While cats are famously known to have “nine” lives, they can face challenges in one of them. One of these problems is cat asthma. While the condition is completely manageable, it’s still a concerning issue that should be given care and attention.
What Is Cat Asthma?
Cat asthma is a respiratory condition caused by chronic irritation and inflammation of the airways. This inflammation results in a narrow airway, leading to respiratory troubles.
Normally, the cat takes in oxygen and expels carbon dioxide. The air makes its way through the nose or mouth, then proceeds to the trachea until it reaches the lungs through the bronchi and bronchioles.
In a cat asthma attack, the bronchi and bronchioles become inflamed. This results in the narrowing of the airways as well as an increase in mucus production, resulting in breathing difficulties.
What are the Causes and Risk Factors of Cat Asthma?
The irritation and inflammation of the airways are generally caused by several factors. These include:
Environmental Factors
Allergens in the environment are some of the main causes of asthma in cats. These particles can irritate the lining of the airways, causing the respiratory condition.
Some of the common environmental causes of cat asthma include:
Pollen: Especially prevalent during spring and summer months.
Dust and Dust Mites: Found in carpets, furniture, and bedding.
Tobacco Smoke: The smoke from the cigarettes themselves is a common irritant.
Perfumes and Aerosols: Strong scents from sprays, cleaners, or air fresheners.
Cat Litter Dust: Non-clumping or scented litters often produce fine particles that irritate the lungs.
Cats who live in areas with poor air quality, pollution, and moldy environments will have an increased risk of asthma.
Infections
Respiratory infections, such as cat flu, can also cause asthma in cats. These pathogens can also inflame and irritate the airways. Similarly, this leads to the narrowing of the airways, making it hard for cats to breathe. These can also cause a cat asthma attack.
Genetics
Certain breeds, such as Himalayan and Siamese cats, are considered to have a higher chance of getting feline asthma due to their developmental features.
They might have inherited a more sensitive immune system or structural differences in the airways, which make them more susceptible to inflammation.
Other Factors
Other factors include age, stress, and obesity. Although cat asthma can manifest at any age, it is most commonly diagnosed in cats between the ages of 2 and 8. Additionally, stressed cats often have worse cases of asthma.
Obesity is also another risk factor for cat asthma. Obese cats tend to put more strain on their respiratory systems, which can pave the way for this condition.
Common Cat Asthma Symptoms
Cats may show the signs subtly, but it’ll be more obvious as the disease progresses. Here are the common symptoms of cat asthma:
Coughing. Coughing is one of the most common symptoms of feline asthma. Unlike the occasional gag or hack associated with hairballs, an asthma-related cough is typically dry and persistent. The cat cough may sound tough and may occur multiple times.
Wheezing. Wheezing is a high-pitched sound that happens when a cat is breathing with a problem, such as the narrowing of its airways. It can occur in mild episodes or during exposure to irritants.
Changes in Breathing. During an episode, you may notice your cat breathing faster than usual, with pronounced movement in the chest and abdomen. They might also have a hunched posture with an extended neck. Open-mouth breathing is also a concern for severe cases.
Lethargy. A cat with asthma may appear unusually tired and less active. They'll prefer to lie down and rest more often than engage in physical activity.
Reduced Appetite and Weight Loss. In some cases, asthma may lead to a loss of appetite. Breathing difficulties can cause discomfort, making it less appealing for your cat to eat. This results in significant weight loss.
How Do I Know if My Cat Has Asthma?
Monitor your cat for any of the signs. If it goes away, then it’s probably just a slight irritation. If your cat has any of the symptoms in a much more severe degree, then it’s a possible sign of asthma.
How Is a Cat Diagnosed With Asthma?
Several tests will be needed to determine if your cat has asthma and what caused it.
Veterinary Examination
A physical examination is the first step. With your input, we'll check the usual symptoms and living conditions of your cat.
We use a stethoscope to assess your cat’s lungs initially. We use a stethoscope to assess your cat’s breathing. This serves as an initial assessment of the lungs.
Diagnostic Tests
To confirm asthma and rule out other conditions, other diagnostic tests will be used:
Imaging Techniques. Tools such as X-rays and CT scans will be helpful in evaluating the cat's lungs and airways. This includes finding issues such as swelling in the airways.
Bronchoscopy. In more complex cases, a bronchoscopy may be performed. We do this by inserting a small tube with a tiny camera to inspect your cat’s airways. This will be done under anesthesia.
Tracheal or Bronchoalveolar Lavage. This process involves obtaining a sample from your cat's airways by flushing a sterile solution and then collecting the fluid for microscoping examination. If there's a significant number of eosinophils, a type of white blood cell, we can confirm asthma.
Main Options for Cat Asthma Treatment
Once we have successfully diagnosed asthma in your cat, we’ll proceed to plan the steps to manage this condition. While you can’t fully cure feline asthma, it can be managed effectively.
Medication mostly aims to help manage cat asthma, with the goal of reducing airway inflammation and easing breathing.
Corticosteroids
Corticosteroids are anti-inflammatory drugs that help reduce airway swelling, inflammation, and mucus production. They can be administered in various forms: oral, injectable, and inhaled.
Although there are three main options, inhaled forms are typically the one most vets recommend because of their minimal side effects relative to the others. Devices like a metered-dose inhaler will provide the accurate amounts your cat needs.
Bronchodilators
These medications are often used for cat asthma attacks since they can be easily administered and work effectively. They work by relaxing and opening up the airway muscles, helping with a cat’s breathing.
Inhalation Therapy and Devices
Inhalation devices are the safest and most convenient way to administer medications for cat asthma. Devices like the AeroKat Inhaler are designed specifically for cats, allowing medication to be delivered efficiently to the lungs.
Cats may require some time to adjust to using an inhaler, but most adapt well with patience and positive reinforcement.
Home Remedies for Cat Asthma
Reducing your cat’s exposure to asthma triggers is crucial for reducing the frequency and risk of asthma attacks. It’s all about creating a safe and clean space for your cat. Here are some tips you can follow:
Switch to a Low-Dust Cat Litter
Litter boxes with fine dust or strong scents can irritate your cat’s airways. To avoid this, use natural options such as wood and paper. Low-dust and unscented options are recommended.
Use Air Purifiers
Air purifiers help improve the air quality at home, reducing airborne allergens that might irritate your cat’s airways. Through this, your cat can recover smoothly and avoid any recurrent issues in the future.
Clean Your Home
Aside from using air purifiers, regular home maintenance is an important step. Make sure to regularly wash your cat’s belongings, such as its bedding, pillow, and blankets. Additionally, cleaning other areas of your home will help improve your cat’s life.
How Can I Treat My Cat’s Asthma at Home?
Aside from the home remedies for your cat’s recovery, applying regular treatments can help manage the condition. Generally, corticosteroid inhalers should be applied every 12 hours, but this can depend on your cat’s asthma.
Bronchodilator inhalers should be used as needed, such as in cat asthma attacks.
“Helping our cats breathe allows them to experience the peaceful and happy life they deserve.”
- Dr. Rokas Proscevicius
Final Thoughts
While cat asthma is concerning, the condition can be managed with the right care. With a combination of medications and proper home sanitization, you can help your cat live a happy and active lifestyle.
Frequently Asked Questions
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