Feline asthma is a chronic respiratory condition that affects a significant number of cats worldwide and is the most commonly diagnosed respiratory disorder in felines. Our Peak Pet Urgent Care team often sees cats affected by feline asthma, and we offer information to help you recognize the condition and explain how the disease is managed.
Feline asthma basics
Feline asthma is thought to be triggered by an allergic reaction to inhaled allergens. When a susceptible feline is exposed to an allergen, their immune system produces antibodies to target that antigen. When the cat is exposed to the allergen the next time, the antibodies recognize the antigen, triggering an inflammatory reaction that results in airway irritation, swelling, and constriction.
The hyper-responsive immune reaction causes excess mucus to form in the airways. The airway walls swell, and in severe cases, can ulcerate. In addition, the airway muscles spasm, leading to airway constriction, which limits airflow. Potential allergen triggers include tobacco smoke, dusty kitty litter, weeds, grass, and tree pollen, mold and mildew, dust mites, aerosol sprays, air fresheners, essential oils, perfumes, and cleaning products.
Cats can develop feline asthma at any age, but most diagnosed cats are adults between the ages of 5 and 9. Some studies suggest Siamese cats and related breeds are at higher risk. Carrying excess weight and encountering stressful situations, such as moving to a new home, can exacerbate feline asthma signs.
Feline asthma signs
Recognizing feline asthma signs is necessary for early intervention and management. Common signs include:
- Frequent coughing — Unlike your cat’s occasional hairball cough, asthma-related coughing is persistent and unproductive.
- Wheezing — High-pitched whistling sounds during breathing indicate airway obstruction.
- Difficulty breathing — Your cat may exhibit rapid breathing, breathe with their mouth open, and have noticeable abdominal movement during breathing.
- Extended neck — Affected cats often extend their neck to try to breathe easier.
- Reduced activity — Asthmatic cats may be less active and playful.
- Cyanosis — Cyanosis (i.e., a bluish tint to the gums and tongue) indicates severe oxygen deprivation and requires immediate veterinary attention.
Feline asthma diagnosis
Diagnosing feline asthma may include:
- Physical examination — Our team will perform a thorough physical examination, including listening to your cat’s chest with a stethoscope.
- Blood work — We may perform blood work to rule out other conditions and check for infection.
- X-rays — X-rays can reveal characteristic changes in the lungs, such as bronchial wall thickening.
- Bronchoscopy — In some cases, bronchoscopy may be recommended to allow visual examination and sampling of fluid in the airway.
Once feline asthma has been diagnosed, allergy testing can be done to help identify the triggering allergen.
Feline asthma management
Feline asthma is incurable but typically can be managed. Treatment approaches may include:
- Medications — Medications, such as corticosteroids and bronchodilators, can help reduce airway inflammation and open up airways to improve breathing. These medications can be administered orally in tablet form, by injection, or, ideally, through an inhaler.
- Environmental management — Using air purifiers, regularly cleaning and vacuuming your home, and avoiding smoking in the house can help minimize your cat’s allergen exposure. You can also use a humidifier to help keep your cat’s airways moist and reduce irritation.
- Allergy shots — In some cases, allergy shots can help desensitize your cat to the triggering allergen.
- Weight management — Keeping your feline friend at a healthy weight can help reduce respiratory strain.
- Stress reduction — Providing a stable, stress-free environment can help minimize your cat’s asthma attacks.
Feline asthma prognosis
While feline asthma isn’t curable, careful monitoring of their breathing and intervening with medication when they have flare-ups can help asthmatic cats live many years. Treatment must be continued even for cats whose signs seem to resolve because stopping the therapy may trigger a severe asthmatic attack. During a flare-up, prompt treatment is necessary to prevent permanent lung tissue damage that will make the condition harder to treat.
If your feline friend has difficulty breathing, contact our Peak Pet Urgent Care team so we can diagnose the cause and provide the appropriate treatment.
Leave A Comment