Cats have different personalities and often express themselves through different body language and vocalizations such as huffing, hissing, etc. So, why do cats huff? Keep reading to find out!
Cats huff for different reasons, often communicating their moods like irritation, annoyance, or frustration. Sometimes they huff to express an underlying health issue. They can huff while playing when something is beyond their reach, as a sign of being content, or when they want to express being relaxed or tired. Of course, each cat owner always wants to know why our cat has produced the huffing sound. What are they trying to communicate, and is everything ok? This article will delve into more information about cats’ huffing sounds, what they mean, why they produce them, and more!
What a huff sound that cats produce?
Cats’ huff sound is when they exhale quickly through their nose. It can sound like your cat is trying to clear their throat, blow their nose or produce a short, forced burst of breath. The only difference in the huffing sound is how your cat does it because different cats do it differently. And how the cat does it can tell you how she/he is feeling or its health.
When huffing, your cat’s mouth stays closed. The sound comes strictly from the nose and sounds forced. Cats can make the huffing sound once, twice, or several times in a row, depending on how intensely they try to express the feeling.
Why do cats huff?
Cats can huff because of one of the following reasons:
Frustration
Most of the time, cats huff to express their frustration. This doesn’t mean they’re necessarily upset or angry, but there’s something that’s not pleasing your furry friend. Perhaps another cat is outside, and they are feeling threatened, there’s a toy they can’t reach or a bird they’re trying to stock. Some cats even huff if you stop playing with them as a sign of frustration.
Irritation
Of course, cats will also huff when they are annoyed or irritated with us! It’s the most basic way a cat will communicate how they feel. They’re likely to huff at you if you stepped on your cat’s tail or tripped over it. You can say sorry. Don’t worry though, your cat won’t hold a grudge for long.
Want something
Cats are easily comparable to toddlers. When they want something, they want it, and you can’t tell them otherwise. And if things don’t go their way, your cat will most likely get huffy. For example, your cat will huff if its toy rolls away and it can’t reach it or when it can’t open the door to the next room.
Your cat is relaxed
Yes, you read that right. Totally unbelievable, but cats can indeed huff to express relaxation or contentment. I believe you’ve seen your cat curl up on your lap or a warm, sunny spot, then make a little huff. Usually, the cat is just expressing a moment of satisfaction. A content or satisfaction huff might sound like a sigh. But unlike sighing in humans who sign sadness or tiredness, a cat’s sigh is an expression of contentment.
Tired or exhaustion
Cats can also huff when they are exhausted from exerting themselves. For example, after running around outside or while playing with their toy, the cat can come and curl up in your lap and then huff. Sometimes if the exercise is intense, the cat can pant. Overweight cats are also likely to pant more during and after an exercise like playing.
Respiratory distress
Don’t take all huffs lightly. Sometimes panting or wheezing, which can sound like huffing, can also signify a breathing/respiratory problem. For example, they might run up the stairs, lay down, and then huff. Wheezing, done with the mouth closed, can occur because of feline asthma or respiratory illness, so if your cat wheezes, don’t take it lightly.
What type of “huff” is your cat making?
There are different huff sounds cats make. In fact, scientific literature identifies 21 different cat vocalizations, including different huffing sounds. Domesticated cats (your furry friend at home) can adapt their vocals over time to communicate particular messages with their humans. How your cat huffs say a lot about its feeling, mood, or condition.
Here are some types of huffs your cat might produce:
Sighing huff
Cats sigh, but as humans do. Cats don’t sigh because they’re sad or lonely. A sad or lonely cat often stays quiet. A cat can sigh when it’s exhaling out of nowhere during its rest. So, a sighing huff can be an expression of being relaxed.
Panting huff
If your cat is producing an audible breathing sound with its mouth open, that’s a sign of troubled breathing. If there are no signs of illness, this can be a harmless encounter, like when the cat overexerts him/herself while playing or a simple sound of irritation. But if the cat is panting regularly, it needs to see a vet immediately. Panting can signify cat respiratory issues, heartworm infection, or feline asthma.
Wheezing huff
A cat’s wheeze might sound like panting but with its mouth closed. When your cat produces a wheezing huff, it can indicate irritation from asthma or respiratory distress. In such a case, your cat needs immediate vet attention. Don’t wait.
Straightforward huff
If your cat makes a short, quick huff sound with its mouth shut, it might be irritated by something or simply mad at you. Though uncommon, cats can express their frustration through huffing. Maybe there’s a bird, toy, or something they can’t quite reach, or they’re just hungry, tired, or sleepy. The cat will huff out its frustration.
Here’s a summary table showing these types of huffs and what they mean:
Huff sounds |
Possible meaning |
Sighing Huff |
Relaxed, contented |
Panting Huff |
Tired, sick |
Wheezing Huff |
Breathing problem, asthma |
Straightforward Huff |
Irritated, annoyed, mad at you |
Conclusion
A cat’s huff is a way of expressing a feeling such as annoyance, irritation, relaxation, or contentment. But it can also signify respiratory problems such as asthma, especially if the huff causes wheezing or extreme panting. Unless it’s extra wheezing or extreme panting, a huff isn’t something you should take too seriously.
FAQ Section
Is it normal for cats to huff?
Yes, it’s normal for cats to huff now and then. Often, that’s how cats express or share their feelings. The cat may be trying to communicate to you their frustration, contentment, or dissatisfaction.
Is it bad if I hear my cat wheezing?
Mostly, it’s bad for a cat to wheeze because it can be a sign of a respiratory problem. Unless the cat is wheezing after an intense playing time or running, you need to schedule a vet appointment immediately when you hear the cat wheezing or just breathing heavily.