Just like humans, cats can get asthma too. It occurs when the smooth muscle in the airways contracts, which leads to an increased production of mucus and inflammation in the airways.
You might find it also referred to as feline chronic small airway disease, feline bronchitis or allergic airway disease.
Although feline asthma isn’t curable, cats with the condition normally lead happy and active lives.
The exact cause isn’t completely understood and it can affect cats of all types and ages, although Siamese cats can be more commonly affected.
In some cases, your cat may develop asthma as an allergic response to an irritant such as pollen, dust, cigarette smoke or household sprays, while in other cats no allergic cause can be found.
Signs of feline asthma can be mild and ongoing and may not be noticed by owners for some time as they often come and go.
Signs of feline asthma can vary but can include:
If you suspect your cat has asthma, book an appointment to see your vet. Other conditions, such as bacterial infections, lungworm or heart disease can have similar symptoms and should be ruled out by your vet.
As part of the examination, your vet might need to sedate or anaesthetise your cat. This will enable them to take x-rays to look for changes in your cat’s airways.
Not all cats show changes in their airways and your vet may suggest passing a tiny camera, called a bronchoscope, down your cat’s windpipe. The bronchoscope collects fluid samples from the airways and allows your vet to examine the fluid under a microscope. This can provide useful information on whether your cat is carrying an infection or whether they are suffering from feline asthma.
There is no cure for asthma in cats but there are steps you can take to reduce the likelihood of your cat suffering an attack. Avoid smoking around your cat or using perfumes, air fresheners or any aerosol products as they can worsen the condition.
Obesity can also increase the severity of the condition so it is important to keep an eye on your cat’s diet to ensure they remain a healthy weight.
Cat asthma attack symptoms include:
Treatment for feline asthma can be expensive because it is a lifelong condition and your cat will need regular check-ups. However, there is often more than one treatment option, so if one doesn’t work for you and your cat, your vet may be able to offer another.
Many pet insurance companies do not cover pre-existing conditions like asthma in cats. However, it is well worth speaking to your chosen pet insurance company to check. If you’re not eligible for pet insurance, your local vet may have a plan or scheme that can help you to save money.
There are two main types of treatment:
· anti-inflammatory drugs such as corticosteroids which reduce the inflammation which leads to symptoms
· bronchodilator medication which helps to widen your cat’s air passage when needed. Antihistamine drugs can also be used when a cat hasn’t responded to other treatments
Giving your cat your inhaler is not advised and may cause issues for your cat with asthma.
Inhalers used by people work differently because you can’t ask your cat to breathe deeply to trigger the release of the medication.
Your cat may be supplied with their own inhaler as a way of administering medication but medication can also be taken in the form of a tablet or injection.
If your cat needs an inhaler you’ll need to be clear on how to use it and will need guidance from your vet.
Although salt or steam inhalation can have a soothing effect and help open your cat’s airways, there is no scientific evidence to support its effectiveness in treating asthma in your cat and it may actually irritate their condition.
As with any at-home methods, it is always best to contact your vet for advice first.