Can Cats Snore? A Guide to What’s Normal and What’s Not

If you have an unsure answer to the question, “Can cats snore?” then it’s safe to assume that you didn’t see the clips of the ginger cats snoring like they work a 9-5 when it broke the internet some time back. Or maybe you’re sceptical about social media, so you just concluded that the video is a deep fake. Well, here’s the moment of truth: Cats can snore!

Now, if you’re also wondering if your cat’s snoring is something you should worry about, the answer is mostly “no,” but that’s not always the case. Like with humans, occasional snuffling or snorting during a deep sleep is usually harmless, but it can also hint at something more, especially if your cat has put on a few pounds.

In this guide, we’ll explore why your cat may snore to help you figure out when it’s just a quirky sleep habit and when you need to ring the vet.

Why Do Cats Snore?

Now, there’s no debate. “Can cats snore?” is no longer a question. Cats can snore, but that fact is not as important as why they do. So, here’s what you need to pay attention to:

1. Your Cat’s Anatomy

If you ask yourself often, “Is it normal for cats to snore?” You overlook how your cat’s anatomy can influence their specific quirks, and the role it plays in how their life plays out. For some cats, just like with humans, their anatomy is the reason they snore.

For example, cat breeds like Persians snore because they are brachycephalic. This condition, which also affects Himalayan and Exotic Shorthairs, means they have flat faces, snouts, and tiny nostrils, making breathing tricky. Their breathing is like sipping tea through a narrow straw, even while awake. Now, imagine when they’re deep in sleep.

Then there’s the soft palate. That floppy bit in mammals’ throats. When it’s too long, it wiggles like a loose curtain and blocks airflow. While this is not breed-specific, it sparks snores, even in humans. That’s nature’s befitting answer to the question Can cats snore?

2. The Sleep Positions Your Cat Takes

You know what’s funnier than your cat going bonkers with their sleeping position? Well, it holds the answer to knowing whether cats can snore or not.  It is normal for cats to snore when they sleep in awkward positions. This happens because certain sleep positions can temporarily block airflow in their nasal passages, causing that soft, snuffling sound you hear. 

When your cat twists like a Bavarian pretzel with their head tilted back or chin squished, it can pinch their airways, making it seem like they are brachycephalic even when they’re not. And you know the rest of the story: this tells you that you need to pay attention to their sleeping positions.

3. Medical Conditions

If your cat is neither brachycephalic nor fond of acrobatic sleeping positions, it most likely doesn’t snore. So, your answer to “Is it normal for cats to snore?” will be a big fat no, and we get it. However, if your cat starts to snore out of the blue, a health quirk is most likely behind it.

Now, the cause could be upper respiratory infections, like a cat’s version of a stuffy nose. It could also be some airway-clogging allergies. Similarly, if your cat is chubby, it could be their extra neck fat squeezing their airways and causing snores.

Inevitably, your cat will also age, like humans. And as they do so, their throat will get floppier, increasing their chances of being caught unfresh; sorry, snoring. Even if your cat is now in the grandpa stage of its life cycle, it’s only proper to consult a vet because other medical conditions could add backup vocals to their snores. 

How to Differentiate Between Normal and Abnormal Snoring in Your Cat

So, if it is normal for your cats to snore or not entirely depends on you. You know your cat better, and here’s to making it even easier for you:

1. Normal Snoring: You can tell that your snoring cat is just being themselves when they’re a brachycephalic breed, a master of acrobatic sleeping positions, or a chubby kitty. It is equally normal for them to snore in deep sleep. Similarly, like you sometimes catch yourself doing, it’s normal for your cat to occasionally let out a few soft notes, especially when there are no changes to your cat’s behavioural patterns. 
2. Abnormal Snoring: Can cats snore while they are awake? If you’ve caught your cat doing this, just know it’s not normal, especially when they suddenly lose weight or their feeding habits and routines change abruptly. This is not a good sign and could be a harbinger of underlying health issues. Abnormal snoring hits suddenly with loud, wonky noises. The only normal thing here is for you to ring your vet.

How to Make Your Cat Stop Snoring

Now you know whether your cat snores or does not snore; both are completely normal. However, there are ways to make the latter the new normal:

1. Lifestyle Adjustments

If you wonder, “Can cats snore less with better habits?”, our answer is that they sure can! What’s even more interesting is that the lock and key are in your hands. For instance, your chubby cat’s snores might ease with a vet-approved diet that tells you what you should feed or never feed your cat. A little more activity to shed some pounds will also help.

Similarly, when your cat has a stuffy nose, you can pop a humidifier in their favourite nap spot to help them clear their airways. Also, it’ll help to keep their bed free of pesky allergens. Now, you’re curious, “Is it normal for cats to snore without these fixes?” Yes, but the wisdom is to pinpoint the exact cause and make the specific change to counter it, and voila! Your cat’s noisy naps become peaceful purrs.

2. Medical Interventions

Your cat’s suddenly snoring like a faulty engine, and you’re wondering, “Can cats snore due to health issues?” Yes. Especially when it comes with laboured breathing, constant snoring, plus odd symptoms, or sudden grumpiness, is a big red flag. That, right there, is the signal for you to take your cat to the vet.

In such cases, the vets know best. They may do allergy tests, take X-rays, or insert a rhinoscope in your cat’s nose to spot blockages or infections. Whatever they find will inform them on how best to help your cat get better and help you get rid of the uncomfortable sounds they make while sleeping.

These remedies could include antibiotics to zap infections or antihistamines to tame allergies. In medication-defying cases, such as an oversized palate, the vets could resort to surgery to fix your cat’s airways. Ultimately, a quick vet trip ensures your furry pal is not snoring for complicated reasons. So, if odd changes accompany your cat’s snoring, we’re sure you know where to go.

So, Can Cats Snore?

So, Yes! Cats can snore. Like your flat-faced Persians, chubby tabbies, and kitties catching sleep in funky poses, most snores are your cat’s quirky charm. However, ring the vet when the snoring starts or gets loud suddenly, especially when odd habits like skipping meals also pop up. Try vet-recommended diet tweaks or a humidifier for simple fixes.