How to Help an Asthmatic Cat Breathe Easy

If you’d told me five years ago I’d be administering an asthma inhaler to a cat every morning before even having a cup of coffee, I would have told you that you’re crazy. But here I am, gently holding a mask up to the snout of my 19-year-old tabby cat, Kip, as I count the breaths he takes from his inhaler. 

The first few times I heard Kip coughing, I thought he must be trying to dislodge a hairball. But when he did it a few days in a row with no hairball in sight, I knew he need to be checked out by a veterinarian. While it was scary at first to receive the diagnosis of asthma, which is incurable, at almost 20 years of age he’s a testament to how cats with well-managed asthma can go on to lead normal lives.

What is feline asthma? 

Feline asthma is thought to affect one to five percent of cats in the United States, making it the most commonly diagnosed feline respiratory illness. While cats of all ages can suffer from asthma, a majority of cases develop in those two to eight years of age. 

As with humans, asthma in cats is a condition characterized by inflammation of the lungs (specifically the bronchi), airway spasms, and excess mucus production, making it harder to get oxygen from each breath. This can result in an asthma attack, which is often characterized by coughing, open mouth breathing, wheezing, and rapid or labored breathing. 

Dr. Annette Louviere, a licensed veterinarian specializing in cats and an active member of the American Association of Feline Practitioners, clarifies that, “Not all cats present with an active cough, which is why it’s important to discuss any concerns with your veterinarian. Catching feline asthma early and implementing appropriate management will help reduce permanent secondary effects which can occur — like tissue scarring and emphysema.”

A cat who suffers from an asthma attack may appear to be perfectly healthy in every other way. Your cat could be playing with their favorite catnip toy or relaxing in a sun puddle when a sudden onset of symptoms occurs, putting them in respiratory distress. 

What causes feline asthma?

While it is believed that genetics play a role in determining which cats are more susceptible to developing asthma, allergens and stress can trigger and worsen attacks. Common allergens include smoke (tobacco, fireplace, cigarette), mold, pollen from trees and flowers, dust mites, cleaning solutions, dusty kitty litter, aerosol sprays, and grass. You may be surprised to learn that even indoor cats can suffer from seasonal allergies like we do.

Stress is another factor to consider. “I’ve seen cats whose owners have never seen them experience difficulty breathing at home display symptoms at the vet’s office from stress,” says Dr. Hyla Gayer, co-Medical Director at West Chelsea Vet in New York City. Stressors can be something as small as a vacuum cleaner or a large life event like moving into a new home. 

How can I tell if my cat suffers from asthma? 

Labored, rapid, and open-mouth breathing, coughing, and wheezing can be signs of asthma in your cat. You may notice your cat crouching low to the ground and coughing with their neck outstretched,” says Dr. Gayer. If you notice your cat doing this multiple times a week without any signs of a hairball, your cat may be suffering from asthma. 

“When diagnosing feline asthma, it’s important to rule out other conditions which can cause similar clinical signs. Performing blood tests, urinalysis, and fecal testing can help rule out other potential causes,” explains Dr. Annette Louviere. “Taking radiographs (X-rays) can be useful as some cases will show a pattern within the cat’s lungs that is characteristic of accumulating inflammatory cells or overinflation due to constricted airways.”

If the results from those tests are inconclusive, your cat may need undergo anesthesia. “The way to definitively diagnose asthma is to do a transtracheal wash,” explains Dr. Gayer, “We intubate them and flush sterile saline into the breathing tube and such it back up in order to collect cells to send to cytology.” In order to help your vet best assist your cat’s needs, be sure to alert them to any recent changes in your cat’s environment. If you can, bring a video of your cat during an attack, to help your veterinarian in their diagnosis. 

What are the treatment options? 

Feline asthma does not currently have a cure, but can be managed with medication and environmental changes. Corticosteroids (reduce inflammation) and Bronchodilators (widen airways) are medicines used to treat asthma in humans and cats alike. Corticosteroids in inhaler form are often preferred as a first line of defense, as they are not systemic and therefore have fewer side effects. But some cats — as is the case with 19-year-old Kip — may require a combination of oral and aerosol medications. Bronchodilators are more commonly used as a “rescue” medicine to open up the airways quickly during a severe attack.

“Immunotherapy for allergies, sometimes called allergy shots, is being used in some feline asthma cases to help reduce the body’s response to allergens,” says Dr. Annette Louviere. However, it isn’t advised to administer these therapies at home without supervision. “This is typically performed under the direction of a veterinary dermatologist, following intradermal skin testing.”

To keep your cat’s asthma attacks at bay, reduce allergens in your home. Keep your cat away from smoke and avoid spraying perfumes and other products (home freshener, hairspray). Replace their litter with a low or no-dust litter and speak with your vet about potential food allergies. Air purifiers are also recommended as a way to reduce allergens. If pollen is a trigger for your cat, keep the windows closed and turn on the air conditioner during allergy season. 

With proper treatment and preventative measures, a cat with asthma can expect to lead a full and active life — take it from Kip.