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Cat Snoring-- Causes and Remedies Related Links: Dog Snoring Links Page-Snoring Directories,Treatment Resources,Tutorial Videos Dogs with Diabetes-What Should They Eat? Snoring Poses a Danger to Your Overall Health Snoring Linked to Stroke "My Husband Died of A Stroke"--a personal story Poor Sleep Makes You Gain Weight Do Humidifiers Help You Sleep?-The Debate Rages On March 16, 2010 By Rory McClenaghan, Contributing Columnist There are few things more annoying than being woken up by a snoring husband or wife. But they may not be the culprit, it could be your cat producing that loud wheezing sound as they sleep. As we all know, cats love to sleep so this could become a constant musical accompaniment to owners' lives. But on a serious note, it may not be great news for the cats either, as snoring can often be a sign of health problems. Snoring in cats may be a more common phenomenon than you think. A study into human sleeping problems by the Mayo Clinic in 2001 found that pets often had a role to play when their owners were having trouble nodding off. In terms of cats, the study found that as many as 7% of cats who slept in the same room as their owners were guilty of snoring. What makes cats snore? Being overweight – just like in human beings, weight issues can cause breathing problems in cats. As Indiana vet Richard L Headley explains: "As the tissue in your pet's throat becomes thicker, he may start snoring." A large soft palate – snoring is often caused when the tissue at the back of a cat's mouth obstructs the airways. This tissue is called the soft palate. Breeds with larger soft palates are more susceptible to snoring according to Kenneth Drobatz, of the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine. Nostril size – flat-faced and short-nosed breeds of cats like Siberian, British short hair and Persian are prime candidates for Brachycephalic Airway Syndrome. This is basically an obstruction of the airways, which are already very small because of the cat's natural head shape. As evidenced by CE Harvey's 2008 study, Inherited and congenital airway conditions. Polyps – these are build-ups of material or growths in the nose and throat which can again block the air passageways causing snoring. They can also be a sign of nasopharyngeal disease, as shown by a study in the Journal of the American Animal Hospital Association, published in 1999. Allergies – just like us, cats can be allergic to a whole range of things in the environment around them and as in humans, this can cause breathing difficulties and lead to snoring. How can you stop it? Sleeping position – just like a snoring wife or husband, sometimes the problem can simply be caused by an awkward sleeping position. A slight readjustment from you should give both owner and pet a good night's sleep. Exercise – if your cat is overweight, a little exercise will help. Dr Headley recommends at least two spells of 15 minute exercise per day. Diet – again a change to a more healthy diet will help your cat to lose weight which may be the cause of the snoring problem. The UK-based animal charity, PDSA recommends using a complete commercial cat food and a constant supply of fresh water. Know your cat's target weight. Cats of different species have different target weights. Your tabby may be able to carry more weight than a siamese or persian before she starts snoring. Avoid allergies – work with your vet to try and isolate what it is that your cat is allergic to and then either remove the offending substance from your home or keep it out of your pet's way. Change the bed – Harrisburg, Pensylvania vet Annette Carricatto advises a change in bed to help your cat, possibly to something longer: "Allowing him to sleep stretched out may reduce his breathing difficulty,” she recommends. Surgery – snoring is rarely a serious problem but if the snore gets closer to gasping and seems to be getting worse over time, talk to your vet, who may advise a simple surgical procedure to remove a blockage. As Dr Headley says: “Some pets may literally turn blue because they're not getting enough air.” It really is not worth taking the risk... Related Links Links Page -Directories, Treatment Resources and Online VideoTutorials Snoring Increases Stroke Risk 67% "My Husband Died of Stroke--a personal story" The Problem of Shallow Sleep Can't Sleep-Here's Help FDA Center for Veterinary Medicine Stroke News Is Your Dog or Cat Obese? Lose 10lbs -A Simple Plan for The Rest of Us My Heart Attack Other Links and Resources: |
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