What is the normal respiratory rate for a cat?

The respiratory rate varies with physical activity. A cat that is healthy and awake has a respiratory rate of ca 15-60 breaths per minute. When the cat is sleeping it should not take more than 30 breaths per minute.

Cats normally breathe through their nose. It is not normal for them to breathe with an open mouth. If they do, they are suffereing from severe breathing difficulty. Veterinary care should be sought immediately and with haste.

Cats are normally silent breathers. You should not hear any noises from the nose, or upper airways, and there should be no abdominal effort present while breathing.