The essentials
- It’s a manageable condition — While asthma in cats can range from mild to severe, treatment with care and medication can help your cat live happily.
- Signs can vary — Different cats may show different symptoms, but rapid breathing at rest or asleep can be a sign.
- There are some risk factors to consider — Cats that are overweight, have dental disease, or are of certain breeds (like Siamese cats) can be at greater risk.
Cats are quirky and have varying behavioral traits, but sometimes these traits are a signal to a more pressing issue. Coughing, wheezing, and behaviors that might look like hacking up a hairball can be signs that your cat is having trouble breathing. There can even be excess drool and mucus in such situations, which can be stressful for any pet owner. If your cat presents with any of these symptoms, they may have asthma.
Signs and symptoms of asthma in cats
Asthma is a disease of the lower airways of the lungs. The upper respiratory tract filters inhaled air before it continues down the trachea entering the lung lobes of the lower respiratory tract. It’s believed to be caused by an allergic reaction in the respiratory system to an inhaled allergen. The intensity of a cat’s asthma can vary depending on the allergen and how much was inhaled. Signs of asthma can occur alone or concurrently:
- Frothy mucus. This is a sign of inflammation and looks how it sounds—slightly bubbly and foamy. It can come from their nose or mouth.
- Difficulty breathing. Labored breathing may look and sound different depending on your cat, but it will be evident by looking at the rise and fall of their chest when breathing in and out.
- Chronic coughing. While coughing up a hairball is normal, frequent and unyielding coughing can be a sign of asthma.
- Hunched body with extended neck. If your cat assumes the position it normally takes to expel a hairball without expelling anything, they could be in respiratory distress.
- Rapid breathing. Panting after physical exertion is normal, but if your cat’s rapid breathing is happening at rest it can be an indication of a larger issue.
- Wheezing. As with humans, wheezing can be a sign that breathing is difficult.
- Lethargy. Lethargy can be caused by a low oxygen supply in the blood which could be the result of restricted air flow.
- Blue lips and gums. As with lethargy, low blood circulation from a lack of proper respiration can cause discoloration in your cat’s mouth.
- Vomiting. While vomiting can be a sign of many different health conditions, it is also a response of the body during an asthma attack due to things like excessive production of mucus, coughing, wheezing, and vomiting.
- Weakness. If your cat suddenly collapses or begins to walk with difficulty, seek vet care immediately. It could be a sign of an asthma attack or another serious condition.
Causes of feline asthma
Asthma in cats may be caused by increased stress, such as from a move or new family member, but the exact cause of feline asthma is unknown. Many agree it can be attributed to an allergic reaction caused by allergens that they inhale either by nose or mouth. These particles—which can be anything from pollen to dust mites—trigger their immune system’s reaction causing an asthma attack as the body tries to expel the allergen.
Some allergens to be mindful of are things like dust mites, mold, cat litter dust, and pollen. Innocuous things like air fresheners, hairspray, laundry detergent, and essential oils can even trigger a reaction.
Cats that have other conditions like obesity, diabetes, parasites, or a heart condition should be monitored closely as their asthma attacks could be more severe than an otherwise healthy cat.
Diagnosing feline asthma
There are several ways to clinically determine if your cat has asthma though no singular, specific test exists. Using the information they’ve gathered on your cat’s health history, behavior, and cytology — their airway secretions — a veterinarian will order a set of images to evaluate the condition of their throat and chest including:
- X-rays. Lung x-rays can help eliminate other cardiovascular issues like lungworm or heartworm.
- Bronchoscopy. A bronchoscopy uses a small, flexible camera to evaluate your cat’s airways to visualize the airways and collect samples. Cats with asthma will usually have a visible difference in their airway lining.
- CT scan. Like with x-rays, a CT scan can help vets determine if the cat has asthma or another airway disease.
Treatment and prognosis of asthma in cats
The treatment of feline asthma can include medication and a combination of management of other factors:
- Corticosteroids. Corticosteroids help aid in the reduction of inflammation.
- Bronchodilators. Bronchodilators relax the muscles of the airway and open the airway tubes to allow easier movement of air with easier breathing.
These medications come in oral, injectable, and inhalable (inhaler) forms. There are also lifestyle changes to make, like:
- Avoiding triggers. It’s important to also identify what triggers in your house are setting your cat off and remove them as best you can.
- Diet changes. It may also be worthwhile to look into hypoallergenic diets as nutrition can contribute to the potential for flare-ups.
- Weight loss. If your cat is overweight or obese, weight loss can help lower the inflammation in their body.
Even with proper treatment, cats can never be “healed” of asthma as it is a chronic and progressive condition. With careful monitoring and regular check-ups, a cat with asthma can lead a happy and fulfilling life.
Frequently asked questions
How often do cats have asthma attacks?
The frequency of an attack is dependent on the severity of the cat’s asthma and the amount of an allergen they’re exposed to. Some cats may get an attack rarely while others experience it more often on a daily or weekly basis.
What is the life expectancy of cats with asthma?
With their asthma managed, cats can have a normal lifespan.
Can indoor cats get asthma?
Yes! Even household items can trigger asthma like perfume, cigarette smoke, laundry detergent, and even a cat’s own litter dust.
What happens if cat asthma goes untreated?
As with humans, untreated asthma can in some cases cause death. It’s important not to delay treatment or a visit to the vet if you think your cat has asthma or is experiencing an attack.
What does a cat with asthma sound like?
Wheezing, whistling, coughing, rapid breathing, or rattling can be signs that your cat is having an asthma attack.
