Feline Asthma

— By Dr. Gabriella Castillo — 

Asthma is not just a human condition; our feline friends can suffer from it too. Feline asthma, often called feline allergic bronchitis, is a respiratory disease that affects a cat’s airways, causing difficulty with breathing. While it might sound alarming, with the proper care and management, cats with asthma can live comfortable, happy lives.

What is feline asthma?

Feline asthma is a condition where the airways in a cat’s lungs become inflamed and narrow, making it difficult for the cat to breathe. This inflammation is usually triggered by an allergic reaction. When a cat breathes in something it’s allergic to, its immune system overreacts, causing the airways to swell and tighten.

Causes of Feline Asthma

The exact cause of asthma in cats isn’t always clear, but it’s generally linked to environmental allergens. Some common triggers include:

  • Dust or dust mites
  • Pollen from plants
  • Mold or mildew
  • Cigarette smoke
  • Strong cleaning products
  • Perfumes or air fresheners
  • Certain cat litters (especially those that are dusty or scented)

Stress can sometimes contribute to an asthma attack in cats, although allergens are the most common culprits.

Symptoms of Feline Asthma

Recognizing asthma in cats can be challenging, especially since cats can hide their signs. However, the common signs associated with feline asthma include:

  • Coughing: Usually, cats will have dry or non-productive coughs. It can often be mistaken for coughing up hairballs.
  • Wheezing: This is a high-pitched sound that occurs when the cat breathes. Typically this will occur when cats are symptomatic for asthma and will not always be present.
  • Difficulty Breathing: Cats with asthma may have labored breathing. You might see their belly and chest moving more than usual while they breathe.
  • Open-mouth breathing or panting: Cats do not routinely pant like dogs, if open-mouth breathing is noted this can indicate difficulty breathing.

If any of these signs are noted, it is recommended that your cat be evaluated by a veterinarian. Asthma attacks can be life-threatening if left untreated.

Diagnosis

The most common way to diagnose feline asthma is with X-rays of the heart and lungs. These images allow your veterinarian to look for signs of airway inflammation. It is often recommended to perform blood work to screen for any other body-wide diseases that may be causing coughing, such as heart disease or infections.

Treatment & Management 

Feline asthma is a lifelong disease that cannot be cured. However, it can be managed with both medications and environmental modifications. Our main goal is to reduce inflammation of the airways to provide comfort and prevent further flare-ups. The common treatment plan for managing asthma includes:

  • Medications
    • Steroids: This drug works to reduce inflammation in the airways. Often, patients will begin with oral medications and then transition to an inhaler.
    • Bronchodilators: This medication opens the airways and is used during asthma attacks. It is recommended that this medication be used in case of an emergency.
  • Environmental Modification. Modifying the environment is one of the most significant changes we can make to reduce exposure to triggers that can lead to flare-ups. Typical modifications include:
    • Use dust-free, unscented cat litter
    • Avoiding smoking or vaping
    • Limiting dust and pollen within the environment
    • Limiting exposure to candles, perfumes, and strongly scented cleaning products
  • Weight Management. Obesity can worsen asthma, so keeping cats a lean body weight can help reduce the severity of the disease.

  • Heartworm Prevention. Even cats can become infected with heartworm disease, which can cause additional irritation and inflammation of the lungs. To prevent further irritation of the airways, we always recommend having feline asthma patients on heartworm prevention. 

Asthma is a lifelong disease, so monitoring our cats closely and informing your veterinarian of any changes is important. However, many cats with asthma can live relatively normal lives once diagnosed and managed appropriately. Remember, you’re not alone—your veterinary team is here to provide the resources and support you need every step of the way. Have any questions or concerns? Contact us today!