Why does my cat snore?

Does the sight and sound of your cat snoring seem a little odd to you? You may be wondering if it’s normal or if it’s anything to worry about.

Just like humans, many cats do snore. When your cat is deeply relaxed and fast asleep, the airways narrow, and become partially blocked by extra skin from the soft palate, which can lead to snoring.

What makes my cat snore?

There are several reasons why you might have a snoring cat.

As a cat owner, you’re sure to have noticed that your cat can get itself into some pretty strange positions, and this also includes while they are sleeping. An odd sleeping position can be enough to bring on a snoring session, and you’ll probably find that the snoring stops once your cat moves
Very overweight cats are more likely to snore than slimmer cats. Excess weight can put more pressure on a cat’s nasal passages, causing them to snore
Certain breeds are more likely to snore, and this includes flat-faced cats such as Persians and Exotic Shorthairs. These types of cats have narrower passageways in their throat and nose, making snoring a common occurrence.

Is it normal for cats to snore?

Snoring is completely normal for cats, especially when they are very relaxed and deeply asleep. However there are occasions when your cat’s snoring can be a sign of a problem.

Allergies. Much like a human, if your cat is suffering from an allergy their nasal passage may be blocked, causing them to snore.
Asthma. If your cat develops asthma, a visit to the vet is definitely needed as your cat will probably need medication to manage the condition.
If your cat is snoring, and also has discharge from the eyes or nose, this can be a sign of infection which can cause excess mucus in the nasal passage.
Coughing or breathing with the mouth open can be an indication of a respiratory condition.
Unusual snoring for your cat, combined with a loss of appetite or general lethargy, may mean your pet is feeling unwell.

So in the main, your cat’s snoring is nothing to worry about, and is a very normal part of many cat’s sleep. As with all aspects of looking after your cat, if you do have any concerns, arrange a consultation with your vet.