Cat-Care 
Many new cat owners hear a loud vibration and worry whether it means contentment or a medical issue. This short guide gives clear, practical checks you can do at home, how to record and describe what you hear, and when loud purring should prompt closer respiratory attention. You’ll learn why some cats purring are naturally louder and when that noise pairs with coughs, sneezes, or labored breathing that needs a vet.
One sentence answer A loud purring sound is most often a normal comfort signal, but if it’s accompanied by noisy breathing, coughing, or changes in activity, prioritize safety and a vet check for respiratory issues.
Core principles
- Prevent airway irritation: reduce smoke, heavy fragrances, and dusty litter in the cat’s environment.
- Observe quietly: count resting breaths per minute and note changes over days.
- Maintain body condition and dental health; excess weight and oral disease can affect breathing.
- Keep clear records and build a vet relationship; share recordings of loud purring or noisy breaths early.
New owner 14 day checklist Day 0–2: Create zones — Quiet rest area, food and water away from litter, and a low-traffic litter corner. Add vertical perches and a soft bed at human seating height so the cat can choose closeness or distance.
Day 3–5: Baseline logging — Weigh your cat, note daily food intake, and record stool consistency. Sit quietly for five minutes and count breaths while the cat is relaxed (normal adult cats ~20–30 breaths/min). Make short phone videos of normal sleep breathing and any episodes of loud purring or mouth-breathing.
Day 6–9: Routine and enrichment — Start two daily play sessions that mimic hunting (5–10 minutes each). Keep mealtimes consistent to stabilize sleep and breathing patterns. Avoid dusty litters or scented products that can irritate the nose and throat and change the sound of purring.
Day 10–14: Risk proof and vet planning — Secure windows and high ledges, remove toxic plants and human foods, fit a microchip, and schedule a wellness visit. Bring printed notes and the videos of noisy breathing or loud purring so the clinician can hear what you hear and check airway, nose, and chest.
Common mistakes and fixes
- Mistake: Assuming louder purring is always fine → Fix: Check for other signs (cough, nasal discharge, exercise intolerance).
- Mistake: Relying on memory for breathing patterns → Fix: Keep simple daily logs and short videos.
- Mistake: Using heavily scented litter → Fix: Switch to unscented, low-dust clumping litter.
- Mistake: Delaying vet contact for odd noises → Fix: Share recordings at your next appointment; early discussion helps rule out problems.
When to consult a vet
- Sudden change in breathing effort or rate
- Open-mouth breathing or persistent noisy inhalation
- Refusal to eat for >24 hours or marked lethargy
- Repeated coughing, sneezing with nasal discharge
- Any wound, bleeding, or severe trauma
- Young kittens or seniors showing new respiratory signs
Disclaimer This information is educational and not a medical diagnosis; consult your veterinarian for specific concerns.
Quick checklist to print
- Weigh cat and record daily
- Record 10–20 second breathing video
- Note food, stool, and activity changes
- Remove irritants and scented products
- Book a wellness visit with notes and recordings
A simple recap Loud purring is usually a friendly, calming behavior, but treat it as a clue not a conclusion. Monitor breathing quietly, keep a short log and videos, remove airway irritants, and consult your vet if noisy breathing, coughing, or reduced activity appears. Clear records and early communication with a clinician make it easier to differentiate comfortable purring from breathing problems.