in the upper airways—such as the nose, mouth, or throat—vibrate audibly during breathing. These vibrations and the resulting snoring are most likely when the tissues in the upper airways are relaxed during sleep.
Snoring can be normal for some cats. However, in other cases, it might indicate a medical problem.
Why Does My Cat Snore?
Various factors can cause your cat to snore during sleep. Your cat might have a stuffy nose from a cold or flu, or it could be their sleeping position. Other common causes include foreign bodies, excess weight, and anatomical abnormalities.
Head Structure
Brachycephalic syndrome affects several cat breeds, including Persian, Burmese, and Himalayan. These cats are often predisposed to snoring. "Brachycephalic" comes from two words: “brachy” meaning shortened and “cephalic” meaning head. The skull bones of brachycephalic cats are shortened, giving the face and nose a pushed-in appearance. Many of these cats have excess soft tissue in the airway, causing them to develop breathing problems, including snoring.1
Overweight
Overweight cats are more prone to snoring due to excess fat deposited in the tissues surrounding the upper airways. This is one of many reasons to prevent your cat from becoming overweight.
Sleep Position
Cats can sleep in incredibly flexible positions, and occasionally these awkward positions may cause your cat to snore. If this is the case, the sound should be brief and stop when your cat changes position.
Respiratory Issues
Respiratory illnesses including bacterial or fungal infections and asthma, can often cause snoring due to nasal congestion. Other symptoms of respiratory infections include discharge from the eyes and nose, sneezing, coughing, and decreased activity and appetite.2
Foreign Objects
Foreign objects in the back of the mouth or nose can trigger snoring, as well as sneezing, coughing, and agitation. Objects such as grass blades, awns, and seeds may be accidentally inhaled and become lodged in the upper airway, causing inflammation and potentially obstructing breathing.
Additional possible causes include allergies, polyps or masses, inflammation, and/or trauma.
When Is Snoring in Cats Not Normal?
Although snoring can be normal for your cat, it’s important to recognize when to be concerned. Contact your veterinarian if your cat suddenly begins snoring, if their snoring becomes louder, or if they exhibit other symptoms along with snoring, such as sneezing, coughing, and changes in appetite or behavior.
Treatment for Snoring in Cats
For some cats, snoring is normal and does not interfere with their well-being. If your cat's snoring is causing health issues, your veterinarian may recommend treatment. Surgery might be necessary to correct severe brachycephalic syndrome. If a foreign body, polyp, or tumor is present, the cat may require a rhinoscopy or surgery to remove it. Your vet might need to perform additional tests such as X-rays or an MRI to visualize the airway before recommending treatment.
Upper respiratory infections are generally treated with medications and supportive care. You can help clear your cat's stuffy nose at home by using a humidifier or placing them in the bathroom while a warm shower runs. Cool mist is often effective for loosening congestion, so consult your vet for the best method.
If your cat is overweight, losing weight can help reduce or even eliminate snoring. Your cat may need a new diet and an exercise plan, and your vet can help with these.
How to Prevent Snoring in Cats
Snoring can be normal and is more common in some breeds. Several health issues may increase the likelihood of your cat snoring. Fortunately, you can prevent some of these by keeping your cat healthy and enrich their environment.
Exercise
Exercise and interactive play are essential for your cat’s development and contribute significantly to their quality of life. Cats need to engage their prey drive, so select toys that allow them to hunt, stalk, and chase. Try a wand toy with an attractive item attached, like a feather or mouse, and move the toy in a way that mimics prey behavior. Just like humans, not all cats enjoy the same things, so explore different types of toys to find what your cat prefers.
It's important to provide your cat with toys they can play with on their own, such as fake mice, ping pong balls, motorized toys, and catnip kicker toys. These are great for cats to attack, bunny kick, and snuggle with. Consider rotating toys to keep your cat more interested in playing and prevent boredom.
Provide Perches and Create Space to Climb
Climbing is excellent for balance, assisting your cat in maintaining agility and encouraging movement. Moreover, perches allow your cats to space themselves as they prefer. Cats enjoy exploring vertical spaces and having a high vantage point to view the outside world. Window perches, cat trees, and cat-friendly shelving are great ways to vary your cat’s environment.
Food Puzzles
Food puzzles slow down eating, prevent boredom and obesity, and allow cats to eat more instinctively by foraging and “hunting” for their food. There are various food-dispensing toys for cats available for purchase, and you can even make your own. Start with an easier, beginner puzzle, and gradually increase difficulty based on your cat’s preference.
Annual Veterinary Visits
Regular wellness exams are an important part of keeping your cat happy and healthy. Cats are masters of hiding pain and illness due to being both prey and predator animals. Annual vet visits can help you become aware if your cat is overweight or has another medical issue sooner. Preventive care is always better than reactive care.
While snoring is less common in cats than in dogs or humans, it is generally considered a normal sleeping habit. However, if your cat's snoring is accompanied by other physical or behavioral changes, a veterinary visit is best.
