Cats can pant when they are stressed or anxious, though panting is generally not a normal behavior for cats. Unlike dogs, cats do not often pant, and when they do, it may indicate stress or other underlying issues. Panting in cats can occur in response to:
- Stress or anxiety caused by events like a visit to the veterinarian, car rides, loud noises, new environments, or the introduction of new pets or family members.
- Heat or overheating, as panting helps them regulate body temperature through saliva evaporation.
- Physical exertion, such as after intense play or running.
- Pain or illness, where panting could be a sign of serious health problems.
Signs that panting is due to stress include other anxiety-related body language such as hair standing up, tail flicking or held tight, flattened ears, aggression, crouching, quickened breathing, and attempts to hide or freeze. While short-term panting due to stress or heat might resolve once the cat is calm or cooled down, persistent or excessive panting often warrants veterinary attention to rule out health issues like heart disease, respiratory problems, or pain. In summary, cats do pant when stressed, but it is less common than in dogs and should be closely monitored especially if it occurs frequently or is accompanied by other signs of distress or illness.
