This cat blog will answer the major question, “What does a cat with an open-mouth indicate?” we will also discuss the normal reasons for open-mouth breathing in your cat, the abnormal reasons for open-mouth breathing in your cat, and what you can do to settle such cats in your home.
What does a cat with an open-mouth indicate?
Following are the indications of an open-mouth in a cat:
- Strenuous exercise
- Extremely hot weather
- Asthma
- Pneumonia
These are the major reasons for open-mouth breathing in your cat.
What are the normal reasons for open-mouth breathing in your cat?
Following are the normal reasons for open-mouth breathing in your cat:
Extreme weather causes open-mouths in cats
The first reason is the extremely hot weather which can cause open-mouth breathing in your cat. This type of breathing is called panting which is seen in cats and dogs. This is due to increased hotness in the weather and the cats want to release the extra heat that is built up in the body.
Cats and dogs release extra heat from the body through panting which is normal in extreme weather. The blood supply to the respiratory tract is increased and panting releases the extra heat that is trapped in the body.
Strenuous exercise causes open-mouth in cats
The next reason is the stressful exercise that is done by the cats. When cats do strenuous exercise the heat and the extra carbon dioxide are built up in the body which is released by the cats when they perform panting.
During this time excessive sweating can also be seen because the sweat glands of the skin are activated which will help the body to release extra heat that is built up in the body. The blood supply to the skin is increased by the heart because the sweat glands have to work more and more to release the extra heat from the body.
Metabolic heat causes open-mouth in cats
Cats eat something that will metabolize in the body which will produce by-products such as water and heat. The heat is used by the cat to maintain the body temperature. As cats are warm-blooded animals, they are not able to regulate the body temperature according to the needs of the body.
In summer, the heat of metabolization can cause extra heat build up in the body which will ultimately lead to panting in order to release the extra heat from the body.
What are the abnormal reasons for open-mouth breathing in your cat?
Following are the abnormal reasons for open-mouth breathing in your cat:
Infectious diseases cause open-mouth breathing
The first abnormal reason is the infectious disease in your cat which primarily affects the respiratory system of the body. One such disease is the feline calci virus infection in your cat.
The feline calci virus attacks the respiratory system and can cause sneezing, coughing, and oral lesions in your cat. This disease can also cause difficulty in respiration in your cat.
Pneumonia can also cause open-mouth breathing
The next reason is pneumonia which is the inflammation of the lungs. Such conditions can be present in almost every disease which affects the respiratory system of your cat.
It is important to note that pneumonia is the cause of many complications so you need to call your vet if you see open-mouth breathing in your cat.
Asthma also causes open-mouth breathing
The next reason is asthma which is a kind of allergic reaction in the body. It is due to dust, dirt, or pollen which can trigger an immune response. This causes the narrowing of airways and cats will feel difficulty in respiration.
It is a deadly condition that has to be managed because there is no known cure for it. You must use bronchodilators in this case to maintain a healthy respiration rate in your cat.
How can you manage such a cat at your home?
Following are the things you must do to manage such a cat at your home:
- The first thing you need to do is to diagnose the cause of open-mouth breathing in your cat.
- After that, you must manage things according to it such as in extreme weather you should provide a cool place for your cat and enough water.
- If you suspect something abnormal you must call your vet and discuss the condition of your cat with the vet. Your vet will give useful advice to you.
Conclusion
In this cat blog, we answered the major question, “What does a cat with an open-mouth indicate?” we also discussed the normal reasons for open-mouth breathing in your cat, the abnormal reason for open-mouth breathing in your cat, and what you can do to settle such cats in your home.
