10 Reasons Why Your Maine Coon Is Breathing Loudly
If your Maine Coon cat has started breathing noisily, you’re probably wondering if it’s normal or something to worry about.
While Maine Coons are known for their vocal personalities and occasional snoring, persistent or unusual breathing sounds can signal an underlying health issue.
From mild congestion to more serious respiratory conditions, there are several potential causes every owner should be aware of.
In this article, we’ll explore the most common reasons for noisy breathing in Maine Coons, what symptoms to watch for, and when it’s time to call the vet.
10 Causes Of Noisy Breathing
Maine Coon noisy breathing may take the form of a:
- Stridor: A high-pitched, whistling sound
- Stertor: A deeper, snoring-like noise heard during inhalation
Understanding whether it’s upper-airway (nose or throat) or lower-airway (windpipe or lungs) is essential since different parts of the respiratory tract cause different sounds and require different responses.
1. Airway Obstruction (Upper Or Lower)
Symptoms to watch for:
- Whistling during inhalation (stridor)
- Snoring or snorting (stertor)
- Gagging or open-mouth breathing
- Difficulty swallowing
Upper airway obstructions, such as nasal polyps, elongated soft palates, or three foreign bodies, restrict airflow and produce these distinct sounds.
Lower airway blockages, including cat asthma or bronchitis, often result in wheezing or coughing due to inflammation or excess mucus.
These conditions require immediate investigation to avoid compromised breathing.
2. Asthma Or Chronic Bronchitis
Symptoms to watch for:
- Wheezing or rapid breathing at rest
- Persistent coughing
- Clicking noises during inhalation or exhalation
- Neck extension while breathing
These respiratory conditions manifest as chronic inflammation in the bronchi or airways, leading to chest tightness and sometimes panic-like breathing.
Affected cats may display open-mouth breathing or chest retractions and should receive medical evaluation promptly.
3. Fluid Accumulation In The Chest
Symptoms to watch for:
- Fast, shallow breathing
- Weakness or refusal to jump
- Persistent coughing or panting
- Pale or bluish gums
Conditions like pulmonary edema or pleural effusion, often secondary to heart issues or severe infections, cause loud, labored breathing and may lead cats to adopt splayed postures to ease discomfort.
This is a medical emergency.
4. Upper Respiratory Infections (URIs)
Symptoms to watch for:
- Sneezing or nasal discharge
- Watery or crusty eyes
- Mild fever or lethargy
- Noisy breathing during sleep
Viral, bacterial, or fungal infections inflame the nasal passages and sinuses, reducing airflow and creating congestion-related snoring or grunt noises.
If symptoms persist beyond a few days or worsen, veterinary care is needed.
5. Throat Inflammation (Pharyngitis)
Symptoms to watch for:
- Frequent throat clearing or coughing
- Drooling or difficulty swallowing
- Gagging or regurgitation
- Odd breathing leading to gag sounds
Because cats may scratch at their throats when irritated, inflammation of the pharynx or tonsils, often due to infection, vomiting, or dental issues, can narrow the airway and produce muffled breathing.
6. Laryngeal Damage Or Laryngitis
Symptoms to watch for:
- Hoarse or weak vocalization
- Less frequent meows
- Soft coughing or throat clearing
- Occasional gagging
Inflammation of the larynx or vocal cords may stem from trauma, infection, or smoke exposure.
The resulting dysfunction can cause quiet, raspy vocalizations and communicating through breathing sounds.
7. Nasopharyngeal Narrowing (Nasal Stertor)
Symptoms to watch for:
- Snoring sounds during breathing
- Nasal discharge or sneezing
- Mouth breathing
- Swollen nasal tissue
Chronic inflammation, dental root abscesses, or post-nasal drip-related swelling can narrow the nasal passages. This constriction results in deep, stertorous noises similar to snoring.
A veterinary exam is important to identify any obstructions.
8. Stress, Heat, Or Anxiety
Symptoms to watch for:
- Panting that subsides when relaxed
- Rapid respiratory rate after play or stress
- Elevated pulse or restlessness
- Normal color gums
Although cats seldom pant, stress or heat may trigger a brief, rapid breathing response.
If panting is short-lived and stops with cooling or reassurance, it generally isn’t dangerous unless it persists or is accompanied by lethargy.
9. Fever Or Systemic Illness
Symptoms to watch for:
- High temperature (>106°F)
- Shaking or trembling
- Loss of appetite and lethargy
- Labored breathing with a grunt or a sniffle
Infectious or inflammatory illness can increase respiratory effort.
This, combined with systemic symptoms such as weakness or poor appetite, often signals systemic fever and should prompt veterinary intervention.
10. Chest Or Lung Trauma
Symptoms to watch for:
- Sudden labored and noisy breathing
- Visible pain or reluctance to move
- Pale or bluish gums
- Collapse or disorientation
Trauma from falls, fights, or accidents can result in bruised lungs (contusions), pneumothorax, or fractured ribs, all of which severely impair breathing.
This is always a medical emergency and requires immediate veterinary care.
When To See A Vet Immediately
Even in large Maine Coons, quiet breathing at rest is the norm. Seek veterinary care without delay if you observe any of these signs:
- Open-mouth breathing or strong chest retractions
- Blue, grey, or pale gums
- Breath rate above 40/min at rest
- Lethargy, collapse, or confusion
These signs suggest significant oxygen deprivation or airway compromise.
Early Actions At Home Before Veterinary Evaluation
- Monitor and note when noisy breathing occurs, e.g., during sleep, rest, or activity.
- Maintain a calm, cool environment with reduced dust or smoke.
- Elevate food and water bowls to ease posture-related breathing strain.
- Increase humidity with a humidifier or warm shower to calm irritated nasal pathways.
While mild or situational breathing variations may improve, persistent or worsening symptoms always warrant professional evaluation.
Final Thoughts
Noisy breathing in Maine Coons can stem from minor, temporary irritants or serious medical conditions. Recognizing key symptoms and pursuing a timely veterinary diagnosis can dramatically improve outcomes
