BREATHING, MOUTH & GUM SYMPTOMS IN CATS
What Changes Mean, What’s Normal, and When to Act Fast

Breathing patterns, mouth health, and gum color provide some of the clearest—and most urgent—signals about a cat’s overall health. Because cats instinctively hide pain and illness, subtle changes in breathing, breath odor, or gum appearance may be the first visible warning that something is wrong.

This guide explains what normal breathing and oral health look like, which symptoms are concerning, and when immediate veterinary care is necessary.

WHAT NORMAL BREATHING & ORAL HEALTH LOOK LIKE

Healthy adult cats typically breathe 20–30 breaths per minute at rest. Breathing should be quiet, effortless, and occur through the nose with the mouth closed.

Healthy mouth and gum signs include:
• Pink gums (similar to bubblegum color)
• Minimal or no mouth odor
• Clean teeth with minimal tartar
• Normal chewing without dropping food
• No drooling or pawing at the mouth

Any persistent deviation from these norms should be taken seriously.

CHANGES IN BREATHING RATE OR EFFORT

Rapid or Labored Breathing

Breathing that appears fast, shallow, or forced may indicate respiratory distress. You may notice:
• Chest or abdominal effort
• Flaring nostrils
• Open-mouth breathing
• Extended neck posture

Possible causes include respiratory infections, asthma, heart disease, pain, fever, or fluid buildup around the lungs.

Open-mouth breathing in cats is never normal and requires immediate veterinary attention.

NOISY BREATHING, WHEEZING & COUGHING

Upper Airway Sounds

Snorting, congestion, or nasal discharge may indicate upper respiratory infections, nasal inflammation, or allergies.

Lower Airway Sounds

Wheezing or coughing—especially with a hunched posture—may suggest feline asthma or bronchial disease.
These conditions often worsen with environmental irritants such as dust or strong scents.

Reducing airborne irritants and improving air quality may help support respiratory comfort.
Many cat households use air purifiers designed for pet dander and dust:

MOUTH BREATHING & PANTING

Cats do not pant to cool down like dogs. Panting or breathing with the mouth open may occur briefly after extreme stress,
but persistent mouth breathing is a red-alert symptom.

Potential causes include:
• Respiratory distress
• Heatstroke
• Severe pain
• Heart disease
• Oxygen deprivation

If mouth breathing lasts more than a few seconds, seek emergency veterinary care.

BAD BREATH (HALITOSIS) IN CATS

When Bad Breath Is a Warning Sign

Occasional mild odor may occur, but strong or foul breath often indicates disease.

Common causes include:
• Dental disease
• Gum infection
• Tooth decay
• Oral abscesses
• Kidney disease (ammonia-like odor)
• Diabetes (sweet or fruity odor)

Persistent bad breath should never be ignored, especially if paired with appetite or behavior changes.

Dental chews approved for cats, such as Greenies Dental Treats for Cats, are often used as part of oral care routines:

GUM COLOR CHANGES & WHAT THEY MEAN

Pale or White Gums

May indicate anemia, shock, or blood loss. This is a medical emergency.

Red or Inflamed Gums

Often associated with gingivitis, periodontal disease, or systemic inflammation.

Blue or Purple Gums

Suggest oxygen deprivation and require immediate emergency care.

Yellow Gums

May signal liver disease or severe systemic illness.

Checking gum color regularly helps you recognize changes early.

DROOLING, PAWING AT THE MOUTH
& DROPPED FOOD

Excessive drooling, pawing at the mouth, or dropping food while eating are strong indicators of oral pain.

Common causes include:
• Broken or infected teeth
• Gum disease
• Oral ulcers
• Foreign objects
• Tumors or growths

Cats with mouth pain often stop grooming and may lose weight due to reduced food intake.

DENTAL DISEASE & SYSTEMIC HEALTH

Dental disease is one of the most common—and most overlooked—health issues in cats.
Untreated oral infections can spread bacteria into the bloodstream, potentially affecting the heart, kidneys, and liver.

Routine dental care plays a key role in overall health. In addition to professional cleanings,
some owners use oral care products such as water additives or gels recommended by veterinarians:

BREATHING CHANGES
LINKED TO HEART & LUNG CONDITIONS

Heart disease in cats often shows no outward signs until breathing becomes affected. Fluid buildup can cause rapid breathing, coughing, or lethargy.

Warning signs include:
• Increased resting breathing rate
• Weakness or collapse
• Reduced activity
• Sudden behavior changes

Monitoring resting breathing rate while your cat sleeps is one of the simplest early-detection tools available to owners.

WHEN TO SEEK IMMEDIATE VETERINARY CARE

Seek emergency care if your cat:
• Breathes with an open mouth
• Has blue, white, or gray gums
• Struggles to breathe
• Collapses or becomes unresponsive
• Shows sudden facial swelling
• Has severe drooling with pain

Respiratory distress can become fatal quickly without treatment.

SUPPORTING ORAL & RESPIRATORY
HEALTH AT HOME

Daily Observation

• Monitor breathing rate at rest
• Check gum color weekly
• Notice changes in breath odor
• Watch eating behavior

Environment

• Avoid smoke, aerosols, and strong scents
• Reduce dust from litter
• Maintain good ventilation

Nutrition & Hydration

Adequate hydration supports mucous membranes and overall circulation.
Many cats drink more from moving water sources such as fountains. Options from brands like PetSafe are commonly used:

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Is bad breath normal in cats?
No. Persistent bad breath usually indicates dental or systemic disease.

How fast should my cat breathe while resting?
Most healthy cats breathe 20–30 times per minute at rest.

Is drooling ever normal?
Occasional drooling may occur with stress, but ongoing drooling suggests oral pain or illness.

Can dental disease affect overall health?
Yes. Oral infections can impact the heart, kidneys, and other organs.

Why is open-mouth breathing so serious?
Cats rarely breathe through their mouths. Open-mouth breathing indicates severe distress and requires emergency care.

FINAL THOUGHTS

Breathing patterns, gum color, and mouth health offer a direct window into your cat’s internal well-being.
Because cats hide discomfort, even subtle changes in these areas should never be ignored.

Early recognition and prompt veterinary care can prevent serious complications,
reduce pain, and significantly improve long-term outcomes for your cat.

Back to the Page Cat Health: Symptoms and Warning Signs