Panting is normal in cats in a hot or stressful environment or following rough play, particularly in kittens. However, a panting kitten or cat should be evaluated in the context of its age, history and respiratory rate at home, in a boarding facility and veterinary clinic.
Source: Clinician’s Brief, September 2023. Link.
Panting in hot or stressed cats is usually not a sign of distress; however, distinguishing panting as an effort to cool versus true respiratory distress may be difficult.”
Image: Link.