Rapid breathing in cats can be alarming for any pet owner. Medically, this condition is called tachypnea, and it refers to a faster-than-normal breathing rate. While sometimes it can be temporary and harmless—like after playing or during stress—it can also signal a serious health issue that requires urgent veterinary attention.

It’s a familiar scene for many crafters: you’re settled in your favorite chair, yarn gliding through your fingers, needles clicking a steady rhythm, and your feline friend is curled up nearby. But what does it mean when your cat’s breathing becomes rapid while you knit? Is it a sign of contentment, or something more serious? Let’s unravel the threads connecting rapid breathing in cats to knitting.

What is Rapid Breathing in a Cat?

A resting cat typically takes 20-30 breaths per minute. You can measure this by counting the rises and falls of their chest for 30 seconds and multiplying by two. If your cat’s breathing is consistently faster than this while at rest, it’s considered rapid breathing, or tachypnea.

The Knitting Connection: Why the Excitement?

Knitting can be an exciting sensory experience for a cat, and this excitement can lead to a temporary increase in their breathing rate. Here’s why:

• The Thrill of the Hunt: The quick, rhythmic movement of your knitting needles and the dangling yarn can trigger your cat’s natural predatory instincts.¹ To them, it’s a mesmerizing dance of a potential toy, causing them to become excited and alert.
• Playful Anticipation: Your cat may be gearing up for a pounce. This state of high alert and anticipation can cause their heart rate and breathing to speed up, much like an athlete before a race.
• Pure Bliss: Sometimes, rapid breathing can be part of an intensely pleasurable experience. If your cat is purring loudly, kneading (“making biscuits”), and seems utterly content while you knit, the rapid breathing might just be a sign of extreme happiness and relaxation.

When to Be Concerned

While excitement is a common cause, it’s crucial to distinguish it from signs of distress. Rapid breathing can also be a symptom of a serious health issue.² Here’s when you should be concerned:

• Breathing With an Open Mouth (Panting): Unlike dogs, cats rarely pant. If your cat is panting, it could be a sign of overheating, stress, or a respiratory or cardiovascular problem.
• Effortful Breathing: If your cat’s sides are heaving, their nostrils are flaring, or they are using their abdominal muscles to breathe, this is a medical emergency.
• Other Symptoms: Watch for other signs of illness such as coughing, wheezing, lethargy, loss of appetite, or hiding.
• Breathing Fast While Resting: If the rapid breathing continues long after your knitting session has ended and your cat is resting or sleeping, it’s a red flag.

What Should You Do?

1. Observe the Context: Is your cat otherwise relaxed and happy? Is the rapid breathing only happening during stimulating activities like your knitting? If so, it’s likely benign excitement.
2. Ensure a Safe Environment: Keep your yarn and needles safely out of your cat’s reach when you’re not using them. Swallowing yarn can cause a life-threatening intestinal blockage.³
3. Don’t Hesitate to Call the Vet: If you notice any of the concerning signs listed above, or if your intuition tells you something is wrong, contact your veterinarian immediately. It’s always better to be safe than sorry.

So, the next time you pick up your knitting and your furry friend’s breathing quickens, take a moment to observe. It might just be their way of saying how much they love sharing this cozy, creative time with you. Happy knitting!