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Toro

Why did my cat sit there with his mouth open?

My cat hates being in the car, and I took him for a trip that took alot longer than planned due to un-expected traffic. He was very distressed, and about 45minutes into the ride, I heard a little clicking noise, and when I looked, he was sitting in his carrier with his mouth open. I was afraid he was having heat stroke or something, but later, he seemed fine.
Does anyone know what this is?
Thanks!


Asked by Toro on Jun 30th 2009 Tagged openmouth in Other Behavior & Training
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Best Answer

Izadore (Izzie)

He was panting, just like dog will. It's a way for them not only to cool off, but also calm down. They can get much more oxygen into their bodies by opening their mouths and more or less sucking the air in. If this happens again, you can talk to him in a calm, loving voice or even do what I used to do with my late, great Ernie and sing to him. Ernie used to howl! Don't worry, your kitty is fine, but if he gets REALLY stressed out by car rides, you may want to ask your vet for their input on a solution.


Izadore (Izzie) answered on Jun 30th.

Other Answers

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Kira

Kira started panting at the vet last time after he poked her several times unsuccesfully to draw blood and then shaved her rear end. Extreme STRESS! I had never seen a cat pant before and I was like "Oh my God, she's panting like a dog!" He just calmly told the tech to give her back to her Mom to calm her down and continued writing in her chart. And then she was fine the minute I held her. (calmed me down too. LOL) All of my girls are so good at the vet that I had never seen anything like that. But I guess if they get upset enough, they do. Like Izzie suggested, I would talk to your vet about something to keep him calm on long car rides. My friend has to use kitty valium every time her Siamese goes to the vet.


Kira answered on 6/30/09. Helpful? Yes/Helpful: No 0 Report this answer


Harvey

I live in Japan, and mostly use public transportation (I don't have a car, and no license, either). I have taken my cats (mostly Harvey) to cat shows so many times in the last year that I can tell you that a cat will pant when hot or nervous. If the problem is heat, put in some plastic bottles of cold water in the carrier. If the problem is nerves...use the suggestions of the other posters. And a vet check might not be a bad idea.


Harvey answered on 7/1/09. Helpful? Yes/Helpful: No 0 Report this answer


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