Cat Snoring: Obnoxious, Cute, or Cautionary?

Cat sleeping — Is there anything cuter than a cat sleeping peacefully and snoring softly? Atthapon Raksthaput / Shutterstock

A snoring cat might sound cute, but that rumble from your feline's nose can raise some questions. Is it normal, or a sign of trouble?

The truth is, cat snoring can be harmless or hint at something more serious.

Why Cats Snore

Like humans, cats snore when airflow through their upper airway gets partially blocked. This happens when soft tissue vibrates as air passes during sleep.

Some cats snore more than others due to head shape, sleeping position, or excess weight.

Brachycephalic breeds (flat-faced cats like Persians and Exotic Shorthairs) are more likely to have noisy breathing because of narrow nostrils and elongated soft palates. These features restrict airflow through the nasal cavity and upper airways, especially during deep sleep.

5 Common Causes of Snoring in Cats

fat cat — Overweight cats may snore because of excess fat pressing on their soft palate. TarasBeletskiy / Shutterstock

Snoring in cats isn't always just about sleep positions. Other factors that can trigger those nighttime rumbles include:

Obese cats with excess fat pressing on the soft palate
Bacterial or fungal infections that inflame the respiratory system
Foreign objects lodged in the cat's nose or mouth
Respiratory infections such as cat flu
Facial features like a short snout or smaller nostrils in brachycephalic cats

These issues can restrict breathing and amplify snoring sounds.

When Is Snoring Normal for Cats?

Many cat owners notice that their cat snores now and then. If your pet is otherwise healthy, occasional snoring — especially during certain sleep cycles or when in a strange position — can be completely normal.

Cats sleep in various positions that may cause tissues surrounding the nasal passages to partially block airflow. This is especially true if your cat's mouth is open or the head is tilted.

When To See a Vet

While snoring can be harmless, it sometimes points to a bigger issue. If you notice any of the following, it's best to take your cat to the vet:

Snoring that starts suddenly or worsens
Accompanying signs like difficulty breathing or discharge from the eyes or nose
Snoring combined with reduced appetite or lethargy

A vet may examine the nasal cavity for obstructions or infection, and assess your cat's weight or soft tissue around the throat and face. Hopefully, they'll be able to tell you whether your cat's snoring is a result of respiratory infection, obesity, or another concerning factor.

Cat Breeds Prone to Snoring

British Shorthairs are loud snorers. Alicja. / Shutterstock

Brachycephalic cats such as Persians, Exotic Shorthairs, and Himalayans are well-known for their snoring. Their flattened faces and smaller airways make them especially prone to loud, frequent snores.

These breeds may also suffer from an elongated soft palate or narrow nostrils, both of which can make breathing during sleep more difficult. Many cat parents of these breeds should be alert to any changes in breathing patterns.

4 Tips for Managing Cat Snores

There are several things a cat owner can do to manage or reduce pet snoring.

Maintain a healthy weight to minimize soft tissue obstruction.
Monitor for breathing problems and other symptoms.
Avoid irritants like smoke that may affect the cat's health.
Ensure your cat's sleep area is comfortable and supports good posture.

In some cases, changing your cat's sleep position can reduce snoring. Try gently repositioning snoring cats if they're particularly loud.

We created this article in conjunction with AI technology, then made sure it was fact-checked and edited by a HowStuffWorks editor.