Introduction
Snoring and wheezing are two common abnormal breathing sounds that cat owners may notice their pets making. While they can sound similar, they actually indicate very different underlying conditions. It’s important for cat owners to understand the key differences between snoring and wheezing in order to best care for their pet’s health and know when veterinary attention is needed.
Abnormal breathing sounds can range from mild to quite severe. In some cases, snoring or wheezing is just a minor issue and not a major cause for concern. But these sounds can also potentially signal more problematic respiratory conditions that require treatment. Recognizing when a vet visit is warranted versus when home monitoring is reasonable can end up saving a cat’s life in severe cases. This article will cover the distinguishing features between snoring and wheezing to empower cat owners to make informed decisions about their pet’s respiratory health.
Definition of Snoring
Snoring in cats is characterized by loud, rhythmic breathing sounds that occur when a cat inhales while sleeping. The snoring noise is caused by soft tissues and muscles in the throat, mouth, and nose vibrating as air passes through narrowed airways (1).
Snoring most often occurs when a cat is in a deep sleep with its mouth closed, though some cats may also snore with their mouth open. The snoring sound can range from soft to loud and raspy. Snoring may occur every few breaths or more consistently throughout sleep (2).
Common causes of snoring in cats include:
- Being overweight – excess fat tissue in the throat narrows airways
- Allergies – inflammation in nasal passages or throat
- Upper respiratory infections – congestion in nose and throat
- Anatomical abnormalities – elongated soft palate, small jaw, etc.
For most cats, snoring is not a major health concern and may happen occasionally. But frequent or severe snoring can signify an underlying issue that needs veterinary attention (3).
Definition of Wheezing
Wheezing in cats is characterized by a high-pitched whistling sound when breathing out. It occurs when airways narrow or become constricted, forcing the cat to exert more effort to move air in and out of the lungs (Westloopvet). Wheezing typically happens during breathing out or exhaling. It may occur consistently or intermittently.
Some common causes of wheezing in cats include:
- Asthma – inflammation in the airways causes them to constrict
- Heart disease – fluid can build up in lungs
- Lung infections
- Lung tumors
- Heartworms
Wheezing can happen while a cat is resting or sleeping and may indicate difficulty breathing. It can also occur suddenly during play or exercise. Severe wheezing episodes may be accompanied by open-mouth breathing, gagging, or gasping for air. Immediate veterinary care is needed if a cat shows signs of respiratory distress while wheezing.
Key Differences Between Snoring and Wheezing in Cats
While both snoring and wheezing can occur in cats, there are some key differences between these two respiratory sounds that cat owners should be aware of:
Snoring is often described as a low-pitched or rumbling noise that occurs when a cat is breathing in. It’s caused by soft tissue in the throat and nasal passages vibrating as air passes through. Snoring is often normal, especially in older cats or brachycephalic breeds. It may worsen with respiratory infections. Snoring alone is not usually a cause for concern.
Wheezing, on the other hand, is a high-pitched whistling sound that happens when a cat breathes out. It occurs when the airways are constricted or partially blocked. Wheezing is abnormal and is a sign of an underlying respiratory problem like asthma, allergies, heart disease or infection. It warrants veterinary attention.
While snoring tends to be intermittent, wheezing is often constant. Snoring may occur in all sleep positions, whereas wheezing is often worse with exertion. Snoring is not usually associated with other symptoms, but wheezing may come along with coughing, breathing difficulties or lethargy.
In summary, snoring is normal but wheezing is not. Wheezing requires veterinary assessment to determine and treat the underlying cause.
Causes of Snoring
Snoring in cats can be caused by a variety of factors that lead to airway obstruction or irritation during sleep. Some common causes of snoring include:
Nasal congestion – Snoring often occurs when the nasal passages become congested due to allergies, infections, or polyps inside the nose. The congestion causes turbulent airflow and vibrations in the soft tissues of the nose and throat (source).
Relaxed throat muscles – When cats are in a deep sleep, the muscles in their throat and mouth relax. This can cause the soft tissues of the throat to vibrate and produce snoring sounds (source).
Sleep position – The position a cat sleeps in can obstruct their airway and lead to snoring. Sleeping with their neck curled or head tilted back can narrow the airway.
Being overweight – Carrying excess weight, especially around the neck, can put pressure on the throat and narrow the airway, leading to snoring.
Dental issues – Problems with the teeth, gums or jaw alignment can obstruct airflow and contribute to snoring.
Narrowed nasal cavity – Structural abnormalities, like a deviated septum, stenotic nares or polyps can restrict airflow through the nose and cause snoring.
Causes of Wheezing
There are several possible causes of wheezing in cats, some more serious than others. According to Trudell Animal Health, common causes of wheezing include:
- Asthma – This chronic inflammatory condition of the airways can cause wheezing, coughing, and difficulty breathing.
- Respiratory infections – Upper respiratory infections from viruses, bacteria, or fungi may lead to wheezing.
- Heart disease – Conditions like feline heartworm disease or heart failure can cause fluid buildup in lungs.
