Hearing an occasional snort while your cat is asleep is cute, but if your cat regularly snores, it might worry you. Many cats snore, and the reasons why can vary wildly. If you've noticed that your cat frequently snores, here are four of the most common causes behind cats snoring.
Allergies
Cats can experience allergies just like humans do, and that comes with the potential to snore while sleeping. Allergies can irritate the tissues in the nose, throat, and lungs, making it harder for air to pass through. While allergies rarely reduce the airflow enough to endanger a cat's health, it can trigger snoring.
If your cat has allergies, they will most likely show other signs. Look for sneezing, sniffling, leakage from the eyes or nose, or an audible wheezing sound while they're awake.
Breed
Certain breeds of cats are more inclined to snore than others. While most cats have fairly long snouts and noses, breeds with shorter noses like Persians tend to snore. This is because the breeding process has changed the shape of the air passageways inside the nose. When a cat goes to sleep and the muscles in the throat and nose relax, air passing through the nose can cause the nose to vibrate, resulting in a snoring sound. If your cat has a short or flattened nose, snoring may be completely normal.
Weight
People are more likely to snore if they're overweight, and the same is true of cats. Cats who are heavier than they should be are more likely to snore due to the pressure put on their windpipe while sleeping. When the muscles in the throat and nose relax, fatty tissues can pressure down on the windpipe and nasal passageways. This results in a constricted space for air to pass through, which can create a snoring sound.
If you think your cat might be overweight, it's worth visiting a veterinarian. Even carrying a little extra weight can increase your cat's risk of joint problems, diabetes, and other illnesses. Your vet will be able to help you make a plan to safely reduce your cat's weight.
Tumor
Lastly, a nasal or throat tumor can potentially cause snoring while your cat is asleep. This is a dangerous condition that can potentially be life-threatening if left untreated. If the tumor isn't surgically removed or otherwise reduced in size, it may continue to grow, ultimately completely blocking a cat's airway. This could cause breathing difficulty even while your cat is awake. If your cat snores and they don't match any of the above three causes, you should go to a veterinarian to make sure that your cat doesn't have a tumor developing.
Hearing a cat snore can be cute, and in some instances, it's harmless. However, it's a good idea to mention it to your veterinarian, even if you think it's not causing any problems. Your vet will be able to examine your cat and determine if there's a problem or not, and if so, prevent your cat's snores from turning into something more dangerous.
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