TL;DR: Stertor is a snoring-like sound caused by upper airway obstructions; while typically a medium-priority issue requiring a vet visit within 48 hours, it is a life-threatening emergency if your cat is gasping or has blue gums.
What is stertor in cats and what causes these snoring sounds?
Stertor is a low-pitched, snorting, or snoring sound that occurs when your cat breathes. It is typically caused by a partial obstruction or vibration of tissues in the upper airway, specifically the nasal passages or the back of the throat (nasopharynx). While it may sound similar to a human snoring, if it occurs while your cat is awake, it usually indicates that air is not flowing freely through their nose.
Is it an emergency if my cat is making snoring or snorting sounds while awake?
- Urgency Level: Stertor is generally considered a medium urgency, indicating underlying issues like nasal polyps, infections, or foreign bodies.
- Appointment Timing: You should schedule a veterinary examination within 24 to 48 hours.
- Emergency Red Flags: Seek immediate emergency care if the noisy breathing is accompanied by open-mouth breathing, gasping, or a blue tint to the gums.
How can a photo or video help a veterinarian triage my cat's breathing issues?
- Capture a video: This allows the triage team to assess your cat’s breathing effort and hear the specific pitch of the sound.
- Take clear photos: Images of your cat's face help the vet identify nasal discharge, facial swelling, or asymmetry.
- Improve diagnostic accuracy: These visual tools are among the most helpful ways to point toward the specific cause of an airway blockage.
Clinical Context (Merck Veterinary Manual)
Stertor, a loud respiratory sound, is commonly associated with pharyngeal disease. In cats, stertor, open-mouth breathing, and inspiratory dyspnea can occur when nasal passages are narrowed due to inflamed mucosa, glandular elements, and secretions. Potential causes of large airway pathology include foreign bodies, edema, laryngeal paralysis or paresis, tracheal collapse, and elongated soft palate. Acute unilateral nasal discharge, potentially accompanied by pawing at the face, may indicate a foreign body, whereas chronic nasal discharge that becomes bilateral or changes in character may suggest neoplastic or mycotic disease. Compromised breathing manifests as increased respiratory rate and effort, followed by changes in respiratory pattern and postural changes (orthopnea). Labored, open-mouth breathing and cyanosis indicate significant loss of pulmonary function and impending pulmonary arrest, warranting immediate veterinary attention.
Chapter: Emergency, Respiratory
Source: The Merck Veterinary Manual, 11th Edition (Page 1662)