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My 5-month-old kitten breathes 50-60 times a minute. Is it normal?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Female | unspayed | 6 months old | 5 lbs

My 5 month old kitten breathes about 50-60 breaths per minute is this normal? I've had her since she was 10 weeks old and has always breathed that way. No other symptoms.

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on March 18th, 2018

A kitten's normal respiratory rate is between 20 to 40 breaths per minute, but it can be higher if they are awake and playing. The best time to measure Sadie's respiratory rate is while she is sleeping. Any other time, breathing can be confused with her purring or increased breathing from activity and play. Watch her while she is sound asleep, and count her respiratory rate then. If there is no increased effort while breathing, the rate is between 20-40 breaths per minute, her breathing is not noisy, and her eating, drinking, and activity is normal, then there likely is no problem. Good luck, I hope this helps!

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32Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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    Answered By Vanessa Yeager DVM MPH

    Veterinarian

    Published on September 20th, 2017

    Hi and thank you for your post on Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Normal Respiratory rate for cats ranged from 24-48 breaths per min. 55 bpm is not a significant increase that would be cause for alarm. If your cat was playing or just finished running around or play time, this could cause the slight increase in respiratory rate. Stress can sometimes cause increased respiration. When to worry should be if Teddy's breathing becomes shallow, very fast, heavy, or labored or if you see him coughing, gagging, or gasping. He will need to see an emergency veterinarian right away. I hope this has helped and best to you and Teddy!

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    3Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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