Do you ever wake up to the loud noises coming from your cat while sleeping? Sounds of cat snoring?
Cat snoring is less common than dog snoring, but cats snore too.
It is no secret that cats love to sleep. On average, a cat sleep for around fifteen hours, and some even sleep up to twenty hours a day, according to PetMD. They also experience rapid eye movement (REM) sleep and non-REM sleep, just like humans. However, where humans are diurnal, cats are crepuscular. That is, humans are active during the day and sleep at night; cats tend to be awake at dusk and dawn but sleep at night and during the day.
If your cat has a habit of snoring while sleeping, it is perfectly alright. But if your cat suddenly starts snoring loudly, you may wonder why my cat is snoring. Is it normal for cats to snore? Should you be concerned?
If similar questions have been popping in your head for quite some time, you are in the right place. In this blog, we will discuss why cats snore.
What Is Snoring?
Just like humans, cats snore as well. Like us, snoring sound in cats is generated when the upper airways, including the nose and back of the mouth, are fully relaxed and start to vibrate with breathing. Cat snoring is most likely to occur when your cat is sound asleep and fully relaxed. A fully relaxed cat may also drool and purr. Some cat parents are worried, unnecessarily, about their cat simultaneously drooling and purring during sleep. It only indicates that your cat is relaxed.
Why Is My Cat Snoring?
There can be multiple reasons behind your cat snoring. Some of the most common reasons for snoring in cats are discussed below.
Obesity
Just like humans, obesity is quite prevalent among cats. About 25% of the cats in the US are reported to be obese by vets, a study conducted by the College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University estimates. As the chances of snoring increase in obese humans, overweight cats are also more prone to snore. This is because they accumulate extra fat around their necks, making it harder for them to breathe. Thus, they snore.
Sleeping Position
Cats often sleep in bizarre positions. Sometimes, they sleep in such a position that they start having trouble breathing. This is when snoring sounds start coming out of your cat. If you ever hear your cat snoring loudly, you can make her stop by simply changing her sleeping position. If it is due to the sleep position, the snoring will stop.
You can now go back to sleep, provided that she doesn’t change her position anytime soon.
Brachycephalic Cat Breeds
Brachycephalic cat breeds, also known as flat-faced cats, are predisposed to snoring because of their facial structures. Brachycephalic cat breeds such as Persian, Burmese, and Himalayan cats have shortened skull bones. In addition, their nose and face bones are also shortened, causing many problems, including trouble in breathing. These cats not only snore while sleeping but also make some noise even when they breathe normally.
Your Cat Might Be Sick
Your cat might start to snore if she has caught a cold. If this is the case, snoring will be accompanied by heavy breathing, coughing, and sneezing as well. But this kind of snoring will only last as long as the cold does.
Issues With the Respiratory System
Issues with the respiratory system such as nasal inflammation, asthma, upper respiratory tract infection, and rhinitis may be other underlying reasons for your cat snoring. If your cat is sneezing, coughing, and showing a change in appetite and behavior, you should immediately consult your vet as your fluffy fella might be having some serious problems in her respiratory system.
Obstruction of Air Passages
A partially blocked air passage could be another reason, causing your kitten to snore. Her air passage could be blocked by a tumor or a foreign body such as a grass blade. This could be lodged at the back of the mouth or in the nasal cavity. In addition to snoring, your cat may also start coughing and sneezing, trying to get it out of its system. If this is the matter, try to get it out yourself as calmly as possible. If you think you might hurt her, take her to the vet.
What Can You Do About It?
After identifying the reasons for snoring in your cat, you can help her stop snoring.
If you think your cat is snoring because of obesity, engage her in exercise and other physical activities. You can provide interesting spaces for your cat to climb on; you can also play interactive games with her or make her forage for their food and treats. This would not only kill their boredom but would also take her mind off eating, keeping her fit and healthy.
If there is a medical situation like respiratory illness, a tumor in the nasal airway or a foreign object is blocking their air passage, you might have to take your kitten to the vet. We do not advise home-based remedies unless they are authorized by a certified vet.
Lastly, you need to know that cats are stoic creatures, hiding their signs of illness. Therefore, to rule out the possibility of your cat developing a chronic disease, you should never miss her regular annual exams.
Why is your cat snoring? We believe you now know the answer. If you are a cat owner, you should visit our Keeping Cat section. You can also subscribe to our newsletter, to be the first one to get the latest updates, tips, and expert advice about cat care, feed, and training.
