Cats are adorable, especially when looking into their innocent sleeping faces. There was one time, however, when I heard a loud noise other than the purring sound. Why does my cat snore so loud?
It happens when cats sleep in an awkward stance due to their flexible body, which is temporary. Eventually, snoring stops when they change their position.
Is cat snoring normal? The following answers and reasons will bring things to light:
Table of Contents
6 Reasons Cat Snores When Sleeping
Cat breathing loudly while sleeping for various reasons, which include the following:
1. Sleeping Position
Cat’s bodies are flexible enough to sleep in different positions. A loud snore might come out when they sleep with their head upside down or in a position that blocks their nasal passages.
So, the next time you see your furbaby snoring and sleeping in a weird position, that’s because your cat snores when relaxed.
Sometimes, the cat purr sounds like snoring. If you are unsure, check your cat’s breathing. Purr gives a vibration and a constant sound, while snoring gets louder when exhaling.
2. Cat Obesity
Like humans, you probably often encounter overweight cat snoring loudly. This is due to partial to complete airway obstruction caused by excess fat in the neck and throat area.
It’s crucial to control your cat’s weight to prevent sleep apnea, which causes loud snoring and wheezing.
When your cat snores and wheezes for the first time, check other underlying symptoms and changes in behavior.
3. Flat Face
Cat breeds with flat faces, like Persian, are prone to snoring. They have a shorter yet wide head bone structure that compresses the airways. Hence, resulting in snoring or wheezing.
Brachycephalic cats have a higher tendency to have physical issues, such as elongated soft palates, which further restrict the airways and lead them to create strange noises.
Some flat-faced cats have genetic health issues common to this breed, such as laryngeal paralysis. You can easily detect this problem as early as around one year or younger when you see your kitten snoring.
4. Cat’s Age
When you suddenly hear your elderly cat snoring, this could alarm you, and it’s normal to feel that way. Cats, as they age, can develop health conditions like obesity, a decline in lung function, and other respiratory-related issues.
5. Respiratory Problem
Sometimes, you should not overlook your cat’s snoring in sleep, especially if you see other symptoms that could lead to respiratory problems.
Do you notice eye discharge, runny nose, lethargy, and loss of appetite? If so, reach out to your veterinary doctor to address this health issue as soon as possible.
6. Foreign Objects
What if you see your cat wheezing while awake? That’s probably because of foreign objects stuck in the nasal cavity when they are having some feast with the grass in your backyard.
How to Stop Cat Snoring
If your cat breathes loudly when sleeping, and it happens more often than usual, there are a few ways to stop and prevent it.
1. Have a Regular Veterinary Visit
Annual checkups ensure your cats’ overall health, enabling them to live their best life. Through clinic visits, you’ll know whether your cats need immediate attention or have to lose weight.
Although snoring seems normal, preventive measures can secure their health and improve their lifestyle.
If, in any case, your cat wheezing in sleep, is lethargic, and shows other signs aside from snoring, go to the nearest clinic as soon as possible. No one can diagnose your cat except the vet doctor in charge.
2. Keep Your Cat Moving
Cats need to be active every day to stay healthy physically and mentally. Through interactive play, you are not just helping your cat to keep a healthy weight, but you can also build a great relationship.
Try different toys your cat would love. One of my cats loves the teaser wand as it activates their hunting instincts. They want to catch and play with toys that mimic their prey in the wild.
3. Slow Down Their Eating
The best way to help your cats to slow down in eating is through food puzzles. Start with the beginner puzzle, and see which works best.
Puzzles are also great as their mental exercise. You can DIY by watching Youtube tutorials or buying from online platforms.
Another way to track their eating habits is by having a feeding schedule. Free-feeding is not advisable as it can disrupt their body routine and cause obesity in cats.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it normal for cats to snore loudly?
Mostly, yes. Sometimes, a cat snores like a human due to their comfortable sleeping position, which is something not to worry about.
Do cats snore as they get older?
Yes, cats snore when they get older. One of the reasons is that their palate is getting soft and hanging loosely. Older cats also acquire more health issues, such as obesity and respiratory problems, that affect their breathing leading to snoring.
When should I worry about my cat snoring?
Snoring is a subject of concern if other symptoms, such as loss of appetite, lethargy, sneezing, and difficulty breathing, accompany it. If that is the case, contact your veterinary clinic immediately.
How do you stop a cat from snoring?
If snoring occurs more than usual, visit your veterinary clinic to see other underlying causes. It could be a respiratory problem that needs to be addressed.
You should keep track of their weight, provide high-protein foods, and have a feeding schedule. Help your cat exercise to lose weight, which alleviates breathing problems.
Conclusion
When I first asked, ‘why does my cat snore so loud?’ I was just like you—puzzled and dumbfounded. Thankfully, I found the answers I shared with you today.
By knowing the possible reasons—sleep position, obesity, breed, age, respiratory problem, and foreign object—you’ll learn how to address them and resolve them in the best possible way.
Maintain your cats’ healthy weight, keep them moving, and have annual checkups to ensure a healthy and happy quality of life for your furbabies.

I am Amy Sawy, a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) graduate from the University of Kansas. y husband, Dr. Plummer, and I own a veterinary clinic in Phillipsburg, Kansas. In addition to my professional background, I am a devoted pet owner myself, with a household that includes dogs, rodents, and most notably, cats – a total of five felines in my home.
In 2020, I joined an organization as a professional writer, leveraging my experience and collaborating with my team to deliver the most valuable information for your cat’s care.