Exploring Feline Asthma: A Comprehensive Guide by Emily Swiniarski, DVM, Reviewed by Catherine Barnette, DVM on 05/30/2025 and Published on 05/19/2020. Share on Facebook, Twitter, Email, or Print.

Exploring Feline Asthma: A Comprehensive Guide by Emily Swiniarski, DVM, Reviewed by Catherine Barnette, DVM on 05/30/2025 and Published on 05/19/2020. Share on Facebook, Twitter, Email, or Print.

Feline Asthma: A Lifelong Struggle for Some Cats

Hey there, pet lovers! You might think your cat's occasional cough is nothing to worry about, but it could be a sign of feline asthma. A grievous condition, feline asthma, if left untreated, can lead to life-threatening consequences.

Here's what you need to know about feline asthma, including symptoms, causes, and treatments.

Is It Possible for Cats to Have Asthma?

Absolutely! Most vets call this condition chronic allergic bronchitis in cats because it provides a more fitting description. Chronic means ongoing, and for cats, this is a lifelong condition once diagnosed as it's incurable after onset. Allergic means an overreaction of the body's immune system to certain irritants like dust or cigarette smoke, while bronchitis refers to inflammation of the small airways inside the lungs.

In a nutshell, asthma in cats is similar to the human condition. Your cat has a unique trigger, or allergen, that sets off a chain reaction in the lungs resulting in constricted airways and an increase in mucus, making it difficult for them to breathe.

Not all cats will exhibit obvious symptoms right away, and some might show intermittent ones that come and go. It's crucial for owners to keep a close eye on their cats, even when symptoms seem to fade away.

What Causes Feline Asthma?

Asthma in cats is caused by the cat's immune system overreacting to allergens, or things they breathe in that their bodies don't like. While Siamese cats are more likely to have asthma due to an occurrence of 5 percent, there's no definitive way to predict which cat will have asthma and which will not.

Commonly identified allergens that can trigger asthma in cats are:

• Dust: Even cat litter can contribute to asthma symptoms[3].
• Cigarette smoke: Second-hand smoke is a well-known asthma trigger[3].
• Mold and mildew: These are common allergens found in damp environments[3].
• Pollen: A known problem during spring and fall, pollen can set off allergic reactions in cats[2][5].
• Household sprays and cleaners: Aerosols and perfumes are potential allergens[3].
• Respiratory infections: These can worsen asthma symptoms[3].
• Food allergies: Some cats may have food sensitivities that lead to asthma-like symptoms[3].

Signs and Symptoms of Asthma in Cats

Most of the time, your cat's asthma symptoms are chronic or ongoing. They never go away, and they can be subtle or pretty obvious. About one in four cats have intermittent symptoms that come and go, making it difficult to predict when they'll return.

The most common symptom of asthma in cats is coughing[6]. Other symptoms you might find include:

• Noise (whistle, wheeze, or congestion) when breathing
• Increased rate of breathing (perhaps only occasionally after exercise)
• Decreased activity or stopping exercise sooner than usual
• Change in behavior

When cats experience an asthma attack, the symptoms become much more apparent, and they require immediate medical attention. Symptoms of a feline asthma attack include:

• Audible noises when breathing (whistle, wheeze, congestion)
• Complete lack of activity and appetite
• Dramatic increase in rate of breathing (more than one breath per second)
• Chest moves in and out dramatically with the belly too
• Open-mouth breathing ("panting")

What to Do During a Cat Asthma Attack

If you suspect your cat is having an asthma attack, take the following steps:

Step 1: If you're unsure whether your cat is having an asthma attack, call your vet. If they're closed, visiting the emergency room is advisable instead of waiting.

Step 2: Minimize your cat's stress by placing them in a carrier gently, coaxing them instead of pushing them. Cover the carrier with a light breathable covering such as a pillowcase or towel. Maintain a quiet environment while bringing them to the emergency clinic.

Step 3: Bring your cat to the nearest emergency hospital. Bring any medications they are currently on and report any symptoms that occurred before the asthma attack.

