Hi, I just joined even though the cats I have are Bengal crosses. The problem is that just over two years ago I rescued a kitten who was the product of a mating between a Bengal male who frequents my friends garden and a black feral cat being fed by my friend. Boo! was a lovely cat, very gentle and vocal and protective of me despite being nervous of strangers. He died aged just over two of suspected heart failure. I have since aquired a kitten, identical to Boo except she's a girl and although my husband, who saw her in a pet shop, was told she was 12 weeks, by her size and weight I'm sure she was 8 weeks tops and would be ten weeks now. It has been very hot in London this last week and although she's playing normally and doing normal kitten things (i.e. breaking the house down and flying around the flat hardly touching the ground, I have noticed her panting on a couple of occasions. The only other cat I ever saw panting was Boo shortly before he died (this panting being again in summer after strenuous activities. I am terrified. .I phoned a vet this morning and was told to keep an eye on her..it is not extensive panting but I don't want to risk travelling to thevet ttoday as it's so hot, so I am waiting and watching and am so frightened. If it continues I will of course take hee to the vet in a taxi but at the moment it feels like we are damned if we do and equally if we don't. I feel very aggrieved at Bengal owners who leave their unneutered cats to breed with no thought for the quality of life any kittens may have and the heart broken owners who watch these lovely little cats die. I may not be the owner of a full Bengal cat but I think I'm greatly affected by the irresponsible behaviour of some owners.

Welcome to the forum. My first question would be ... does your kitty just pant during the heat of the day? In the summer, Raiden pants heavily on our afternoon walks, but that's the only time he pants. If you play with your kitty heavily, the kitty may pant at the exertion or if the kitty is running around like a maniac. If your baby's panting stops once it cools down or she's calmed down, then it's probably heat and exercise related. These poor kitties have fur coats to deal with. Running a fan or two may help.

When you acquire a new kitty, it's normal to take the kitten to the vet to start a medical file on the cat. A complete checkup will start the process. Heart murmurs are common in the bengal breed. Mine has a grade 2, which is not severe. HCM can be a problem if either parent carries the gene. The only way to tell if your kitty has it is by testing for it.

I'd recommend you try to keep your kitty cool and calm during the heat of the day and see if that stops all the panting.

Both my two pant after very strenuous activity and also if they are very hot. I haven't seen them pant so far this week, but I'm not in London and it is a bit cooler on the south coast than where you are - plus I'm at work during the day. I also think now they are older they are a bit more sensible and haven't been so active whilst its so hot.

I was also very worried the first time I saw them pant though (last summer when it was very hot and they had just started to go outside), but since then have seen Jackson Galaxy with a Bengal on My Cat from Hell and he played with her until she panted and was worn out.

I am so sorry to hear about Boo!. Did you have a post mortem done to determine exactly the cause of death so young? I think if you are very worried, you need to contact your vet to give your new girl a check and ask about HCM and testing when she is old enough.

As your vet said keep an eye on her and try to provide a cool area somehow in your house. We have every curtain and blind shut to keep the sun out and all the windows are cracked open (but locked) to get some air flowing, in the hope it keeps the house a bit cooler for our two today.

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Clare
Hendrix and Jagger, Brown Marble Boys (born 18 August 2013)
Hampshire, UK

I'm hearing things are cooling off in the UK, so hopefully, the panting will have stopped.

Grace pants really easily and she has trouble jumping. Her hind knees look strange when she walks, and her body is very long with average legs. I think she was the result of a back yard breeder and wound up in a shelter. Whatever her future holds, I am blessed to have her in my life, and I try to make everyday happy and enjoyable for her. I used to think Blondie was the challenged one with all her sensitivities, but she seems healthier now than Grace.

Jill, I didn't realize the backstory to your getting Gracie and Blondie. Thank goodness they found you.