For the most part, cats that make this noise are in distress. Some cat breeds like Munchkin, Persian, Bombay, Himalayan, or Scottish Fold Cats may demonstrate this breathing pattern. The key to deciphering what your cat wants is in understanding what these different vocalizations are, as well as what each of them means for your feline companion. Huffing is a different sound than wheezing or panting. The technical term is bunting and refers to the way a cat presses and rubs its head against objects. Cats use their wide vocal range to express how theyre feeling and even to describe things around them. Open the cat's mouth and check for any obstructions. If you have a cat breathing audibly, be sure to monitor your cat and observe your cat for worsening health conditions that may indicate a more significant problem. It is a series of short, high-intensity exhales that sounds similar to a huff that a house cat might make. While huffing noises are fairly common in cats, it can definitely be concerning if this is your first time experiencing this . The ones that indicate a level of aggression include: Growl, which is usually low-pitched, harsher, and short in duration and mouth is open. Most of the writers on our site are vets with 10+ years of clinical experience, ranging from small practice, to equine practice, academia, and surgery. Feel free to sniff your kitty's luscious fur. Huffing is a symptom of frustration in cats, but it may also be a sign of exhaustion. Writer and Mommy of 3 furr babies: But what if your cat is simply doing a short, quick huff out their nose with its mouth shut? A cat that is having difficulty breathing could be in distress. If you persist with it your cat is likely to escalate its responses to something more aggressive. Another technical term, allorubbing, refers to the way cats rub their bodies against another cat, a human, or even a trusted family dog. Causes and Remedies Unveiled, Why Do Cats Have Wet Noses? Cats use their wide vocal range to express how theyre feeling and even to describe things around them. Cats, identical to people, play and take part in different actions pressure their our bodies. If other cats are starving and believe you are not feeding them fast enough, they will huff. Spending time with your petshelps you deal with stressand may evenreduce risk factors related to cardiac disease. Cats love the attention. Typically, the cat is expressing its dissatisfaction with something by huffing and puffing. Get Our Newsletter SUBSCRIBE. An occasional huff is no cause for concern, but hearing your cat breathing heavily could indicate your cat is suffering from an underlying health issue. Why Does My Cat Huff Like A Dog? This is usually seen as a sign of excitement or happiness and is not usually a sign of aggression. Sighing in cats, much like people, can show that your cat is happy, content, and relaxed. Similar to humans, asthma in cats is a chronic inflammation of the air passageway in the lungs of the pets. If you haven't already, go try it now. While cats can be prone to allergies that can cause labored breathing, it is always best to have your cat evaluated by a veterinarian if its breathing is audible or labored. Without timely intervention, it's quite possible for cats to die of HARD so you have to keep your fluffy friend on regular heartworm preventative. Humans sigh for a variety of reasons (most often tiredness or frustration), but cats sigh when they are healthy, comfortable, and at home. Their constant self-grooming helps keep their fur clean and healthy. Is it possible for a perfectly healthy pet to start huffing out of the blue? How Long Can Newborn Kittens Survive Without Their Mom? However, if this is the first time youve seen your pet do anything like this and its out of character, take them to the vet and get answers from a trained specialist. Cats can also huff when they are exhausted from exerting themselves. A huff can indicate that a cat is feeling stressed, annoyed, or frustrated. Our team is composed of pet care professionals, veterinarians, and pet owners. Reason 3: Your cat is relaxed. You know when you're stressed and you head to the kitchen to scarf down an entire bag of chips (or whatever bad habit you have developed to deal with anxiety and tension)? It also might sound like a short forced burst of air. Alternatively, a snort combined with a hiss or growl could indicate that your cat is unhappy and would like to be left alone. Conclusion on why does my cat huff when playing. This will usually be a single huff used to express themselves. In addition to that, playtime gives people opportunities to check for suspicious signs in the behaviors of the pets. Your cat may be standing on your foot for several different reasons including: Show you they love you. Today, we're going to take a deep dive into why cats huff, what the sound means, and how to respond. You can still partake in the benefits of cat huffing. Thanks if you use my links, I really appreciate your support. Cats dont sigh when theyre down, as this excellent post on cat sighing shows. This might sound like a panting or wheezing instead, which well get to next. Take a video if you like, and show it to some of your cat-parent friends or your vet, and see what they say. It can definitely seem like they are mad at you if youre a few minutes late with breakfast or, Why Understanding Your Cats Sounds Matters. A huff is a short exhale of air from the cats nose that is sharp and direct. This means that they might already be suffering silently from asthma and be pretty uncomfortable! If they do it once out of the blue for no reason, they might just have some dust in their nose! No, it's not an illegal street drug gone feline. Is it followed by a huffing rhythm and clumsy body language? 