NationStates Jolt Archive

Are cats supposed to pant like dogs do? I mean, I know its hot in America, but should cats be panting like this? (Note that this refers to my Neighbors cat, whom I can see through the window and who is panting like my dog does. I fear that he may be close to dehydration, and am planning to give her water, but since the neighbor is not there, I fear the only way to get the cat water is to cut open the window [it's wiring] or break down the door. However, I do not want to save a cat who does not need saving. So please inform me whether or not this cat is in need of water.)

The only time I ever saw a cat pant is when it's too hot, so it may be too hot inside that house.

If the cat is panting, it's probably in distress. Don't take this into your own hands, call animal control, the police or the fire department and report an animal in distress.

If you try to break into your neighbors house, you could get yourself and your family into real legal trouble. So get the authorities involved, that's what they're here for.

If there is wiring can you pour water throughand soak their floor instead of breeaking a window?

Cats don't pant normally.

Are cats supposed to pant like dogs do? I mean, I know its hot in America, but should cats be panting like this? (Note that this refers to my Neighbors cat, whom I can see through the window and who is panting like my dog does. I fear that he may be close to dehydration, and am planning to give her water, but since the neighbor is not there, I fear the only way to get the cat water is to cut open the window [it's wiring] or break down the door. However, I do not want to save a cat who does not need saving. So please inform me whether or not this cat is in need of water.)

Cats will pant if they are freaked out. I've taken my little guy on a car ride (CAT! CAT! CAT!) and he climbed under the seat, console, and steering wheel and pants really hard.

They can pant if they are hot.

Are cats supposed to pant like dogs do? I mean, I know its hot in America, but should cats be panting like this? (Note that this refers to my Neighbors cat, whom I can see through the window and who is panting like my dog does. I fear that he may be close to dehydration, and am planning to give her water, but since the neighbor is not there, I fear the only way to get the cat water is to cut open the window [it's wiring] or break down the door. However, I do not want to save a cat who does not need saving. So please inform me whether or not this cat is in need of water.)

They do, don't worry too much my neighbor's cat pants all the time. You should just tell the neighbor you saw their cat panting and out of breath, as long as their not on a long vacation it probably won't kill the thing.

http://www.pets.ca/articles/article-firstaidvitals.htm

"Cats
• Cats - 20-30 breaths /minute
• Cats panting - up to 300 pants/minute

• Cats do not usually pant unless they are in a stressful situation (going to the vets), frightened, in hot weather. They should not pant for more than a few minutes at a time. If panting persists and animal cannot return to normal breathing treat as an emergency."

http://www.sniksnak.com/cathealth/howto8.html

Call animal control. It sounds like it might be in trouble.

The only times my cats panted, was when they got locked in the car. 120F, no water, stressed out, confined space. Panting is never a good sign, call animal control, or attempt to get it water, without damaging their property

Any response? You do anything?

Any response? You do anything?
She's probably in bed. It is 1:30 in her timezone.

It's probably really hot and thirsty.

I've just come back from the local animal shelter, checking out the kittens they have available, and one of the kittens started panting. The vet told me it was because it was hot and thirsty, and proceeded to give it a bowl of water.

She's probably in bed. It is 1:30 in her timezone.
So? It's 0430 here...then again I have no life and stay up late on weekends during the summer.

Anyway, for future ,,,reading. She could have made a response before sleeping thouhg. Now we're all worried about the poor kitty. Oh well...

Are cats supposed to pant like dogs do? I mean, I know its hot in America, but should cats be panting like this? (Note that this refers to my Neighbors cat, whom I can see through the window and who is panting like my dog does. I fear that he may be close to dehydration, and am planning to give her water, but since the neighbor is not there, I fear the only way to get the cat water is to cut open the window [it's wiring] or break down the door. However, I do not want to save a cat who does not need saving. So please inform me whether or not this cat is in need of water.)

Dogs pant as a way of cooling down their body temperature (evaportaion of moisture in the mouth and on the tongue will cool them down).

Cats usually cool down by lying on a cool surface (our cat used to love the flagstones in our basement on a hot day). As far as I know, cats don't usually pant... try to see if the cat stops if you give it some water maybe? Otherwise there might be something wrong with it...