My kitten breathes really fast while sleeping sometimes. Is this normal?

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Answer

It is not uncommon for kittens to have faster breathing rates than adult cats, even more so during active sleep (REM sleep) where you might observe twitching or muffled sounds. During deep sleep, their breathing should be calm and regular. To assess if it's concerning, count their breaths per minute when they are completely at rest, not dreaming. A normal resting respiratory rate for a cat is typically 15-30 breaths per minute. If it consistently exceeds 30-35 breaths per minute, or if you notice any open-mouthed breathing, labored breathing, or blue-tinged gums, it warrants veterinary attention immediately. This is an emergency - please take your pet to your nearest emergency veterinary clinic immediately.
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