2. In this situation, you may notice that your cat will huff in disappointment. Of course, cats huff when they are irritated with us, too! As long as they have food, water, and a clean place to go to the bathroom, theyll be okay if you put off petting them or playing with them until later in the day. If your cat is huffing when it is playing it could be because it is unfit or overweight. Some other signs that your cat is in distress is huffing accompanied by other sounds, like a rattling sound or a high-pitched whistling. These cats often also have a decreased appetite and increased thirst. First, though, lets agree on what a huff is precisely. However, most times, when a cat huffs it means she's either afraid, frustrated, or . But, why does your cat do this when its playing? Every cat is an individual, and some owners may report a significantly more vocal cat than others. Some people have observed their cats walking around the house meowing to themselves. Huffing is just one of very many different types of cat vocalizations that your kitty uses to communicate with you. A cats huff is similar to a hiss. They are likely to be slightly more offensive whether they are irritated or scared of something at the time. If another pet- be it a dog or a cat- intrudes her space, she will react by producing a huffing noise. (See What The Vet Says! The only time youd have to worry will be if theyve lost their spark.. Your cat can sometimes fall asleep in an unusual or awkward position, obstructing airflow through its nasal passages. Accept it and note that cats dont bear grudges as we do. They may be worked up, irritated, or they could just be trying to get to something (like a toy or a treat) that is just out of reach. They may be frustrated or tired. Although the chatter sound can vary in cats as to how exactly it comes out. They still do not impose values on people in the same way as we do. Is it as if theyre in agony because theyre walking slowly? My Cat Stopped Purring When I Got A New Kitten Why? Warmth and comfort. Well trained vets should perform examinations, deduce the cause and devise treatment regime if necessary. If its the latter, frustrated, it may just be a minor issue between two friendly cats or a male cats frustration because it wont let him mate. All rights reserved. So, take this as an early warning. D Three Ltd also participates in affiliate programs with Bluehost, Clickbank, CJ, ShareASale, and other sites. Cat huffing beats that by a long shot. Don't have a feline to call your own? As they play and exert themselves physically, a healthy and fit cat may pant but control its breathing shortly after. In the wild, big cats perform a vocalization called chuffing. If your cat is wheezing, you should make an appointment to take him to the doctor. This can make them sound like theyre snoring or exhaling loudly. Get free online cat care guideline and tips delivered directly to you inbox. Their fur gives off a sweet, musky scent. Cats are fickle animals, and their moods will shift in a matter of seconds. (the reason is GOOD), Can Cats Eat French Fries? Cats make huffing noises to express irritation or annoyance. If your cat does this on a daily basis, a trip to the veterinarian is in order. The most common reason that a cat huffs is out of frustration. Huffing can help express fear or dissatisfaction and is completely normal for a cat. My other cat Spike wanted to be friends so he would hang around her when he could. Considering this, along with the fact that cats emotions arent as complicated as ours, theyre not going to lose sleep over a bit of transgression. In physically-fit pets, huffing is considered to be normal. Pet owners only need to keep their cat warm, prepare nutritious cat foods and if required, ask for a cat-specific prescription medication from the vets. Although this is a common side effect of intense playtime, you should keep an eye on your pet and ensure that they do not overexert themselves to the point of exhaustion. Chuffing, which is also referred to as Prusten, is something that has been identified in jaguars, tigers, and some kinds of leopards. They are actually more likely to withdraw if they are sad, probably because they are socially intelligent creatures. An exhale from the nose is referred to as a huff. So err on the side of caution. Purrfect n Pawesome is the brainchild of Amanda, who has been into researching and writing about pets to help other pet parents in nurturing their adorable pets. To compensate, a cats body will sometimes make a huffing noise. They cant reach under the couch when their toy rolls out of the way or open the door to let themselves outside (at least most cats cant open doors). And try not to worry if your cat gets grumpy at you sometimes! Could your cat huff because its mad with you? It is a series of short, high-intensity exhales that sounds similar to a huff that a house cat might make. Its natural for them to be grumpy from time to time, just as it is for us. What if it does this to another cat? Huffing in cats is a sign of aggravation, but may also be related to an exhausted cat. Obviously, cats with a cold have difficulty breathing due to the presence of slimy fluid all over the respiratory system. Well go through some interesting facts about huffing noises, what they say, and what you should do as a pet owner to protect your cat in this post. Keep you in one place. They cant reach under the couch when their toy rolls out of the way or open the door to let themselves outside (, Dont feel bad if you cant drop everything on a whim and give in to your kittys every demand. Required fields are marked *. While its helpful to have somewhere to start, its important to remember that every cat is different. Part of it has to do with comfort and security. One of the most adorable, yet confusing sounds cats make is Most domestic cats that make the sound do it to express annoyance or . For a cat to chuff, it closes its mouth and blows air through the nostrils to emit an occasional snort. So what compels the average cats to make huffing noise? Aimed at you, it probably means your cat wants you to follow them, usually . So, now you know. "Why does my cat huff," you think to yourself as you observe your fluffy friend running around producing strange sounds."Would this be the moment to schedule an appointment with her veterinarian or," you mumble under your breath knowing she's too busy with whatever she's doing to answer. However, their initial frustration wont last too long! Your cat will get annoyed at you from time to time. It is essential to differentiate between usual communicative huffing and a potential medical problem with your cat. Sure, cat huffing noise may be a sign of issue but if you exercise precautions, you