Why is my cat breathing heavy while breastfeeding?

Understanding Heavy Breathing in Nursing Cats
If you’ve noticed your cat breathing heavily while breastfeeding, it’s essential to understand the potential reasons behind this concerning behavior. Heavy breathing, or tachypnea, can be a symptom of various underlying issues, particularly in a nursing cat who has just given birth.
Possible Causes of Heavy Breathing
1. Postpartum Changes: After giving birth, a cat’s body undergoes significant changes. One potential issue is hypocalcemia, or low blood calcium levels, which can occur in the weeks following delivery. This condition can lead to muscle spasms and respiratory distress, manifesting as heavy breathing while the cat is nursing.
2. Stress and Anxiety: The postpartum period can be stressful for a mother cat. If she feels threatened or anxious, her breathing may become rapid and shallow. This response is similar to how humans might react in stressful situations, and it can be exacerbated by the presence of noisy or overly active kittens.
3. Respiratory Issues: Heavy breathing can also indicate respiratory problems such as asthma or pneumonia. Cats with asthma may exhibit symptoms like wheezing and coughing, alongside heavy breathing. If your cat has a history of respiratory issues, this could be a significant factor.
4. Overheating: Cats can also breathe heavily if they are overheated. This can happen if the environment is too warm or if the cat is stressed. Ensuring a comfortable, cool space for the mother and her kittens is crucial.
5. Physical Exhaustion: Nursing can be physically demanding. If the mother cat is not receiving adequate nutrition, particularly protein, she may become fatigued, leading to heavy breathing as her body struggles to meet the demands of nursing.
When to Seek Veterinary Care
While some causes of heavy breathing may resolve on their own, others can be serious. If your cat’s heavy breathing persists, is accompanied by other symptoms like lethargy, coughing, or a change in appetite, it is crucial to consult a veterinarian. Early intervention can be vital in addressing potential health issues before they escalate.
In summary, while heavy breathing in a nursing cat can stem from various factors, it is essential to monitor her closely. Understanding the context and potential causes can help you provide the best care for your feline friend during this critical time.

How to tell if a cat is about to give birth?

Signs often include:

1. Becoming restless and vocal.
2. Hiding away.
3. Grooming excessively (especially around her vulva)
4. Panting.
5. Eating less.
6. Passing a small amount of red/brown mucus from her vulva.
7. ‘Nesting’ – scratching and pacing around her kittening box.

Why is my nursing cat breathing heavy?

• Normal Post-Birth Behavior: After giving birth, it’s common for cats to experience some panting or rapid breathing due to the physical exertion of labor.
• Nursing: If she is nursing her kittens, the physical activity and hormonal changes can cause her to breathe faster.

How do I know if my cat still has kittens inside her?

If there is a kitten inside still, you can generally gently palpate her abdomen and will feel the lump. and it should be movable to an extent inside unlike any organs would remain in place. If she doesn’t deliver the last kitten within 24hrs she will be in trouble and develop a fever.

When should I worry about my cat breathing?

If your cat has a breathing problem, you might notice them breathing loudly, quickly, coughing, taking small shallow breaths, or in very severe cases, mouth breathing (panting). Contact your vet straight away if your cat is struggling to breathe, mouth breathing, or has collapsed.

Why is my cat panting when nursing?

Often, the cat is nursing a large litter of kittens. Early signs of milk fever include restlessness, panting, muscle tremors, and incoordination. Without treatment, it can progress to tetanic (rigid, stiff-legged) muscular spasms, followed by convulsions (seizures) or coma. This is a life-threatening condition.

What are the symptoms of milk fever in cats?

Itchy face, rubbing face on the ground. Panting. Increased heart rate (tachycardia) Increased vocalisation/whining.

What is milk fever in cats?

Also called “milk fever,” eclampsia is usually due to an underactive parathyroid gland, the gland that is responsible for regulating the parathyroid hormone, which in turn regulates the amount of calcium that is stored in the bones, to be removed as needed for use in the blood.

Why is my cat still breathing heavy after giving birth?

• Normal Post-Birth Behavior: After giving birth, it’s common for cats to experience some panting or rapid breathing due to the physical exertion of labor.
• Nursing: If she is nursing her kittens, the physical activity and hormonal changes can cause her to breathe faster.

How do I know if my nursing cat has mastitis?

What Are The Signs Of Mastitis?

1. Swollen mammary glands.
2. Glands that feel hot to the touch.
3. Glands that are red, purple, or otherwise discolored.
4. Milk that contains brown, bloody, or pus-like discharge.
5. An unusual odor from the area.
6. Signs of pain or distress from the nursing cat when you touch the area.

How long will a mother cat leave her kittens unattended?

Free-roaming female cats that have not been spayed often leave their kittens alone for a few hours each day. She may spend time away hunting or searching for a new place to move her kittens. Sometimes the mother cat has simply been scared away by a loud noise and is nearby waiting for a safe return.