Are Maine Coons heavy breathers? Our 16 week old male does a lot of what looks like abdominal breathing even when he's at rest. He doesn't seem to have any discomfort. He is perky and full of "vim and vinegar". He is not sluggish in any way. Our vet has checked him several times and she says that everything looks and sounds normal. Is this normal because he is growing so quickly and will be such a big cat?

-- Anonymous, February 12, 2001

Answers

Heavy breathing is not normal for any resting cat and could be a sign of heart disease, but that seems really unlikely for a kitten, especially if your vet says he's OK. It may just be that he is purring or maybe just finished a fast romp around the house. If it continues, ask your vet to x-ray him for heart problems.

-- Anonymous, February 14, 2001

My Maine Coon (5+ years now) is also a heavy breather. I too, have had my vet check him out and he's always been given a clean bill of health (other than the fact that I've been repremanded regarding his wt. @ 18 lbs). It seems to me that instead of purring, he kind of wheezes, but he seems healthy enough. =^.^=

-- Anonymous, February 15, 2001

Are Maine Coon's Heavy Breathers? I was adopted by a rather manky looking stray over a year ago who, after being well fed and cared for has morphed into the largest cat I've ever laid eyes on. My vet, who has been amazed at his transformation, recently informed me that I have a Maine Coon (I'm not really worried about his breed, just his health). He's wonderful, a smart cookie and a great friend, he's got the best personality of any cat I've ever known and his characteristics are all those of a Maine Coon...... right down to the heavy breathing! I noticed heavy, almost wheezing like breathing and I was concerned enough to pay a visit to the vet who checked him over and is convinced that he's in great health. He reckons heavy breathing in cat's is perfectly normal if they're deeply relaxed and contented. seem's like you've just got a very happy cat on your hands!

-- Anonymous, February 17, 2001