Dogs are well-known for their panting. It's one of the ways they stay cool because they don't have that many sweat glands. But it's not the same for cats; they don't pant normally, so when you see this behavior, it's time to pay close attention.
Most of the time, cats do not pant after exercise or because they're too warm. Once in a while, however, a cat may pant for a very short time in one of those situations. If you see your cat panting and you know he just finished some vigorous exercise, watch him carefully. If the panting doesn't resolve in a few minutes, it's time to call the veterinarian. If your cat pants routinely after exercise or pants following minimal effort, tell your vet right away.
Some cats pant when they get extremely stressed, such as when they are taken for a car ride or are exposed to a new pet, especially a dog.
Once again, in these cases, you should be able to draw a clear parallel between your cat's panting and the inciting stressful event. Also, the panting should resolve quickly once your cat is calm and the stressor is removed.
Cats sometimes open their mouths, tilt their heads back, and breathe for a few seconds when they are smelling something exciting to them. It can be mistaken for panting, but it isn't: it's the Flehmen Response. Take a look at this video to see what it looks like: "Flehmen Response in Cats: Video." If you're not sure, try to record an episode to show your vet.
Most of the time, when a cat pants, it's the result of a medical problem. Here are the most common ones:
In general, panting in cats is abnormal, and you should call your veterinarian if you see it. Additionally, other signs of respiratory distress in cats such as labored breathing, wheezing, coughing, and increased respiratory rate (even in the absence of panting) are serious concerns that need to be checked out by a vet.
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