Is my 2-month-old kitten's fast breathing during sleep normal?
Updated On September 23rd, 2025
Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Male | unneutered | 2 lbs
Our new 2 month old kitten appears to have a high breathing rate. I counted 80 bpm while he was sleeping. His breathing also seems somewhat shallow. He's healthy otherwise, good energy and appetite. No problems eliminating. Should I be concerned?
5 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
Published on May 8th, 2019
Hello and thank you for reaching out to Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Kittens can breathe quite rapidly, even when they are sleeping, especially if they are dreaming. As long as his breathing rate is able to slow to a more normal rate, like 30-50 breaths per minute, and he is otherwise acting normally (eating/drinking well with a good energy level), he will likely be just fine! If he even seems distressed with his breathing, or he is coughing or sneezing a lot, he should be seen by a veterinarian. I hope this is helpful!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Related Answers from Veterinarians
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Published on October 8th, 2017
If it's just noticed while sleeping and he isn't breathing hard when awake, then no need to worry at this time. The other thing to watch for is activity. If he had some respiratory problem that was causing him to breath hard, then he also wouldn't be as active. If he is not playing around like a kitten and breathing hard when awake, then I would be concerned and recommend a visit to the vet. I hope that helps and all is well with Dino.
9Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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Published on May 27th, 2018
Jake is adorable! Thanks for including a picture. Since Jake does not have any abnormal breathing when he is awake or playing, I am much less concerned. Cats dream and will have abnormal breathing patterns when they are doing that, so that is one possibility for what is going on. I would recommend taking a video of Jake's breathing when he is sleeping and show it to your vet when you have his exam next month just to be safe. If there is any abnormal breathing when he is awake, I would certainly have him examined sooner. Good luck! I hope that was helpful. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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Published on December 31st, 2016
If this is happening when he is sleeping, then he could be dreaming. Kittens do dream, and they can twitch in their sleep and have changes in their breathing patterns due to these dreams. Given that it only occurs while he is sleeping, I would not be too worried about it, but you can take him into the vet for a health check to be safe.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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Published on May 1st, 2017
Oh my goodness Nino is SO CUTE! What a little love. I'm not sure if this breathing fast occurs while he is sleeping only or when he is awake. Kittens do dream, and they can experience breathing changes in response to their dreams. Dreams could also startle him awake suddenly and twitch. He could also be breathing fast due to play or running around a lot. Finally, there could be a medical cause behind this breathing fast such as a respiratory infection or heart problem. I would have him seen by a vet for a health check just to be safe if this fast breathing is occurring when he's awake. The vet can let you know for sure if this is something to be worried about or not.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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