Is It Normal for My Cat to Snore? A Guide to Feline Snoring

In this guide

A softly snoring cat curled up in a sunny spot is a common and mostly endearing sight. But snoring that is new, loud, or paired with other symptoms is worth a closer look.

When snoring is harmless

Cats that sleep in a deeply relaxed position, especially flat cats and breeds with shorter noses, sometimes snore lightly with no other symptoms. If this has been consistent for a long time and your cat is otherwise healthy, active, and eating well, it is usually nothing to worry about.

When snoring signals a problem

• Sudden onset of snoring in a cat that never snored before
• Snoring accompanied by nasal discharge, sneezing, or laboured breathing while awake
• Snoring that gets progressively louder over weeks
• Weight gain contributing to narrowed airways
• A polyp or growth in the nasal passage or throat, more likely in middle-aged and older cats
• Dental disease or an abscess affecting airflow

Breed considerations

Flat-faced breeds such as Persians, increasingly popular in Indian homes, have naturally narrower airways and are more prone to snoring and breathing noise in general. This does not mean every instance is fine to ignore, particularly if breathing looks laboured even while awake.

When to see a vet

New or worsening snoring, especially with other symptoms like nasal discharge, weight change, or breathing difficulty during waking hours, deserves an examination. A vet can check the nasal passages and throat and rule out polyps, infections, or dental issues contributing to the noise.

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