Asthma in cats, also known as feline asthma, is a chronic inflammatory condition affecting a cat’s airways. Like human asthma, it narrows airways, making breathing difficult for the cat. Today, our Madison help you understand the causes, recognize the signs and symptoms, and discover the treatment options that can help manage this condition effectively.
Can cats have asthma?
Yes, cats can have asthma. It is a relatively common condition affecting about 1% to 5% of the feline population. Any cat can develop asthma, but it is more frequently observed in young to middle-aged cats and certain breeds, like Siamese cats.
Symptoms of Asthma in Cats
Often, the first signs that your cat may have an asthma attack are coughing and wheezing. You might also notice that your cat is hunched close to the ground with its neck extended forward as if trying to expel a hairball.
If your cat is experiencing a full-blown asthma attack, you can see its sides going in and out as it works hard to breathe. You may also notice that it is drooling or coughing up mucus. All of this can cause your cat to become very frightened and stressed. If your cat has difficulty breathing, contact your vet immediately or your nearest animal emergency hospital!
Other signs that your cat may be having an asthma attack include:
- Difficulty breathing or increased effort to breathe
- Open mouth breathing
- Wheezing
- Rapid breathing
- Blue lips and gums
- Frothy mucus while coughing
- Body hunched close to the ground with neck extended forward
- Persistent coughing or gagging
- Gurgling sounds from the throat
- Increased swallowing
- Overall weakness
Another sign of asthma in cats is rapid breathing during sleep. While resting or sleeping, your cat typically takes between 24 and 30 breaths per minute. If your cat takes more than 40 breaths per minute, call your vet immediately for assistance or contact your closest animal emergency hospital.
Note: If your cat is snoring or breathing loudly when resting, it doesn't necessarily mean it has an asthma attack. If you are concerned about your cat's breathing, it is always best to avoid caution and contact your vet for further advice.
Causes of Asthma Attacks in Cats
The exact cause of feline asthma is not entirely understood, but it is believed to be triggered by an allergic reaction. Common allergens that can trigger asthma attacks in cats include:
- Grass
- Dust mites
- Mold
- Pollen
- Cigarette smoke
- Household cleaning products
- Some foods
- Cat litter dust
Many underlying conditions could contribute to the severity of your cat's asthma attack, including pneumonia, obesity, parasites, a pre-existing heart condition, or a genetic predisposition.
Treatment for Asthma in Cats
If your cat is diagnosed with asthma, treatment may include corticosteroids to reduce inflammation in your cat's lungs, and possibly a bronchodilator to help dilate your cat's airways. Your vet may prescribe these in the form of an injectable, oral medication, or as an inhaler.
In some cases, the vet may prescribe a corticosteroid medication only to treat your cat's asthma; however, bronchodilators are not generally used alone since they do not treat the inflammation that causes asthma attacks.
Prognosis for Cats With Asthma
Asthma in cats is an incurable and often progressive condition. This means that cats with asthma may have periodic flare-ups ranging from mild to life-threatening.
However, the condition can be managed with extra care from pet owners, and medication. Monitoring your cat's breathing, watching for coughing, and giving medication when needed can help asthmatic cats live happy lives for many years.
Diet & Asthma in Cats
There is a lot of advice on what you should feed your cat if they have asthma. If you think a diet change could help your cat's asthma symptoms, consult your vet.
Helping your cat maintain a healthy weight while ensuring that all of their nutritional needs are met is a great way for pet parents to help their cat stay healthy. Your vet can recommend the proper diet for your pet based on your cat's medical history and overall health.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.