Feline Asthma
Feline asthma (also called feline allergic bronchitis) is one of the most common chronic respiratory conditions in cats. It is caused by an inappropriate immune response to inhaled allergens, which leads to airway inflammation, bronchoconstriction (closing up of the small airways), and difficulty breathing. Recognizing signs early and working with your veterinarian can help your cat live comfortably with this condition.
What is Feline Asthma?
Feline asthma is an inflammatory disorder of the lower airways triggered by allergens such as dust, cigarette smoke, mold, pollens, cat litter dust, and household chemicals. When a cat inhales an allergen, the immune system overreacts, releasing inflammatory mediators that cause airway swelling, mucus production, and bronchospasm. This results in narrowed airways and labored breathing.
While asthma cannot be cured, many cats respond very well to ongoing management.
Who is Most Affected?
Estimated prevalence: 1–5% of cats.
Most cats are young to middle-aged (average 5–6 years old).
Siamese and other Oriental breeds may be overrepresented.
No clear sex predisposition has been reported.
Signs of Feline Asthma
Asthma can look like a hairball cough, so it’s often missed early on. Common signs include:
Recurrent coughing or gagging
Wheezing or whistling sounds when breathing
Increased breathing rate or effort
Open-mouth breathing or gasping (emergency sign)
Lethargy and exercise intolerance
In severe cases, collapse or cyanosis (blue gums/tongue)
Tip: If your cat is open-mouth breathing or struggling for air, this is a medical emergency. Seek veterinary care immediately.
How is it Diagnosed?
Your veterinarian may recommend:
Physical exam: Listening for wheezes, coughs, or abnormal lung sounds.
Radiographs (X-rays): Common findings include bronchial patterns (“doughnuts” or “tram lines”), hyperinflated lungs, flattened diaphragm, and sometimes airway collapse or mucus plugs. Some asthmatic cats may have normal X-rays.
Bloodwork: Eosinophilia (high eosinophil count) may be present in up to 40% of cats.
Airway sampling (BAL/ETW): May reveal eosinophilic inflammation and help rule out infection.
Other tests: Fecal exam for parasites, heartworm testing, and occasionally allergy testing, may be recommended.
Treatment Options
Management is aimed at reducing inflammation, opening the airways, and limiting exposure to triggers.
Emergency Therapy:
Oxygen therapy (mask, oxygen cage, or nasal catheter)
Injectable or IV corticosteroids (e.g., dexamethasone)
Bronchodilators such as terbutaline injections or albuterol via inhaler
Long-Term Therapy:
Corticosteroids: Mainstay of treatment. Options include oral prednisolone, inhaled fluticasone (Flovent®), or long-acting injections if oral/inhaled therapy isn’t possible.
Bronchodilators: Inhaled albuterol or oral terbutaline/theophylline may be used as needed, but not usually as sole therapy.
Other options: In select cases, cyclosporine or allergen-specific immunotherapy may be considered.
Important: Inhaled steroids are often preferred for maintenance because they act locally and have fewer systemic side effects.
What You Can Do at Home
Minimize allergens: Avoid cigarette smoke, scented sprays, strong cleaners, dusty cat litter, and wood stoves. Consider HEPA air filtration.
Monitor closely: Track your cat’s breathing rate and any coughing or wheezing episodes.
Medication compliance: Give medications exactly as prescribed, even if your cat seems better.
Stress reduction: Keep handling gentle during flare-ups, as stress can worsen symptoms.
Follow-Up Care
Cats with asthma require lifelong management. Your veterinarian may recommend:
Regular rechecks and chest X-rays
Adjustments to medications based on clinical signs
Periodic bloodwork if on long-term oral medications
Prognosis
With proper management, many asthmatic cats live long, healthy lives. However, asthma can progress to life-threatening respiratory distress at any time, so vigilance is key.
Final Thought: A persistent cough is never normal in cats. If your cat is coughing, wheezing, or struggling to breathe, contact your veterinarian. With early diagnosis and ongoing care, cats with asthma can continue to thrive and enjoy life for many years.
Gal Chivvis, DVM