Step 4: If possible, call the emergency clinic while you're on your way to alert them that your cat is having trouble breathing. If this isn't possible, the hospital will still tend to your cat promptly.

Diagnosing Cats with Asthma

Cats with asthma are usually diagnosed based on history, a physical exam, and X-rays, although X-rays of a cat's chest can sometimes be deceiving[6]. Approximately half of cats with asthma have very mild or even no signs visible on X-rays[6]. Yet, the majority (93 percent) have some change noticeable when images are reviewed by vets.

Your vet may also perform other tests to rule out other possible causes of breathing problems in your cat, such as lungworms, which require a special feces test to look for lungworm eggs[6]. Bloodwork will likely be conducted to evaluate the health of organs like the kidneys and liver and look for signs of inflammation.

An uncommon test that your vet may perform is called bronchoalveolar lavage, where sterile saline (a non-harmful fluid) is placed into the lungs in a small amount, then sucked back out to be tested. This test is more often used when an infection is suspected or your cat is not responding well to treatment[6].

Treating Feline Asthma

Treatment for a cat asthma attack involves emergency care like oxygen and fast-acting medications to open up the airways so your cat can breathe.

When treating your cat for asthma long-term, medications to decrease inflammation in the lungs are essential even if your cat doesn't always experience symptoms[6]. Over time, the inflammation in the lungs (even if mild) can cause permanent damage, so treatment is always warranted.

Long-term Medications to Treat Cat Asthma

Your vet might recommend one or more of the following medications to manage feline asthma:

• Oral steroids: Examples include prednisolone[6].
• Inhaled steroids: These, like fluticasone propionate, are placed through an inhaler, which is connected to a system made especially for cats[6].
• Bronchodilators: Occasionally, cats that don't respond well to just steroids might also be given this medication, which directly acts on the airway to open it up. An example is terbutaline[6].
• Immunosuppressants: These, like cyclosporine, are occasionally given to cats that can't tolerate steroids[6].

Preventing Feline Asthma

While it's not possible to prevent all cases of asthma, you can decrease your cat's exposure to common allergens:

• Cleanliness: Keep your home clean to avoid dust.
• Smoking Ban: Stop smoking inside your house where your cat is exposed[3].
• Mold Remediation: Address mold issues immediately in your home.
• Routine Testing for Parasites: Issue regular testing for parasites and provide routine deworming.
• Low-Dust Cat Litter: Choose a low-dust cat litter[3].
• HEPA Filters: Use a HEPA filter in your furnace and vacuum[3].
• Floor Surfaces: Switch out carpets for hard floor surfaces where possible[3].
• Chemical Exposure: Remove your cat from parts of your home where you're using strong cleaners, and don't let them back in until the cleaning products have dried and the area has been well ventilated[3].
• Avoid Essential Oils and Scented Candles: Don't use essential oil diffusers or scented candles around your cat[3].

Discuss with your vet which cleaning solutions are safe to use around your pets, and strictly follow their recommendations regarding dilutions and exposure.

• Maintaining a healthy environment for your cat can help manage chronic diseases like asthma, incorporating workplace-wellness practices such as keeping the house clean, preventing chemical exposure, and using air filters to reduce dust and mold.
• Incorporating fitness-and-exercise and nutrition into a cat's routine can also improve overall health and potentially decrease the risk of developing respiratory conditions like asthma.
• Skin-care is equally important as mental-health in pets, ensuring they aren't exposed to harmful allergens like those found in scented candles, essential oils, and household sprays that may trigger asthma episodes.
• In addition to environmental controls, therapies-and-treatments like oral steroids, inhaled steroids, bronchodilators, and immunosuppressants may be recommended by vets to manage feline asthma symptoms and prevent long-term damage.
• CBD, a popular natural remedy for humans managing various conditions, may also have potential benefits for cats with asthma and chronic allergic bronchitis, with some studies suggesting it could help reduce inflammation, improve airway smooth muscle relaxation, and decrease mucus production.
• Ensuring your cat receives regular health-and-wellness check-ups, especially during allergy seasons, can help diagnose and treat feline asthma early, giving your furry friend the best chance at leading a happy and comfortable life.

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