- Foreign object – Something lodged in the throat or airways can obstruct airflow and cause wheezing.
- Allergies – Allergies to things like pollen, dust, or food can trigger wheezing.
- Cancer – Lung tumors or tumors blocking the airway can lead to wheezing.
According to West Loop Veterinary Care, asthma is one of the most common causes of wheezing and coughing in cats. The airway inflammation from asthma causes the airways to constrict, making breathing difficult. Infections are another major cause. Bacteria, viruses, and fungi can all infect the upper respiratory tract and lead to inflammation, secretions, and airway constriction.
If your cat is wheezing, it’s important to get them checked by a vet to determine the underlying cause and appropriate treatment.
When to Seek Help
While occasional snoring or wheezing in cats may be normal, it’s important to monitor your cat’s breathing and seek veterinary help if certain signs persist. According to Rover, you should contact your vet if the abnormal breathing noises last more than a few hours, seem to be getting worse, or are accompanied by other symptoms like coughing, gagging, open-mouth breathing, or lethargy. The experts at Westpark Animal Hospital also advise seeking help if the noises are new and have persisted for more than a day or two. Wheezing, rasping, snorting, or other distressed breathing sounds warrant urgent veterinary care, as they can signal potentially serious respiratory issues in cats.
It’s especially important to monitor elderly cats and cats with a history of asthma for changes in breathing. According to Modkat, snoring or wheezing that persists beyond a few days without improvement merits a vet visit to identify and treat the underlying cause. Don’t hesitate to consult your veterinarian if your cat shows signs of labored, noisy breathing—it’s better to seek help sooner rather than later.
Diagnosis
Vets will begin diagnosing the cause of snoring vs wheezing in cats by taking a full medical history and performing a physical exam. They will listen closely to the cat’s breathing sounds using a stethoscope to help determine if it is snoring or wheezing.
Snoring typically creates a vibration sound during inhalation as air passes over relaxed tissue in the throat and nose. Wheezing is often heard during exhalation and indicates narrowed or constricted airways in the lungs (source).
The vet may also look for other accompanying symptoms to help pinpoint the cause. For example, sneezing, nasal discharge, or eye discharge along with wheezing can indicate upper respiratory infection. Meanwhile, open-mouth breathing, coughing, or fatigue alongside wheezing may signal asthma or bronchitis.
Diagnostic tests the vet may recommend include: chest X-rays to visualize the lungs and airways, complete blood count to check for infection, heartworm test, sampling of respiratory secretions, or ultrasounds of the heart and lungs. These tests along with a thorough exam can help definitively diagnose whether snoring or wheezing is present and what is causing it.
Treatment
Both snoring and wheezing can often be effectively treated in cats. Treatment will depend on the underlying cause.
For snoring, treatment may include:
- Treating any nasal discharge or upper respiratory infection with antibiotics or other medication
- Using anti-inflammatories to reduce inflammation in the throat/nose
- Making environmental changes to reduce exposure to irritants like smoke or dust
- Using medications to reduce fluid buildup
- In severe cases, surgery may be done to remove polyps or correct anatomical abnormalities contributing to snoring
For wheezing and asthma, common treatments include:
- Bronchodilators to open airways
- Inhaled steroids to reduce inflammation
- Oxygen therapy in emergency situations
- Antibiotics if infection is present
- Allergy medication if allergies are the trigger
- Making environmental changes to remove asthma triggers
Most cats with snoring or wheezing issues can be successfully treated with the right medical care. It’s important to have breathing issues evaluated by a vet to identify the cause and customize the treatment plan. With appropriate treatment of the underlying issue, noisy cat breathing can often be resolved. (1)
Prevention
There are several steps cat owners can take to help prevent snoring and wheezing episodes in cats:
Maintain a healthy weight. Overweight cats are more prone to snoring and wheezing, so keeping your cat at an optimal weight can help. Feed an age-appropriate diet in proper portions and ensure your cat gets regular exercise through playtime and enrichment.
Reduce allergens. Allergies to things like dust, pollen, and dander can cause nasal congestion and wheezing. Use air filters, wash bedding regularly, and use cat-safe cleaning products. You can also talk to your vet about antihistamines or other allergy treatments.
Treat infections promptly. Upper respiratory infections can cause noisy breathing. Be alert for any nasal discharge, coughing, or sneezing and take your cat to the vet at the first signs. Treating infections quickly can help prevent chronic issues.
Avoid irritants. Smoke, dust, and strong-smelling chemicals can irritate your cat’s airways. Avoid smoking around your cat and use natural cleaning products when possible. Also ensure your cat’s litter area is kept clean and free of dust.
Use a humidifier. Dry air can aggravate nasal passages and airways. Run a humidifier, especially in winter when heaters tend to dry out the air. Consult your vet on ideal humidity levels for your cat.
Follow your vet’s treatment plan. If your cat has an underlying condition causing noisy breathing, carefully follow any medication regimen or other protocols as directed by your veterinarian.