Help! My Cat Always Seems Out of Breath! (Vet Answered)
This question has been answered by a vet
Veterinarian & Animal Behaviorist
With nearly two decades in veterinary medicine, Dr. Paola brings hands-on experience across multiple species. A graduate of the University of Guadalajara, she specializes in preventive care, animal welfare, and positive reinforcement training.
The Question
“Dear Dr. Paola,
Ever since Silver was a kitten, she has made this weird sound like she's out of breath a quick like outtake of air, like she sucks in a quick breath and lets it out quickly ,almost like a cough/sneeze, if that makes sense. Why does she do that? She is 3 years old and still does it if she gets really excited or angry. Any ideas?" – Christine
Quick Info about Silver
Hey Christine,
The way you describe Silver’s breathing episodes sounds very much like what we call a “reverse sneeze.” This is a fairly common occurrence in cats and dogs, where the soft palate or nasal passages become irritated, leading to a sudden spasm. It creates that characteristic snorting or honking sound, almost like the pet is trying to suck air inward quickly. Excitement, sudden movement, or environmental irritants such as dust can sometimes trigger these episodes.
The good news is that reverse sneezing is usually harmless, especially if Silver has been doing this since kittenhood, remains otherwise healthy, and the events are short-lived. However, because signs that involve breathing can sometimes overlap with other conditions like asthma, nasal polyps, or airway irritation, it is always best to have your veterinarian listen to her lungs and upper airways to be certain nothing more concerning is at play. A brief exam provides peace of mind and ensures you are not missing an underlying cause. In most cases like Silver’s, this becomes simply part of her unique behavior rather than a health threat.
Best,
Dr. Paola