Why Does My Cat Snore?
Snoring is something we all do occasionally. And you will find that even your pets are known to be noisy sleepers from time to time. Cats are no different. They can be prone to snoring just like any other breathing mammal. You may be wondering if your cat’s snoring is a reason for concern. See what we have to say about your snoring cat.
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Why Does My Cat Snore?
Wondering why your cat may have issues with snoring? Here are the most common reasons for your cat to be snoring:
- Nose Shape
- Sleeping Position
- Respiratory Conditions
- Presence of Foreign Objects
- Excess Weight
Now a little more about each one of these things that could be causing your cat to saw logs.
Nose Shape – Some cats are just going to be predisposed to snoring because of the shape of their face and nose. Brachycephalic breeds, such as; Persians, Himalayan and Burmese are known to be snorers for this reason. These breeds are the cats that have those really cute flat faces. Due to having such narrow nostrils and nasal passages, these cats can experience difficulties breathing and as a result, may also snore.
Sleeping Position – Due to the flexibility that your cat has, he can sleep in some very unique positions. These unusual sleeping positions can cause your cat to snore depending on how he is lying. The good news about this is that once the nap is over, so is the snoring. This situation is temporary and generally does not last long.
Respiratory Conditions – Just like us pet parents, your cat is more likely to snore if he is not feeling well. If your cat has a cold or a respiratory infection, because he has difficulty breathing he may snore when he sleeps. Asthma, bacterial infection, or a fungal infection or conditions that should be treated by your cat’s veterinarian. Infections are often accompanied by coughing, runny eyes, and runny noses. Even if your cat doesn’t snore, having these symptoms is not normal and you may want to get them checked out by their veterinarian.
Presence of Foreign Material – Cats can inhale foreign matter and it can cause them irritation. That irritation can result in your cat snoring. If you have an outdoor cat, he could inhale grass (cats love grass). If this happens, taking your cat to the vet is your best option for removing the irritant. If your cat has not snored in the past and now snores, he could have foreign matter in his nose that is causing the problem.
Excess Weight – While you may think a chubby cat is cute, that “cuteness” can be the cause of many underlying conditions and some of them could shorten his life. Additionally, those added pounds could also be the reason your cat is snoring. When it comes to obesity related snoring, the news is good if you are willing to help your cat make changes that will help him lose a few pounds. Losing a few pounds not only can help alleviate the snoring, but it will also help your cat live a longer and healthier life.
Other less common reasons your cat may be snoring could be nasal polyps or tumors, trauma, inflammation, or allergies. Your vet will help you figure out the reason for consistent snoring that may be plaguing your cat.
Is Your Cat’s Snoring Normal?
Mostly, your cat snoring from time to time is not a big deal unless it happens regularly. If snoring is a normal occurrence in your cat’s life, you should take the time to find out the reason from the vet.
Tips for Stopping Your Cat’s Snoring
If you are concerned by your cat’s snoring, the first thing you should do is take your cat to the vet. Your first concern should be to treat anything that requires medical attention, such as; a tumor, trauma, infection, or even something stuck in their nasal passages. If snoring is due to your cat’s sleeping position, it needs no attention on your part.
Keeping your cat healthy is the best thing you can do for conditions, such as snoring. Pudginess is a common reason for snoring in both cats and their human owners. If your cat snores and is a little bit “fluffy”, cutting back on the treats may need to be your first action item.
If your cat is carrying around extra weight, snoring may not be the only problem he could face. Here are a few suggestions that can not only help your cat take off a few pounds, it just might get rid of his snoring.
Feed Your Cat High-Quality Food – Not all cat food is created equal. Cats are meat eaters and should be eating food that is high in protein and low in carbohydrates. There are several weight management cat foods for your cat that are a great first step for helping your best friend lose a pound or two.
Puzzle Feeders – Puzzle feeders are a really cool way of limiting your cat’s food without making them feel deprived. Puzzle feeders make your cat work for his food and it limits the amount of food your cat can consume quickly. Additionally, he will get a little bit of exercise by having to move the feeder to get to his food. A puzzle feeder will also stimulate him mentally as he works for his meal.
Toys That Promote Exercise – Get your cat moving. There are an endless number of cat toys that help your cat get the exercise he needs and allow him to lose a few pounds. Here again, scheduling playtime with your cat and giving him something to chase is great exercise. Furthermore, it keeps your cat from becoming bored and engages him mentally.
Regular Visits to the Vet – The best way to make sure your cat stays healthy is to take him to the vet twice a year for a regular check-up. With regular visits to the vet, you can diagnose and treat conditions that can be unhealthy for your cat, including snoring.
Final Thoughts
Most of the time, your cat snoring is nothing to worry about. Cats snore occasionally just like people. It is the persistent snoring that can be cause for concern. Your cat’s vet can help you with serious concerns that you may have about your cat’s health. Feeding your cat high-quality food and making sure they maintain a healthy weight can be half the battle when it comes to other issues…such as snoring.