What It Is
Feline asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease of the lower airways, similar to asthma in humans. It causes the airways in the lungs to become inflamed and narrowed, leading to coughing, wheezing, and difficulty breathing.
While asthma can’t be cured, it can usually be managed effectively with medication and environmental changes. Most cats with asthma live full, active lives when treated properly.
🐾 Common Symptoms
Feline asthma symptoms range from mild to severe and may come and go in “flare-ups.”
- Coughing (often mistaken for hairballs)
- Wheezing
- Open-mouth breathing
- Rapid breathing
- Difficulty breathing
- Lethargy
- Blue-tinged gums (in severe attacks)
- Hunched posture while coughing or breathing
Some cats only show symptoms during an asthma attack, while others have daily or frequent signs.
🦠 Causes
Asthma is caused by an overreaction of the immune system to an inhaled allergen or irritant. This causes inflammation, mucus buildup, and narrowing of the airways.
Common triggers include:
- Dust or dusty litter
- Cigarette smoke
- Air fresheners or scented cleaning products
- Mold
- Pollen
- Household chemicals
- Cold air
- Stress or excitement
Genetics and early exposure to irritants may also play a role.
🔍 Diagnosis
Feline asthma can be tricky to diagnose because its symptoms overlap with other conditions like heart disease, bronchitis, or pneumonia.
Your vet may recommend:
- Chest X-rays (to look for airway inflammation and lung patterns)
- Physical exam and history (especially if coughing is reported)
- Blood tests (to rule out infection or other causes)
- Fecal tests (to check for lungworm)
- Bronchoscopy or airway lavage (in complex cases)
If your cat is in distress, diagnosis may begin with supportive care and stabilization before additional tests.
💊 Treatment
There’s no cure, but asthma can usually be managed with medication and environmental adjustments.
Common treatments include:
- Corticosteroids (e.g., prednisolone or inhaled fluticasone)
- Reduce airway inflammation
- Can be given as pills, injections, or inhalers (AeroKat system)
- Bronchodilators (e.g., albuterol/salbutamol)
- Help open narrowed airways during an asthma attack
- Often delivered via inhaler with a mask
- Environmental control
- Switch to low-dust litter
- Use HEPA air filters
- Eliminate aerosol sprays and scented products
- Avoid smoking near your cat
Treatment is often lifelong and tailored to your cat’s symptom severity and response to medications.
🩺 Prognosis
With proper treatment, most cats with asthma do very well. The condition is manageable, not fatal, for the majority of cats. However, severe asthma attacks can be life-threatening if not treated promptly.
Cats that respond well to medications and have their environment managed can live many healthy years after diagnosis.
💡 Cat Owner Note
If your cat’s been “coughing up hairballs” but you never actually find any hairballs, that’s a clue. Coughing is not normal in cats. It’s one of the classic signs of feline asthma. Early treatment makes a big difference, so don’t ignore the wheeze.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Feline Asthma
Is asthma in cats dangerous?
It can be. Severe asthma attacks are emergencies, but with daily medication and good environmental control, most cats live normal lives.
How do I know if it’s asthma or a hairball?
Asthma often causes dry, hacking coughs, sometimes in a hunched position. If you never see a hairball afterward, it’s worth a vet check.
Can I use a human inhaler on my cat?
Only with your vet’s instructions. Cats often use human medications like fluticasone or albuterol, but the dosing and delivery are specific. Never give them directly without guidance.
Do I need to use an inhaler or just pills?
Inhalers are preferred for long-term treatment because they reduce systemic side effects. However, pills or injections are sometimes needed too. Your vet will help you decide.
What triggers asthma attacks in cats?
Common triggers include dust, smoke, perfume, cleaning sprays, mold, and pollen. Identifying and removing triggers is a key part of treatment.
Can feline asthma go away on its own?
No. Asthma is a chronic condition that needs long-term management. Flare-ups can become more frequent or severe without treatment.