A veterinarian explains in detail the diseases that can cause cats to snore.

Do you hear "poo-poo" or "boo-boo" sounds when your cat is sleeping?

That's your cat snoring.

While a cat's snoring can sound cute, snoring itself is not normal.

We will explain in detail the diseases that can cause cat snoring.

What does a cat's snore sound like?

Snoring is a phenomenon that occurs when air rubs against a narrowed airway (the passage for air) during sleep.

Even in normal individuals, the airway narrows during sleep, but snoring does not occur. Snoring occurs when the airway becomes abnormally narrow. In the case of cats, snoring sounds more like "boo-boo" or "poo-poo" rather than the "gaar-gaar" sound of human snoring.

Why do cats snore?

Cat snoring can be caused by diseases or structural issues.

The severity of a cat's snoring varies depending on the degree of airway narrowing, ranging from slight wheezing that feels like heavy breathing, to loud snoring sounds, and even to the point where they stop breathing during sleep.

Let's discuss the causes of cat snoring.

Obesity

Just like in humans, obese cats accumulate a lot of fat around their necks. This fat can press on the airway, narrowing it and making snoring more likely.

Rhinitis

When inflammation occurs inside the nose due to allergic rhinitis or cat flu, the nasal mucous membranes become congested and swell, leading to nasal congestion. Furthermore, if bacterial infection occurs in the nose, a yellowish, thick nasal discharge can appear, making nasal congestion even worse.

When nasal congestion occurs, air passes through the narrowed nasal cavity, or the cat tends to breathe through its mouth, which can cause snoring. This sound can sometimes be heard even when the cat is awake, not just during sleep.

Brachycephalic Airway Syndrome

Cats with flattened noses, such as Persian cats, are called brachycephalic breeds.

Brachycephalic airway syndrome is a general term for anatomical abnormalities found in brachycephalic breeds. Brachycephalic airway syndrome can manifest with various anatomical abnormalities, such as:

• Narrow nostrils (stenotic nares)
• Narrow nasal cavity (nasal cavity stenosis)
• Elongated soft palate (like a human uvula)
• Thick soft palate (soft palate hypertrophy)
• Narrow trachea (tracheal hypoplasia)

Depending on the condition, breathing difficulties can vary, from a constant "gurgling" sound to severe narrowing that causes respiratory distress during exercise.

Intranasal Tumors

As cats enter middle to old age, tumors can develop in the nasal cavity.

Types of intranasal tumors include malignant lymphoma, adenocarcinoma, and squamous cell carcinoma. When a tumor develops in the nasal cavity, it narrows the nasal passage, making snoring more likely. In addition, loud breathing sounds may be heard even when the cat is awake, and as the tumor grows, it can cause respiratory distress. Bleeding from the tumor can also lead to bloody nasal discharge or nosebleeds. The face may also become significantly deformed.

Treatment for cat snoring

Treatment for snoring involves treating the underlying disease. We will explain the treatment methods for each disease.

Obesity

If obesity is the cause, diet is the treatment. Obesity is a state where calorie intake exceeds calorie expenditure.

Cats are predatory animals that hunt and catch prey quickly. Therefore, their exercise is primarily anaerobic, and it is difficult for them to lose weight even with a lot of exercise.

The basic principle of a cat's diet is to restrict calorie intake from food. Extreme calorie restriction can put a strain on the liver, so it is essential to consult with a veterinarian to design a calorie plan.

Rhinitis

In cases of allergic rhinitis, steroids or antihistamines are used to suppress the allergic reaction. Allergic reactions to fleas and mites can occur, and treatment with deworming medication or regular cleaning may alleviate symptoms.

In cases of viral rhinitis, symptomatic treatment corresponding to the symptoms is performed. This mainly includes the use of antibiotics, antiviral agents, and interferon therapy.

Brachycephalic Airway Syndrome

Mild cases can be managed with weight control, but surgery may be necessary to widen the nostrils or adjust the size of the soft palate.

Intranasal Tumors

Treatment varies depending on the type of tumor, but typically involves surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and symptomatic treatment. Intranasal tumors are difficult to cure completely, and even if they shrink to some extent, they ultimately recur, leading to a poor prognosis.

Summary

Cat snoring is a symptom of an underlying condition. While some may not consider obesity a disease, in veterinary medicine, obesity is regarded as one.

While a cat's snoring may seem cute and relaxed, remember that it could be a symptom of a health issue.

If there is no apparent difficulty breathing, there is no immediate need to visit a veterinarian, but you should schedule regular check-ups and seek advice from a veterinarian during these visits.