would be to at least keep the odd low. Mostly, a cats hiss signifies anger, pain, or discomfort and could be followed by an act of aggression. Your cat will probably close their mouth when they huff. Sometimes it is like chattering the teeth for other cats it can be a sort of puffing sound from the nose. You say that they blow hard when they are looking at flies or some other object of prey. Here are just a few reasons to love this admittedly odd but overwhelmingly cute . Offer treats while you lift and hold your cat's paw," she says. This sort of akakak sound your cat makes means it is getting excited to play or hunt and maybe even a little over-excited. I Still Dont Know! Keep reading for these answers, and much more. Can Cats Eat Meatballs? Losing their spark could mean a sudden apathy to play or cuddles, not eating, seeming scared, or being overly aggressive. Ensure the cat does not have a blockage in its airway caused by food or a foreign object. A cat may have breathing abnormalities that make it sound like it is struggling to breathe. It doesnt take a lot for a cat to get huffy and start huffing at you and any cat owner will tell you how particular they are! Its not incredibly common, but some cats huff and puff when frustrated or worked up. Wheezing is usually caused by feline asthma or respiratory illness, so its something best managed by a veterinarian. WHY DOES MY CAT HUFF AT ME? "A dog or cat with uncontrolled diabetes can have very sweet- and fruity-smelling breath," Wooten said. Why Do Cats Want You To Walk Them To Their Food. Chasing a plush toy or ball, playing with kids, and even watching other cats play can make a cat want to show their excitement by chirping. In some cases, if your cat is walking around and meowing, it may be trying to find you and been unsuccessful. A Sign Of Nausea. (What Now?). So think of it as a sigh of relief when you sink into a hot bath at the end of a long day. Answer (1 of 11): A few years ago, I had a cat called Sophie. Cat's lungs are like human's and serve the same purpose. This is a rare case and occurs in some breeds, including Persian and flatters. then you're not alone! "These dogs and cats usually also have weight loss, and drink a lot and pee a lot.". As you may know, once a cat is neutered, they often lose the desire to mate (click here if your cat is full of energy after). So, can cats hold grudges, and if so, for how long? Third, cats huff when they're happy and want to show their owners how happy they are. Cats may also huff after playing or if they have an underlying condition. We go to great lengths to help users better understand their pets; however, the content on this blog is not a substitute for veterinary guidance. It is quite a subtle response in the scheme of things, especially when compared to other noises like hissingor even squeaking. As you learn the difference between these sounds your cat makes, youll be able to understand your feline companion a little better. If they are frustrated because there is something out of their reach, then they will be staring at that item or actively reaching for it. Chattering is another cat trait you might notice in this case. The position of the puffed up tail will also signal a different message. My cat huffs at me and it can be confusing or slightly concerning. To summarise, if you detect huffing sounds, do not disregard them. Cat breeds with flatter faces, such as Persian cats, are more prone to snoring. Even though they can be trained to remember some things and are smart enough to recognize humans and animals they know, cats prefer to live in the here and now. So grab your cat and let's get to exploring! Why Does My Cat Make Huffing Noises When Playing? Why Does My Cat Walk Around Meowing? "Clip one nail and offer a treat at the same time. Even though cats cannot speak English like people do. And this will tell you how your pet is doing, as well as how theyre doing in terms of their fitness. But, this huffing expression is reserved for minor issues. Cats love to sleep, and they love to sleep on top of their humans. Like a sigh, the huff is usually short and punctuated and is used to communicate between cats and owners. First, cats sometimes huff because they want more food or have eaten too much food. AskMyCats.com does not intend to provide veterinary advice. If your cat exhibits this kind of behavior, its best to keep a safe distance from them. Wheezing that is persistent or get worse might require emergency attention, especially if something is stopping your cat from breathing. Given how sensitive cats can be, there are many triggers that can stress a cat out. He didn't seem out of breath or in any kind of distress and I'm sure I've occasionally heard him make the same noise when watching . Cats are among the most territorial creatures, so they'd much rather not share their space with other pets. When your cat makes a huffing sound, it is because they are quickly exhaling air through their nose. Occasional wheezing, combined with other allergy symptoms like a stuffy or runny nose and eyes, could mean your cat is suffering from allergies. So, cats can be fairly vocal animals and many of their vocalizations have some meaning with respect to how they may respond. Cats that are overweight are also likely to pant a lot during and after playing. Before we do that, though, lets talk about what exactly huffing is. In nutshell the reason behind the cat's sigh can be: 1. The rest of the commenters 10-20% whose cats made the sound said the cat used one or several of those nasal exhalations as a greeting when they were glad to see a human or animal. Its just your cat trying to express themselves. Dr. Steve Weinberg, founder of 911 VETS, said it can feel nice and comfy to have your cat sleep on a bed with you some literally on your head potentially calming anxiety and night terrors . Of aggravation, but some cats huff when they are exhausted from exerting themselves if theyve lost their spark mean! From them sigh of relief when you sink into a hot bath the... Worry will be if theyve lost their spark could mean a sudden apathy to play hunt! Around and meowing, it may be trying to find you and been unsuccessful my other cat wanted. 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