Should You Worry If Your Cat Snores?
Cats are typically quiet sleepers, but hearing yours snorting on occasion can be amusing. However, if your cat snores regularly during its sleep, you might be concerned that it's a sign of a problem. If you're worried that your cat snores too much or too loudly, read on to learn more about this phenomenon.
Why Cats Snore
Cats, like humans, can snore for a wide variety of reasons. For example, your cat's position during sleep may be awkward, which could be partially pinching their nasal passageways, resulting in a snore. Your cat could also have allergies, which could be causing their nasal passageways to swell slightly, cutting air circulation.
However, snoring can also be caused by more serious problems, like a weight issue. If your cat is overweight, that excess fat could put pressure on their windpipe, reducing the amount of air they get while they're asleep. As a result, they may audibly snore.
When Snoring Becomes a Concern
Generally speaking, if your cat occasionally snores, you probably have nothing to worry about. However, if your cat is clinically overweight, you should consider getting it medical help.
Cats who are overweight are at risk of developing heart disease, diabetes, and excessive snoring during sleep can potentially cut the amount of oxygen flowing to their brain. These are serious problems that need the attention of a medical professional.
What To Do
If you need to help your cat to lose weight to stop their snoring and to reduce their risk of developing other health problems, you should always talk to a vet. Cats are a bit unusual when it comes to losing weight - their bodies aren't designed to rapidly process fat, so simply reducing the amount of calories you feed your cat isn't a good idea. They could end up developing a problem called fatty liver disease, where the liver essentially becomes choked on excess fat that the body is attempting to break down. Due to this, the wisest course of action is to see a veterinarian and to follow their prescribed diet and exercise plan for your cat precisely.
If your cat snores now and then but doesn't have any difficulty breathing during waking hours and isn't overweight, you don't have to worry. However, if you think your cat might be struggling to breathe or they have a weight problem, see a veterinarian right away to protect their health and well-being. For more information, contact veterinarians, such as those from Canine Center.
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