Your cat wanders all night and sleeps most of the day and evening.
You are undoubtedly aware, that plenty of humans in society suffer from a sleep deprivation or sleep apnea diagnosis, but can cats have sleep apnea?
Sleep Apnea In Cats: Causes, Treatment, and Prevention
Sleep apnea in a human is the same as sleep apnea in cats.
Your cat can have obstructive sleep apnea.
Some breathing and respiratory issues are likely to be present if your cat is overweight or has naturally small nasal passages.
Cats sleep an average of twelve to fifteen or more hours per day.
We have rescued cats for over thirty years, and yes, most cats we see sleep during the night and into part of the day.
However, we have also had some cats wandering all night and going to bed when we arise in the morning.
Because cats sleep a lot in a 24 hour period, it makes knowing if your cat is not getting enough sleep challenging.
And surprisingly, some cats do not get the restful sleep they need.
Kittens and seniors require more sleep, up to 80 percent sleep per day.
All other cats between these ages may only require 50 to 70 percent sleep per day.
Health Problems That May Affect Sleep In Cats
If your cat has a specific heart disease or a diabetes diagnosis, you may see sleep apnea symptoms.
Cats can suffer from other issues that impede their sleep, such as,
- Narcolepsy
- Insomnia
- Limb movement disorder
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome
- Painful arthritis or other pain issues
However, only your veterinarian can give the correct diagnosis and treatment.
Monitor your cat’s behavior and know when to seek medical help.
Signs and Symptoms of Sleep Apnea In Cats
Sleep apnea causes vibrations in the cat’s nose, mouth, throat, and upper airways during the normal process of breathing. When the cat is asleep, its sleep turns into a loud snoring noise that does not allow the cat to have a restful sleep.
If the cat has sleep apnea, you may be aware of the following signs.
- Loud snoring
- Abnormal daytime fatigue (the vet must check for infections or underlying health issues)
- Fatigue, lethargy, mood changes
- Wheezing during sleep; decreased oxygen to the lungs
- Obesity
- Allergies
- Respiratory problems such as a respiratory infection
- Congested nose
- Reduced oxygen to the lungs
What Cat Breeds are More Susceptible to Sleep Apnea?
Flat-faced (brachycephalic) cat breeds are more susceptible to sleep apnea because of their unique facial structure, which can lead to airway obstruction.
Researchers find that chronic snoring in cats has a lot to do with the shape of their heads and faces. For example, the Himalayan breed of cat has a pushed-in face with tiny nasal passages.
Persian cats present the same facial features, including small nasal passages. When these cats breathe, soft tissues in their nasal and throat tissue vibrate.
The following cat breeds have abnormally small nasal passages.
- Short-headed cats
- Persian cats
- Burmese cat
- Himalayan cats
- Exotics
- Some mixed breed domesticated cats
Obesity can also increase the risk of sleep apnea in any breed, so keeping your cat at a healthy weight is important.
Cats with respiratory infections, allergies, or nasal blockages can also experience sleep apnea temporarily, regardless of their breed.
If a brachycephalic cat (like a Persian, Himalayan, or Exotic Shorthair) has sleep apnea, you might notice signs related to their already compromised airways.
Here’s what to watch for:
Loud snoring
While some snoring is normal for flat-faced cats, excessive or unusually loud snoring can be a red flag.
Gasping or choking sounds
Pauses in breathing followed by gasping or snorting noises during sleep can signal sleep apnea.
Breathing pauses
If you see your cat stop breathing for a few seconds while sleeping, that’s a big warning sign.
Restlessness during sleep
Cats with sleep apnea may shift positions frequently, trying to find a way to breathe more easily.
Daytime drowsiness
If your cat seems unusually tired, sluggish, or less playful, it could be because they’re not getting restful sleep.
Irritability or behavior changes
Lack of good sleep can lead to mood changes, making your cat more cranky or anxious.
Open-mouth breathing
Cats usually breathe through their noses — consistent open-mouth breathing, even when awake, can indicate breathing problems.
If you notice these signs, especially breathing pauses or gasping, it’s worth talking to a vet. They can help figure out whether it’s sleep apnea, an airway obstruction, or another respiratory issue.
Related Reading: Why do cats curl up and sleep in a ball? Is it more than just keeping warm?
Sleep Apnea versus Snoring
I have a cat who sticks to me like glue. She has always slept in her little cat bed at the foot of my bed. When Mia falls into a deep sleep, as many cats typically do, she starts to snore so loudly I think she will raise the rafters.
This is something I am addressing with the vet at our next wellness visit.
Snoring in cats isn’t always a sign of sleep apnea — sometimes it’s just normal, especially for certain breeds. Here’s how to tell when snoring is likely just snoring and not a cause for concern:
Normal snoring:
Soft and consistent
Gentle, rhythmic snoring that doesn’t change much during sleep.
Happens in deep sleep
Just like people, some cats snore when they’re super relaxed.
Certain sleeping positions
If your cat’s squished up or has their head at a weird angle, the snoring might just be from airflow restriction.
Breed-related
Flat-faced breeds as already mentioned, (like Persians and Exotic Shorthairs) often snore because of their short nasal passages — it’s pretty normal for them.
No other symptoms
If your cat is active, playful, and breathing normally when awake, snoring alone probably isn’t a problem.
If the snoring is occasional, soft, and your cat is otherwise their usual happy, energetic self, it’s likely nothing to worry about.
But if you notice breathing pauses, signs of poor sleep, or any of the “concerning” symptoms, it’s worth a vet visit to rule out sleep apnea or other respiratory issues.
