Cat breathing
A cat's breathing is normally so quiet that you can barely notice it. A cat with normal breathing breathes quietly, and you shouldn't hear any sounds from their nose, throat, or airways.
A normal breathing rate for a resting cat is about 20-30 breaths per minute. If your cat's respiratory rate is higher than this, it's elevated, and you should contact a vet. Even if breathing feels shallow and faster (an elevated rate), you should contact a vet immediately.
If you notice your cat breathing more labouredly, take it as a warning sign that something isn't right. Cats with laboured breathing often use their stomach muscles, so you'll see their tummy moving more when they breathe. This is a very serious condition and is distressing and painful for your cat. If you see this, contact a vet immediately to get your cat help. Sometimes, you might also notice your cat trying to adopt a specific position to breathe more easily – in this case, also contact a vet.
