Somehow, cats manage to be adorable even then they’re snoring. Your kitten’s snore could sound like a little snuffle or could be loud enough to hear from across the room. Either way, it may or may not be normal, so read on to find out more.
Snoring occurs due to vibrations in your kitten’s upper airways, including their nose and throat. A narrowing or blockage of the airways will change how loud the snore sounds.
Sleeping in a certain position is a relatively common reason your kitten might snore, and it’s not a cause for concern. For example, if your kitten normally curls up and sleeps quietly but decided to sleep flopped on their back, you might notice a little snore. You’re also more likely to hear snoring in flat-faced cat breeds, like Persians.
However, other causes could be contributing to your kitten’s snoring, such as swelling in the area due to allergies or infection. Foreign objects, like a piece of grass, within the nasal passages could also cause snoring. Some kittens develop nasopharyngeal polyps, which can also cause snoring. Obesity may also cause narrowing of the airway passages due to fat padding. Although they’re highly unlikely to occur in a kitten at 7 months of age, masses in the upper airways can also contribute to snoring.
If your kitten develops a new snore that you’re noticing regularly, we recommend making an appointment with your veterinarian to rule out underlying medical conditions. If your kitten has snored their whole life, it may not be a cause for concern. Speak with your VCA care team if you’re concerned about your kitten’s snoring.