Why Does My Cat Snore? Understanding Feline Sleep Sounds

Last week, I was surprised awake by an unexpected sound—a loud, almost human-like snore! To my surprise, it wasn’t a person but my cat, deep in sleep, snoring away like a tiny, furry human. I found myself both amused and a little concerned, unsure of what this meant.

After speaking with few other experienced cat owners and veterinarians, I was reassured that cat snoring is usually nothing to worry about. They explained that snoring can occur for various reasons, such as deep sleep, obesity, respiratory issues, or simply the way a cat is positioned while sleeping.

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If you’ve ever wondered whether your cat’s snoring is normal or a cause for concern, or if you’re curious about ways to reduce your cat’s snoring, you’re not alone. In the article below, I’ve explored these questions in detail to help you understand what’s going on with your snoozing feline.

Why Snoring Occurs In Cats?

Snoring happens when air gets stuck in the nose or throat during sleep. This makes nearby tissues shake, causing the snoring noise we know. While we often think of snoring as a human problem, our feline friends can snore, too!

How Common Is Cat Snoring?

Cat snoring isn’t as common as human snoring, but it’s not unheard of either. Many cat owners occasionally notice their pets snoring, though some cats do it more frequently than others. The frequency and intensity of snoring can vary based on several factors, which I’ll explain later in the artilce.

Normal Reasons For Cat Snoring

While cat snoring might sound alarming initially, there are several reasons why your feline friend might make these noises during sleep. Let’s explore some common, harmless causes of cat snoring that typically don’t require medical attention.

Sleeping Position

Similar to humans, a cat’s sleeping position can affect their breathing. If your cat sleeps in a funny position with their head tilted back or to the side, it might cause temporary snoring.

Relaxation

When cats enter deep sleep, their muscles, including those in the throat, can become so relaxed that it results in snoring. This type of snoring is typically harmless and indicates that your cat feels safe and content.

Breed Characteristics

Cats with flat faces often snore more because of their head shape. Flat-faced (brachycephalic) breeds like Persians, Himalayans, and Exotic Shorthairs often snore because of their shortened nasal passages and flattened faces.

Health-Related Causes Of Cat Snoring

While snoring can be normal, sometimes it might point to a health issue. Some potential health-related causes:

Obesity

Excess weight can cause snoring in cats, much like in humans. Fat deposits around the throat may partially obstruct the airway, leading to those snoring sounds.

Upper Respiratory Infections

Cats can catch colds, too! An upper respiratory infection can cause congestion and inflammation in the nasal passages, leading to snoring.

Allergies

Yes, cats can have allergies. Allergic reactions can cause swelling in the throat or nasal passages, making it harder for your cat to breathe quietly while sleeping.

Polyps Or Tumors

Small lumps in cat’s nose or throat sometimes block air, making them snore. This doesn’t happen often and could be benign polyps or, less commonly, tumors.

Dental Issues

Believe it or not, dental problems can lead to snoring. Infections or inflammation in the mouth can spread to the throat area, causing swelling that affects breathing during sleep.

Sleep-Related Causes Of Cat Snoring

Sometimes, your cat’s snoring is directly linked to how they sleep. These sleep-related causes are often harmless and can be influenced by your cat’s habits or surroundings.

Cat Sleep Patterns

Cats sleep a lot – up to 16 hours a day. Knowing how cats sleep can help you understand why they snore and when it happens.

Sleep Stages In Cats

Cats have different sleep stages, just like people do when they sleep. Snoring is more likely to occur during deep sleep when muscles are most relaxed.

Dreaming And Cat Sounds

Sometimes, what sounds like snoring might be a little noise your cat makes while dreaming. During sleep, cats dream and might twitch, move their paws, or make soft sounds.

When To Worry About Your Cat’s Snoring?

While occasional snoring in cats is usually harmless, there are times when it might signal a more serious issue. It’s important to know when your cat’s snoring might be a cause for concern and require a visit to the veterinarian.

Changes In Snoring Patterns

If your cat has always been a snorer, it might not be a cause for concern. However, it’s worth paying attention if the snoring starts suddenly or gets much louder.

Other Symptoms To Watch For

Snoring alone isn’t usually a problem, but if you notice these signs along with snoring, it’s time to call the vet:

• Difficulty breathing when awake.
• Coughing or wheezing.
• Loss of appetite.
• Unusual tiredness.
• Discharge from the nose or eyes.

Spotting The Difference – Normal Vs. Abnormal Cat Snoring

Now that we’ve explored cat snoring in detail let’s sum up the main differences between normal and abnormal snoring. This table will help you quickly spot if your cat’s snoring might need a vet’s attention.

Useful Tips To Help A Snoring Cat

If your cat’s snoring is becoming a problem, there are several ways you can help reduce it. These simple tips and changes can often make a big difference in your cat’s sleep quality and reduce their snoring.

Weight Management

If your cat carries extra pounds, helping them reach a healthy weight might reduce their snoring. Ask your vet to create a safe weight loss plan for your cat.

Clean Sleeping Environment

Keep your cat’s bed and sleeping areas clean and dust-free. This can help reduce allergens that might be causing irritation and snoring.

Humidifiers

Dry air can irritate nasal passages. Running a humidifier can add moisture to the air, helping your cat breathe easier and snore less.

Elevated Head Position

Try providing a cat bed with a slightly raised area for your cat’s head. This can help keep airways more open during sleep.

Regular Check-Ups

Make sure your cat has regular vet check-ups. Vet check-ups can find and fix health problems early, including those that might make your cat snore.