Reptile & Amphibian Forums

My cat is about three years old and yawns about 7 times per hour. She did this for the vet and he said he did not know why. It bothers me and I wanted to know if any of you with years of experience have seen this before? Thanks for your help

Dave

Hi. My cats don't do this as much as yours, but my dog is a frequent yawner. It's funny but I find myself doing it a lot too. I think sometimes it is just a tension breaker. Something to stimulate an idle moment. Other than that the only thing that comes to mind is a need for an increased oxygen intake. Is she over weight?? Sometimes to increase the supply of oxygen a yawn is pretty efficient. It also gives the cells more time for the hemoglobin to bind to oxygen. But this wouldn't necessarily be anything to worry about. If it is bothersome to you, I would say maybe get a second opinion from different vet. Let us know if you find out snything specific!

Nymph

I have never seen it happening in any of mine or ever heard anyone mention it before. Will be interested to see the replies to this one.
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Tessa Onyx, Foudini, Charlee, Spottie, ShyRaven, Buddy, Tuxie, Widdle Attila Sipowitz, Lizzie, Minnie, ET, Mylo,(We be house cats at last), and Salem, Wicca and Marmalade (We iz also house cats, we guess)and the 5 porch kits also Riley da goggie and Buddha da baby hamster too
Tabitha and Samantha..always in our hearts//Fly free Penny 12/12/07
A house without cats is like a garden without flowers

Thanks for talking about this. Maybe I am more concerned about "Belle" (my cat) than I need to be. She follows me around like a puppy and I need to know she is OK.
Dave

Dave -- I did a quick Google search on "cat excessive yawning" and checked a couple of the links. Joint dislocation was a common reason. Stress and anxiety was another. Epilepsy was mentioned. Again, I just did a quick look, but another opinion by another vet might be a good idea. They may want to check and see if the jaw is aligned properly...
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Tammy and Pookey
(Stanley 8/91 - 8/07)

That is something to think about and a very useful answer. Thanks for taking the time. I will have to get another opinion.
Dave

Hi. Let us know what you find out. My Pumpkin is the same way, she follows me everywhere. She is like a baby, so I know what you mean about making sure they are ok!! Take care!!

Nymph

The yawning cat (Belle) is much better now. The vet looked at her jaw and did an xray. He suggested putting something soft (rubber) in her mouth when I saw her yawn so she would bite down on it. That was three months ago and I rarely see her yawn anymore. That is very good news. Thanks to all who were concerned and to those who took the time to answer.

Dave