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Why is my cat opening her mouth with a small sound or panting?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Female | spayed

My cat keeps opening and closing her mouth and a small sound comes out

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Jennifer Summerfield, DVM CPDT-KA

Veterinarian, Certified Dog Trainer

Published on June 25th, 2016

Cats can sometimes "lose their voice" as a result of an upper respiratory infection, similar to what happens to people when we get laryngitis. As a result, they will sometimes go through the motions of meowing but little or no sound comes out. If this sounds like what you are seeing, I would recommend having her checked by a vet - she may need antibiotics or other medication if she has an infection. Another possibility based on what you are describing is that your cat is having trouble breathing - cats will sometimes appear to be panting, or breathing with an open mouth if they are having trouble getting their breath. If you see this, it is a medical emergency and the cat needs to be seen by a vet immediately.

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11Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Other Answers

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    Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    It would be very helpful to have more information to work this out with you. I'd like to consult with you so I could ask more questions, and better pinpoint the issue. If you'd like to discuss things further with me, click the "consult online" button under my answer. Otherwise, I will give a general answer here. It could be she's just meowing. Cats vocalize for attention, when they are in pain, when they are lonely or bored. I would be concerned, however, if what you are seeing is her breathing in an out of her mouth. Cats only breath in and out of their mouth when they are in severe distress, and that would be a medical emergency. If she is breathing like that, please take Mars into a vet right away.

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    9Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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