TL;DR: Feline apnea occurs when a cat temporarily stops breathing due to airway obstructions or medical issues; while occasional pauses during sleep are common, any gasping or blue-colored gums require immediate emergency veterinary care.
What is feline apnea and why does it happen?
- Feline apnea is a condition where a cat temporarily ceases breathing for several seconds.
- This most commonly occurs during sleep (sleep apnea) but can sometimes happen while the cat is awake.
- It is often caused by an upper airway obstruction, neurological issues, or severe obesity which puts pressure on the chest cavity and throat.
Is it an emergency if my cat stops breathing for a few seconds?
- The urgency level for cat breathing pauses is categorized as Medium, requiring a scheduled veterinary consultation.
- While short pauses during deep sleep may be related to dreaming, frequent or prolonged episodes need professional evaluation.
- Seek emergency care immediately if you notice blue-colored gums, open-mouth gasping, or if your cat collapses.
How can a video help my vet diagnose my cat's breathing pauses?
- Because breathing pauses are intermittent, your cat will likely breathe normally by the time you reach the clinic.
- Capturing a video allows your veterinarian to see the exact duration, frequency, and physical effort involved in the episode.
- This visual evidence is crucial for determining if the issue is obstructive, central, or behavioral.
Clinical Context (Merck Veterinary Manual)
Apnea, the cessation of breathing, may occur in cats. Diagnosis of compromised breathing necessitates visualization of chest wall movement when a breath is administered, visualization of the tube entering the airway, placement of an end-tidal CO2 monitor, or radiographs.
Chapter: Cardiology, Emergency, Neurology
Source: The Merck Veterinary Manual, 11th Edition (Page 118)
Protocol reviewed by Dr. Jessica Williams, DVM