TL;DR: A clicking sound when a cat exhales often indicates respiratory issues like asthma or infections; while usually a medium-priority concern, it becomes a life-threatening emergency if accompanied by open-mouth breathing or blue-tinted gums.
Why is my cat making a clicking sound when they breathe out?
Hearing a clicking or snapping sound when your cat breathes out can be concerning. This sound is often caused by air moving through restricted passages or fluid within the respiratory tract. It may indicate conditions such as feline asthma, upper respiratory infections, or small obstructions in the nasal passages.
Is a clicking sound during exhalation a veterinary emergency?
- The urgency level for a clicking sound during exhalation is categorized as Medium.
- If your cat is otherwise acting normal, eating, and active, you should schedule a veterinary appointment within 24 to 48 hours.
- If the clicking is accompanied by open-mouth breathing, a blue tint to the gums, or extreme lethargy, this is a life-threatening emergency and requires immediate intervention.
Why should I record a video of my cat making these respiratory sounds?
- Capturing a video or photo of your cat while they are experiencing these respiratory sounds is incredibly helpful for triage.
- Cats often hide their symptoms when they arrive at a clinic due to adrenaline and stress.
- A clear video allows your veterinarian to hear the exact pitch of the sound and observe the physical effort your cat is using to breathe, leading to a faster and more accurate diagnosis.
Clinical Context (Merck Veterinary Manual)
Systolic clicks, short, sharp sounds occurring during mid to late systole, can be auscultated in cats. While systolic clicks in dogs are often indicative of early myxomatous atrioventricular valve degeneration causing mitral valve prolapse, in cats, they are typically associated with an otherwise normal heart. In contrast, gallop sounds in cats usually indicate severe heart disease. Thoracic radiographs can aid in differentiating between systolic clicks and gallop sounds.
Chapter: Cardiology
Source: The Merck Veterinary Manual, 11th Edition (Page 88)